The Supreme Court of India has made arrangements to hear matters of pressing importance during the holiday season. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant announced that one or two benches of the apex court may convene on December 22, 2025, specifically to address urgent cases.
Court's Directive on Listing Urgent Matters
The decision came from a bench led by CJI Surya Kant himself, which also included Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi. This bench was overseeing the listing of urgent matters when the announcement was made. The court has entrusted the Supreme Court registry with the critical task of verifying the claimed urgency of each case. Only those matters that pass this scrutiny will be listed for hearing on the specified date.
Procedure for Case Listing
The process ensures that the court's limited resources during the vacation period are allocated appropriately. Lawyers and petitioners seeking an urgent hearing must have their applications vetted by the registry. This step is crucial to prevent the misuse of the urgent listing facility and to ensure that only genuine emergencies are brought before the judges. The bench comprising CJI Kant, Justice Bagchi, and Justice Pancholi emphasized this procedural filter during their hearing.
Ensuring Access to Justice
This move underscores the Supreme Court's commitment to ensuring that access to justice is not completely halted during court breaks. By making provisions for urgent hearings, the judiciary balances the need for a recess with its constitutional duty to provide remedies in critical situations. The announcement, made on December 19, 2025, provides clarity to the legal fraternity and litigants about the available recourse for pressing legal issues during the year-end period.
The decision highlights the proactive approach of the current leadership under CJI Surya Kant in managing the court's calendar and addressing administrative challenges to serve the cause of justice effectively.
