The Supreme Court on Wednesday introduced stricter rules for seeking adjournments, signalling a push to reduce delays in hearings. The court made it clear that adjournments will now be granted only in limited situations and under clearly defined conditions, as reported by News18.
Clear procedure for adjournment requests
As per the circular, requests for adjournments can be submitted by Advocates-on-Record or by parties appearing in person. However, the process now comes with tighter timelines.
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A copy of the request must be shared with the other side or caveator in advance. Proof of this service must be submitted before 11 am on the previous working day. This step ensures that all parties are informed and have enough time to respond.
Right to object
The court has also given the opposing party the right to challenge such requests. Objections can be sent via email before noon on the previous working day and will be placed before the Court for consideration.
Additionally, every adjournment plea must clearly state the reason behind the request and mention how many adjournments have already been taken in the case.
The court emphasised that adjournments will be allowed only in exceptional circumstances. These include bereavement in the family, medical or health issues of the advocate or party-in-person, or any other genuine reason that satisfies the Court.
Limits on repeated requests
The circular sets firm limits on how often adjournments can be sought. In fresh cases, such requests can be circulated only once. It also states that two consecutive adjournments will not be permitted unless the matter is listed before the Court.
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Format and restrictions
All adjournment requests must follow the prescribed format outlined in Annexure ‘A’ and be submitted via email. Importantly, the court has ruled that no letters seeking adjournment will be accepted in regular matters listed before it.
The move comes as the Supreme Court continues to deal with a heavy caseload. As of March 2026, a total of 92,882 cases are pending, according to the National Judicial Data Grid. This includes 73,209 civil cases and 19,673 criminal cases.
