The Chief Justices’ Conference held on April 17, 2008 had, inter-alia, resolved that: High Courts will consider either extending working hours upto 5 ½ hours or suitably increasing the working days; High Court Judges be requested to work during vacation, on voluntary basis; and High Court Judges will not go for holidaying on working days.
This Conference had also resolved that: Wherever feasible, the High Courts will take steps to set-up Courts of Special Metropolitan Magistrates/Special Judicial Magistrates presided by retired government servants and court servants, possessing a professional degree in Law, for trial of petty offences, including traffic cases and cases under Local Municipal Acts. Such Special Magistrates/Special Judicial Magistrates shall work under the control and superintendence of a senior Judicial Officer.
Working hours in the Supreme Court and High Courts are regulated by the rules framed by the respective Courts. The working hours of the subordinate courts are decided by the respective High Courts. In matters of administration of subordinate courts such as appointment of judges, recruitment of persons other than judges, decision rests with the respective State Government in consultation with the concerned High Court.
This information was given by Dr. M.Veerappa Moily, Minister of Law and Justice, in the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.
