Allahabad HCBA writes to Bar Associations nationwide.
Allahabad High Court.
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association (HCBA) has urged Bar Associations across India to oppose the proposal requiring High Courts to function on two Saturdays each month. In a letter dated January 27, 2026, the HCBA flagged concerns about the impact of additional court days on lawyers, judges, and staff, and questioned whether longer hours would meaningfully reduce case backlogs.
Quality of justice at risk, Bar argues
The association warned that while weekend court sittings may appear attractive, they could compromise both the quality and quantity of justice. “Opening courts on two Saturdays in a month needs to be resisted… it would affect the quality and quantity of justice while putting the legal fraternity, judicial fraternity & staff concerned to physical strain and psychological stress,” the letter stated.
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Weekend work is already intense
Rakesh Pande, President, Allahabad High Court Bar Association.
HCBA highlighted the realities of legal work, noting that lawyers often spend weekends preparing complex cases, drafting pleadings, and studying legal material. “Matters which may be complicated, time consuming and need extensive preparation are normally dealt with on Saturdays & Sundays… In fact Saturday and Sunday are the busiest day for lawyers,” the letter said.
Corporate-style productivity approach criticized
The association criticized what it called a “corporate-style approach to productivity,” where longer hours are equated with greater output. It stressed that effective judicial work depends on efficiency in a stress-free environment rather than simply extending court sitting days.
Impact on judges and court staff
Judges and court staff, the HCBA noted, already use weekends to write judgments, clear reserved cases, and manage administrative duties. Court staff face manpower shortages and delays in issuing certified copies of orders, which could be worsened by the proposal.
Questioning the link to case backlogs
Akhilesh Sharma, Secretary, Allahabad HCBA.
The Bar Association also challenged the assumption that fewer working days cause pendency in High Courts. “A fallacious narrative indicating pendency of cases… is set up by vested interest or persons not aware of the functioning of the judicial system,” the letter stated.
Call for collective action
HCBA President Rakesh Pande and Secretary Akhilesh Kumar Sharma urged other Bar Associations to pass resolutions opposing the proposal and forward them to the Supreme Court, all High Courts, and the Union Law Minister.
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Proposal gaining traction amid resistance
The idea of High Courts working two Saturdays a month has gained momentum in recent months, with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant supporting the move. However, Bar associations in Delhi, Kerala, and now Allahabad have voiced strong opposition, warning it could place additional strain on the justice system.
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