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Austerity measures reach HP High Court as introduces ‘Work from home’, Car-Pooling
Shimla, May 18
Austerity measures have reached the HP High Court also, as they plan to introduce ‘Work from home’ and Car-Pooling as part of it. In a follow-up to the austerity and fuel conservation measures recently announced by the Supreme Court of India amid the ongoing West Asia crisis and rising fuel concerns, the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Monday introduced partial work-from-home arrangements for its registry staff and encouraged car-pooling among judges.
A circular issued by Registrar General stated that the directions have been issued in view of the Government of India’s Office Memorandum dated May 12, 2026, and the Supreme Court circular dated May 15, 2026.
The High Court said that to ensure optimum utilisation of fuel, the judges of the High Court have “unanimously resolved to encourage car-pooling arrangements amongst themselves.”
The circular further stated that, subject to permission from the concerned Registrars, up to 50 per cent staff in each branch or section of the Registry may work from home for up to two days a week. However, the remaining staff will continue to attend office to ensure uninterrupted functioning of the court administration.
The Registrar(s) concerned have been directed to prepare weekly rosters before the commencement of every week. Employees permitted to work from home have been instructed to remain available on telephone and be ready to attend office whenever required.
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The circular also clarified that if any Registrar feels that work-from-home arrangements are not effective in view of the essential nature of work in a particular branch or section, such arrangements may be modified or restricted.
The move comes days after the Supreme Court itself adopted similar austerity measures, including virtual hearings on miscellaneous days, partial work-from-home for registry staff and car-pooling by judges, following the Centre’s broader fuel conservation push triggered by the geopolitical tensions in West Asia and rising crude oil prices.
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