Objection, says Bar, HC won146;t work extra hours

Chief Justice Tirath Singh Thakur and other judges unanimously decided on Tuesday that the working hours of the court will remain the same, 10 am to 4 pm i.e. six hours daily, as laid down in the rules. The Chief Justice also conveyed the decision to Bar President Rupinder S Khosla.

The lunch break, too, will not be reduced by five minutes, though this was also among the suggestions. The decision to not put in any extra time was unanimous.

Earlier, a 8216;full court8217; of the High Court had decided to extend court timings by 45 minutes, saying this was in keeping with the directions of the Malimath Committee report. However, the Bar Association had swiftly jumped up in opposition, saying they were not taken into confidence before such a significant decision was taken.

The advocates noted that the Malimath Committee had also suggested changes in the functioning of courts and judges, and these too should be implemented.

On Monday, the General House of the Bar Association passed a resolution demanding that the judges stop taking 8220;long8221; tea breaks ranging from 15 to 30 minutes.

Thanking the Chief Justice for the rollback, Bar President Khosla said: 8220;It is a welcome decision and we strongly appreciate the timely action taken8230; It is due to his endeavour that the problem has been resolved and the sentiments of the Bar respected. He has also assured us that the Bar will be consulted whenever a decision is to be taken with regard to its administrative functioning.8221;

He added that the Chief Justice had assured that strict working hours would be observed and no undue breaks of any kind would be taken.