SC Issues Fresh Directions Restricting Adjournment Circulation
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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Regular Matters: BEFORE: Adjournments could be sought via letters or the Registry. NOW: Adjournment letters are completely barred; any request for time must be made personally to the Bench in open court.
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Fresh and After-Notice Matters: BEFORE: Letters were circulated relatively freely. NOW: Permitted only once. Requests must be served to the opposing side with proof of service submitted to the Court by 11:00 AM the previous working day.
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Objection Rights & Disclosures: BEFORE: Unilateral adjournment requests often succeeded. NOW: The opposing side can formally object via email by 12:00 Noon. The adjourning party must disclose specific reasons (e.g., medical emergency) and the exact number of past adjournments.
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Consecutive Adjournments: BEFORE: Multiple deferments could occur without judicial scrutiny. NOW: Two consecutive adjournments, regardless of which party requests them, are strictly prohibited without the case being officially listed before the Court.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Supreme Court's March 2026 circular on adjournment procedures? 1. It completely bars the circulation of adjournment letters in regular matters. 2. In fresh matters, an adjournment letter can be circulated multiple times without restriction if the opposing party does not object.