Supreme Court to Consider Emergency Judicial Access for Citizens
On July 14, 2026, the Supreme Court agreed to explore a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for citizens to access courts at any time for urgent matters affecting life and liberty. A petition highlighted issues such as illegal detentions and custodial violence occurring outside regular court hours. Chief Justice Surya Kant noted the need for timely judicial responses, suggesting that urgent requests could receive attention within an hour. The court acknowledged the role of technology in facilitating access to justice but recognized the absence of a structured mechanism for emergency cases. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta indicated that the SOP should be developed administratively, while the Chief Justice pointed out that state high courts operate independently in a federal system.
Published 1 day ago • 14 Jul 2026, 02:48 PM IST