On 29-11-2025, the Supreme Court of India introduced a new listing protocol to ensure faster hearing of cases involving the liberty of individuals and matters requiring urgent interim relief. The directive introduced in under the tenure of the newly appointed Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, will come into effect from 01-12- 2025.
According to the circular, all fresh cases falling under the following specific urgent categories will be listed within two working days, once defects are cured and the matter is verified:
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Regular bail / Anticipatory bail / cancellation of bail
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Death penalty
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Habeas Corpus
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Eviction / dispossession
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Demolition
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Any other matter involving urgent interim relief
It is important to note that:
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These cases, once verified by 4:30 p.m. on weekdays or by noon on Saturday, will be listed automatically in either the Main List or Supplementary List within next two working days. As a result, mentioning for early listing in these matters will no longer be entertained.
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The copies of all petition/s relating to Regular Bail, Anticipatory Bail and Cancellation of Bail MUST be served to the designated Nodal Officer or Standing Counsel of the concerned Union or State government after registration of the case. Failure to do so will prevent the matter from being verified or listed before the Court.
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For fresh cases outside the urgent categories, the existing listing system will continue:
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Matters verified on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday will be listed the following Monday.
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Those verified on Friday, Saturday, or Monday will be listed the following Friday.
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The circular marks a significant administrative shift aimed at expediting hearings in matters where personal liberty and urgent relief are at stake.