The Delhi High Court has decided to withdraw its earlier decision that had declared the first and third Saturdays of every month as regular court sitting days. The matter will now undergo a fresh review by a committee constituted under the directions of the Chief Justice.
According to a notification issued by the High Court, the Full Court, during its meeting held on July 9, resolved to defer its previous decision taken on December 22, 2025. That earlier resolution had been notified on January 15, 2026, making the first and third Saturdays official working days for the Court.
The latest notification further states that the Chief Justice will constitute a committee to examine all relevant aspects of the issue before any final decision is taken regarding Saturday sittings.
The original move to introduce court proceedings on the first and third Saturdays was intended to enhance judicial efficiency and contribute towards reducing the growing pendency of cases. The Delhi High Court had become the first High Court in the country to formally introduce two working Saturdays every month as part of its regular court calendar.
However, the decision drew strong objections from the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA). The Bar Association maintained that lawyers were not consulted before the policy was introduced and expressed concerns that mandatory Saturday sittings would adversely affect the work-life balance and overall efficiency of advocates. It also argued that increasing court sitting days alone would not effectively address case pendency and urged the High Court to reconsider the decision.
Taking these developments into account, the Full Court has now deferred the implementation of the working Saturday policy pending a comprehensive review. The committee constituted by the Chief Justice is expected to examine all relevant issues before making its recommendations, following which the High Court will take a final call on whether the first and third Saturdays should continue as court sitting days.
