In a significant departure from established judicial practice, the Supreme Court of India remained active during its Christmas and New Year break for the first time in history. While the apex court traditionally holds vacation benches only during the longer summer break, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant spearheaded a new initiative to hear urgent matters that could not wait until the court’s official reopening on January 5, 2026.
The winter break sittings saw the CJI himself sitting on the bench twice, underscoring a commitment to ensuring that “life and liberty” matters receive immediate judicial attention regardless of the court calendar.
Key Rulings During the 2025 Winter Break
The vacation benches handled high-stakes cases that captured national attention, ranging from criminal law to environmental protection:
- Unnao Rape Case (Kuldeep Sengar): On December 29, a three-judge bench headed by CJI Kant stayed a Delhi High Court order that had suspended the life sentence of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar. The top court flagged “substantial questions of law”—specifically whether an MLA qualifies as a “public servant” under the POCSO Act—and ordered that Sengar remain in custody.
- The Aravalli Definition Stay: Amid widespread public outcry and protests, the vacation bench kept in abeyance its November 20 directions regarding a uniform definition for the Aravalli hills. The court noted the need to resolve critical ambiguities, such as whether the 100-metre elevation rule would strip large parts of the range of its environmental protection.
- Habeas Corpus & Civil Rights: On December 31, a bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Prashant Kumar Mishra conducted online hearings for urgent petitions, including a habeas corpus plea involving an alleged illegal arrest by the Uttar Pradesh Police.
Operational Reforms: The New SOP for Arguments
Coinciding with these special sittings, the Supreme Court issued a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on December 29 to tackle judicial delays and streamline courtroom management.
The new rules include:
- Mandatory Timelines: Lawyers must now submit a proposed timeline for their oral arguments at least one day before the hearing.
- Five-Page Limit: Written submissions or brief notes must not exceed five pages and must be filed three days prior to the hearing.
- Priority Listings: The registry will now prioritize cases involving specially abled persons, acid attack victims, senior citizens over 80, and those living below the poverty line.
A Reset for the New Year
Since taking office on November 24, 2025, CJI Surya Kant has made judicial rationalization a cornerstone of his tenure. By personally sitting during the winter break, the CJI has signaled a shift toward a more accessible and time-sensitive judiciary. As the court prepares to reopen for regular sittings on January 5, the legal fraternity expects further reforms aimed at reducing the massive pendency of cases in 2026.