The Orissa High Court in Cuttack decided on Monday to conduct court proceedings in virtual mode on May 19 and May 21 in view of the ongoing fuel crisis. The decision was announced through an official notice issued by the High Court administration.

Also Read: Orissa High Court Judges ride bicycles to court amid fuel crisis

According to the notification, all hearings on the specified dates will be conducted online to reduce travel requirements and ensure the smooth functioning of judicial activities during the fuel shortage situation in the State. The High Court also informed that it will operate in virtual mode during the summer vacation period.

To manage essential administrative work, only 50 per cent of High Court staff will remain physically present on the premises, while the remaining employees will work according to the revised arrangements made by the court authorities.

The move comes as authorities attempt to minimise disruptions caused by the fuel supply concerns affecting transportation and daily operations in several areas. Advocates, litigants, and officials have been advised to follow the virtual hearing guidelines issued by the court.

The Court’s decision is expected to help maintain judicial proceedings without interruption while also reducing inconvenience for lawyers and court employees during the ongoing crisis.

Measures taken by the High Court:

01. All the Benches shall function virtually on 19th and 21st May, 2026.

02. All the Vacation Benches shall also function virtually during Summer Vacation, 2026.

03. All the Superintendents shall prepare a suitable roster arrangement in respect of staff working under their control, ensuring that at least 50 per cent of the staff remains physically available in the office for uninterrupted functioning of the High Court and Registry. The roster so prepared shall be placed before the Registrar (Judicial) in advance.

04. The officer/staff who is not required to attend the Court physically due to roster arrangement shall remain accessible at all times during the office hours through telephone, mobile communication and electronic means. They shall also be liable to attend the office physically, as and when required by the authority.

05. If, after considering the essential nature of work in a Branch or Section, the Superintendent concerned believes that roster arrangement so made is not effective, the Superintendent may submit a modified roster arrangement for that Branch or Section to the Registrar (Judicial). All concerned officers shall ensure the timely disposal and completion of the official works assigned to the respective sections/branches without any delay.

Besides, as far as practicable, all official meetings shall be conducted through virtual/online mode. However, physical meetings may be convened only in urgent and unavoidable situations.