Delhi High Court Bar Association To Abstain From Work On Working Saturdays, Urges Reconsideration Of Mandate

The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) has unanimously resolved to abstain from work on the first and third Saturdays which have been announced as court sitting days, commencing this week.

In a resolution passed today, the lawyers' body has said that its Executive Committee has unanimously taken the decision after duly noting that though multiple representations were made to the High Court for reconsideration of the mandate but, no reconsideration took place.

DHCBA has said that the Executive Committee also considered the representations received from the members of the Bar highlighting the serious practical difficulties arising from Saturday sittings.

As per the resolution, member lawyers had expressed that the present arrangement would cause significant disruption to their professional schedules, including appearances before various tribunals, arbitrations, mediation and courts outside Delhi.

The Committee, as per the resolution, also took note of the adverse impact on preparation time, client meetings and overall professional efficiency.

“As such, all members of the Delhi High Court Bar Association are requested to co-operate and abstain from work on the 1 and 3rd Saturdays of every month, starting from 04.04.2026. Further, it is informed that proxy counsels shall be designated for each court, on these days,” the resolution states.

The Executive Committee has also reiterated its request for reconsideration of the mandatory decision.

The decision was announced by the High Court administration on January 15. The decision has been taken by the Full Court in its meeting held on December 22, 2025.

Last year, it was decided that every Bench of the Delhi High Court will observe one working Saturday every month in 2025.

Days later, Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) expressed concern over the decision, saying that while it holds the highest regard for the decisions of the Full Court and fully supports all its initiatives, the Bar was neither consulted nor informed before such a decision was taken.