New Delhi, 02 April (H.S.):

The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) has called for a boycott of work on the first and third Saturday of every month, urging lawyers not to appear in court on these days as a mark of protest. The Bar expressed its dissatisfaction with the High Court’s decision to treat Saturdays as regular working days, asserting that the move has disrupted lawyers’ professional schedules and work‑life balance.

In a notice dated April 2, the DHCBA’s Executive Committee unanimously resolved to abstain from work on the first and third Saturdays, starting from April 4. The notice stated that the Bar has repeatedly submitted representations to the High Court administration, requesting a reconsideration of the notification dated January 15, 2026, which made the first and third Saturdays court‑sitting days, but the Court has not revisited the decision.

The DHCBA said practical difficulties have multiplied for advocates, who now struggle to manage hearings before tribunals, arbitration and mediation forums, and district‑level courts in Delhi, apart from their own case preparation and client meetings.

The Bar body added that the mandatory Saturday sittings have eroded the time available for professional development and family commitments, collectively undermining lawyers’ professional efficiency.

The Delhi High Court had earlier announced, through a January 15 notification, that the first and third Saturday of each month would henceforth be treated as regular working days, aiming to reduce pendency and expedite case disposal.

Prior to this, Saturday sittings were held only in exceptional or urgent matters, with the High Court otherwise remaining closed on weekends. The DHCBA’s calls for a work‑abstention are now being seen as the Bar’s formal escalation of its long‑standing objections to the weekend‑hearing policy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar