Even as the Supreme Court remained officially closed for its winter break, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant continued judicial work by presiding over a special sitting on Monday, December 22, to hear urgent matters.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymala Bagachi took up cases on the holiday, demonstrating the Court’s commitment to reducing pendency and addressing urgent grievances. A total of 17 cases were listed before the special bench. Out of these, eight cases were disposed of, while nine matters were adjourned for hearing at a later date.

The special sitting followed an announcement made by the CJI on Friday, wherein he stated that his bench would convene on Monday to take up urgent cases, despite the Court closing for winter vacations the same day. The decision was taken in response to oral mentions by lawyers seeking immediate listings.

The holiday sitting resulted in a tangible reduction of pendency and underscored the proactive approach adopted by the Chief Justice in ensuring access to justice, even during court recess.