Supreme Court to Examine Off-Hours Access to Justice Framework
The Supreme Court is set to review a petition by advocate Maheravish Rein, seeking a framework for urgent hearings outside regular court hours. The petition highlights increasing reports of late-night arrests and custodial abuse, arguing that the current court schedule restricts access to justice. Rein points out that individuals facing urgent violations of their rights often cannot obtain timely judicial protection. The Supreme Court may direct High Courts to establish procedures for off-hours hearings and create 'Emergency Constitutional Benches.' Currently, the Supreme Court Rules limit work after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and do not provide protocols for midnight or weekend hearings. Historical instances of late-night hearings include cases involving death row convicts and urgent political matters.
Published 10 hours ago • 15 Jul 2026, 11:24 AM IST