Allahabad High Court Seeks Bar Views On Declaring 12 Non-Working Saturdays As HC Working Days.

In a noteworthy move aimed at addressing the growing backlog of cases, the Allahabad High Court has invited suggestions from the legal fraternity on a proposal to convert 12 non-working Saturdays into working court days.

This initiative is being considered as a step toward increasing the court’s efficiency and reducing pendency, which continues to challenge the functioning of India’s judiciary. By utilizing a few additional Saturdays each year, the High Court hopes to create more opportunities for case hearings without drastically disrupting the annual calendar.

the Proposal

As of now, Saturdays are non-working days in the Allahabad High Court. However, under this proposal, 12 Saturdays in a calendar year would be declared as full working days—meaning judges, lawyers, and court staff would attend court as on a regular weekday.

The idea is not new in judicial circles, but its implementation depends heavily on the cooperation and agreement of the Bar. Recognizing this, the court has officially reached out to Bar Associations and members of the legal community, asking for their feedback before moving ahead.

Why This Matters

The move is being seen as a practical response to a long-standing issue. Like many High Courts across the country, Allahabad faces an enormous number of pending cases. Adding a dozen more working days could potentially result in thousands of additional hearings, providing much-needed relief to litigants who often wait years for resolution.

However, the proposal has sparked mixed reactions. While many see it as a proactive measure, some lawyers have expressed concerns about the impact on work-life balance and the added burden on already stretched court staff. Some have also pointed out that better case management and judicial appointments could be more effective long-term solutions.

A Collaborative Approach

The High Court’s decision to consult with the Bar first reflects a collaborative and democratic approach. It sends a message that changes to court schedules and functioning will not be made unilaterally, but with due regard to the views of those who make up the court ecosystem.

What Happens Next?

The Bar has been given time to share its views and any objections. Based on the feedback, the High Court will decide whether to go ahead with the plan and, if so, which Saturdays would be designated as working days.

This development is being closely watched, not only by lawyers and litigants in Uttar Pradesh but also by other High Courts that may consider similar measures in the futures .