The Kerala High Court Advocates Association (KHCAA) has once again opposed proposals to hold court sittings on two Saturdays every month and to conduct virtual-only hearings every Monday and Friday. The position was reiterated at a General Body meeting amid ongoing discussions on measures aimed at reducing long-pending cases, placing the views of the State's legal fraternity at the centre of the debate on court administration and case management.
The issue resurfaced after the Kerala High Court administration sought the Association's views on two separate proposals. One concerned a suggestion attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant for regular sittings on two Saturdays each month to address cases pending for more than two decades. The other related to a proposal for virtual hearings on Mondays and Fridays as part of broader administrative measures under consideration.
After deliberations, the members unanimously reiterated their earlier opposition to Saturday sittings, maintaining that such a move would place an additional burden on advocates, especially those travelling from districts outside Ernakulam. The Association instead reiterated its earlier suggestion of extending court working hours on regular working days by thirty minutes. Members also opposed the proposal for virtual hearings twice a week, stating that the existing hybrid system already allows sufficient flexibility for lawyers to appear online when required.
Members pointed out that a workable balance between physical and virtual hearings had evolved after the pandemic and expressed the view that altering the current arrangement was unnecessary. The Association also noted that many advocates regularly attend their offices near the High Court for client consultations and professional work.
Consequently, the General Body unanimously resolved to continue its opposition to both regular Saturday sittings and mandatory virtual hearings on Mondays and Fridays.
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