Supreme Court to Draft Procedure for Urgent Petitions Post-Working Hours

The Supreme Court of India is poised to establish a dedicated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to facilitate the hearing of extremely urgent petitions even after the customary working hours. This significant move is aimed at addressing critical matters, particularly those concerning the fundamental rights of life and personal liberty, ensuring immediate judicial intervention when required.

The decision follows deliberations within the apex court, prompted by a plea from a legal professional advocating for a mechanism to access justice without delay in exigent circumstances. The court acknowledged the imperative need for a system that can respond swiftly to constitutional infringements that demand immediate attention, rather than waiting for the next working day.

Under the proposed framework, the scope of these post-hours hearings will be strictly limited to cases that directly impinge upon the 'life and liberty' of individuals. This stringent criterion underscores the extraordinary nature of the provision, ensuring it is reserved for situations where delayed judicial review could lead to irreparable harm or a grave miscarriage of justice.

This initiative reflects the judiciary's commitment to upholding the constitutional guarantees afforded to every citizen. By providing a pathway for urgent redressal, the Supreme Court aims to reinforce public trust in the judicial system and ensure that no individual is deprived of their fundamental rights due to procedural delays, especially in time-sensitive situations.

While the specifics of the SOP are yet to be finalised, its introduction is anticipated to be a landmark step in enhancing access to justice for Indian citizens, particularly in unforeseen emergencies where immediate legal recourse is paramount.