The Supreme Court of India resumed regular functioning on Monday after its annual six-week summer recess, bringing an end to the period of partial court working days and vacation benches. With all regular Benches returning, the Court is expected to witness a busy week featuring several constitutionally and politically significant matters.

During the summer break, vacation Benches continued to hear urgent cases. However, from July 13 onwards, the apex court has resumed its normal roster, with regular Benches taking up fresh matters, pending appeals, constitutional issues, and public interest litigations. The Registry has also issued the cause lists and listing notices for the week beginning July 13.

The reopening of the Supreme Court this year is particularly significant as the Court is set to function at its highest-ever working strength of 35 judges, marking a historic moment in the institution's history. With the recent appointments clearing long-pending vacancies, the apex court is expected to enhance its capacity to hear and dispose of cases, including constitutional matters, criminal appeals, commercial disputes and public interest litigations. The increased judicial strength is also expected to aid in reducing the mounting pendency of cases before the country's highest court.

Key Matters Likely to Be Taken Up After Reopening

• Ram Mandir Donation Embezzlement Case: One of the most closely watched matters on the reopening day is a batch of petitions seeking a court-monitored CBI investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations made at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The petitioners have sought a forensic audit of the donations received by the temple trust, while also requesting an independent and time-bound probe into the alleged financial irregularities. (The Times of India)
• SAMADHAN SAMAROH (Special Lok Adalat): The Supreme Court is organising 'SAMADHAN SAMAROH', a nationwide initiative aimed at facilitating amicable settlement of pending disputes. The programme, which commenced on April 21, 2026, will culminate in a Special Lok Adalat from August 21 to 23, 2026, where eligible matters relating to banking, civil disputes, consumer and RERA cases, family disputes, labour matters, land acquisition, cheque bounce cases, service matters and transfer petitions will be taken up for consensual settlement. (Supreme Court of India)
• Challenge to the Online Gaming Law: The Court is expected to continue hearing challenges to the provisions of the online gaming regulatory framework, with petitioners questioning various aspects of the legislation, including its constitutional validity and regulatory mechanism. (Wikipedia)
• Airline Fare Regulation PILs: Public interest petitions seeking regulation or capping of exorbitant airfares during emergencies, festivals and peak travel seasons are also likely to remain under consideration as the Court resumes its regular business.

These matters are expected to add to an already busy docket as the Supreme Court returns to full-strength functioning after the summer recess. (Supreme Court of India)

Heavy Caseload Expected

Legal practitioners anticipate a particularly busy session as thousands of matters that remained pending during the vacation are expected to be listed before different Benches. The reopening traditionally witnesses a surge in fresh filings, mentioning of urgent cases and scheduling of important hearings.

With the Court returning to normal functioning, litigants and lawyers alike expect significant developments in several high-profile disputes over the coming weeks. (Supreme Court of India)