1. Historical Legacy: The practice of summer vacations in Indian courts dates back to the British colonial era. The British introduced this system to align with the academic calendar of British educational institutions and to provide a break during the hottest months, which are particularly harsh in India.
2. Climate Considerations: Summer vacations typically occur during the peak summer months of May and June, when temperatures in many parts of India can soar to extremely high levels. The vacation period helps mitigate the impact of extreme heat on judges, lawyers, court staff, and the general public who attend court proceedings.
3. Rest and Recuperation: The judicial workload is demanding, and the summer break allows judges and court staff to rest and rejuvenate. This break helps in maintaining their health and efficiency, ensuring they return refreshed to handle their duties.
4. Administrative Reasons: The vacation period is also used for administrative purposes, such as maintenance of court premises and infrastructure, updating records, and other non-judicial activities that may be difficult to undertake during regular court sessions.
5. Legal Provision: The provision for summer vacations is codified in the rules of various High Courts and the Supreme Court of India. These rules specify the duration and timing of the vacations, which can vary slightly between different courts.
While the summer vacation tradition continues, there have been discussions about its relevance in contemporary times, given the backlog of cases in Indian courts. Some argue for shorter vacations or alternative ways to address both the need for breaks and the need for efficient judicial functioning.
~Shrvan Kumar Lahoti, Advocate
