Supreme Court Notifies New Procedure For Adjournment Letters

The Supreme Court has issued a fresh circular laying down a detailed and stricter procedure for seeking adjournments in cases, emphasising that such requests will be entertained only in exceptional circumstances and subject to structured safeguards.

The circular, dated March 18, 2026, issued under the directions of the Chief Justice of India, supersedes two earlier circulars issued in November and December 2025.

Under the revised framework, advocates-on-record and parties appearing in person are permitted to circulate adjournment letters in both fresh and after-notice matters. However, the process has been formalised with mandatory pre-service requirements. A copy of the adjournment request must be served in advance on the opposing side or caveator, and the request must be submitted with proof of such service before 11:00 a.m. on the previous working day.

The opposing side has been granted the right to object to the adjournment request by submitting a response via email before 12:00 noon. Any such objection will also be placed before the Court for consideration.

The Court has mandated that every adjournment request must clearly specify the reasons for seeking adjournment, along with the number of adjournments previously sought in the matter. Significantly, the circular underscores that adjournments will be granted only in “exceptional circumstances”, such as bereavement in the family, medical or health conditions of the advocate or party, or any other genuine reason that satisfies the Court.

In a move aimed at curbing delays, the Court has imposed further restrictions. Adjournment letters in fresh cases will be permitted to be circulated only once. Additionally, two consecutive adjournments will not be allowed without the matter being listed before the Court, irrespective of which party seeks the adjournment.

All adjournment requests are required to be submitted in a prescribed format via a designated email ID.

Importantly, the circular draws a clear distinction for regular matters. It categorically states that no adjournment letters will be permitted in cases listed as regular matters before the Court.

Click here to read the Circular