SC Guidelines: No More Routine Adjournments in Court

The Supreme Court has introduced a stricter regime governing adjournment requests, making it clear that routine delays will no longer be tolerated. Through a fresh circular issued under the directions of the Chief Justice of India, the Court has overhauled the process, aiming to curb procedural misuse and ensure faster disposal of cases.

Replacing earlier guidelines, the new framework standardises how adjournments can be sought in both fresh and after-notice matters. Parties must now serve advance notice of their request to the opposing side and submit proof of such service within a fixed timeline. The opposing party has also been given a formal right to object, ensuring that adjournment pleas are not granted unilaterally.

The move addresses a long-standing concern over frequent and often casual adjournments that slow down proceedings and impact judicial efficiency.

The Court has emphasised that adjournments will be granted only in rare and justified situations, requiring full disclosure of reasons and prior adjournments taken. It categorically stated that such relief would be considered only in “exceptional circumstances”, such as medical emergencies or bereavement.

To prevent abuse, the circular limits adjournments in fresh matters to a single request and bars consecutive adjournments without judicial scrutiny, while also prohibiting adjournment letters altogether in regular listed cases. The operative direction mandates strict compliance with the prescribed format and timelines for all such requests.