Delhi High Court Bar Association Declares Work Abstention on Selected Saturdays
Synopsis
The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) has announced a work abstention on the first and third Saturdays of each month in response to a decision mandating court sessions on these days. This move aims to address significant challenges faced by legal professionals.
Key Takeaways
The DHCBA will abstain from work on the first and third Saturdays of each month.
This decision is a protest against mandated court sessions on these days.
It aims to address serious concerns regarding operational efficiency for legal professionals.
The abstention will start on April 4, 2026.
Proxy counsels will be appointed for court representation during this period.
New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) has decided to abstain from work on the first and third Saturdays of each month in protest against the ruling that requires court sessions on these specific days.
In a notice released on Thursday, the DHCBA stated that its Executive Committee reached this unanimous decision during a meeting on March 27, highlighting that these Saturdays have been designated as working days for the Delhi High Court.
This decision will take effect starting April 4.
The Bar Association emphasized that multiple appeals had been submitted to the Delhi High Court requesting a revision of the notification issued on January 15, 2026, but no amendments were made.
“The Executive Committee came to this conclusion after acknowledging that despite several requests made to the Hon’ble High Court for a reassessment of the decision, no changes have occurred,” read the notice from DHCBA President N. Hariharan and Honorary Secretary Vikram Singh Panwar.
Moreover, it was noted that numerous Bar members have reported “serious practical difficulties” due to Saturday court sittings, including conflicts with tribunal appearances, arbitration sessions, mediation meetings, and engagements in courts outside Delhi.
The notice further indicated that the new schedule negatively affects preparation time, client meetings, and overall efficiency for advocates.
“Therefore, all members of the Delhi High Court Bar Association are encouraged to cooperate and refrain from work on the first and third Saturdays of each month, starting from April 4, 2026,” the notice stated, mentioning that proxy counsels would be appointed for each court on those days.
Reiterating its demand, the Bar Association called on the Delhi High Court to reconsider the decision requiring Saturday operations, expressing hope that the concerns raised by the legal community would be taken into account.
Point of View
The DHCBA's decision to abstain from work reflects serious concerns within the legal community regarding operational efficiency and the practical challenges posed by mandatory Saturday court sittings. As advocates seek a balanced approach to their professional commitments, it is essential for the judiciary to consider these concerns seriously.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the DHCBA abstaining from work on Saturdays?
The DHCBA is abstaining from work on the first and third Saturdays to protest the court's decision mandating sessions on those days, which they believe creates significant challenges for legal practitioners.
When will this abstention from work begin?
The abstention from work will start on April 4, 2026.
What issues have been raised by Bar members regarding Saturday court sittings?
Bar members have cited practical difficulties such as conflicts with tribunals, arbitration, mediation proceedings, and overall impacts on preparation and efficiency.
Has the Delhi High Court responded to the DHCBA's concerns?
Despite multiple representations from the DHCBA, the Delhi High Court has not made any changes to the notification mandating Saturday sittings.
What steps will the DHCBA take during the abstention?
Proxy counsels will be designated for each court on the abstention days to ensure continued legal representation.
