Patna: All lower courts under the Patna judiciary will shift to morning working hours from April 13, as authorities respond to rising temperatures and heatwave conditions in Bihar.
According to an official order issued by Rupesh Dev, Principal District and Sessions Judge, the revised timings have been implemented following directions from the Patna High Court and consultations with the local Bar Association.
Under the new schedule, court proceedings will be conducted in two sessions. The first sitting will run from 7.30am to 10am, followed by a 30-minute recess. The second session will resume at 10.30am and continue until 1pm. The arrangement will remain in effect until June 27.
The revised timing applies to all lower courts functioning under the Patna judiciary, including courts in Patna Sadar, Barh, Patna City, Danapur, Masaurhi and Paliganj subdivisions.
Officials said the decision has been taken to ensure the smooth functioning of judicial work during the peak summer months, when extreme heat often disrupts normal schedules and places additional strain on court staff, lawyers and litigants.
The morning shift system is expected to provide relief from high daytime temperatures and improve working conditions inside court complexes. Members of the legal fraternity are also expected to benefit from reduced exposure to midday heat while travelling and attending hearings.
The adjustment follows a pattern seen in previous years, when courts and other government offices in parts of northern India have temporarily revised working hours during the summer season to mitigate the impact of heatwaves.
Court authorities have said the schedule will be reviewed once temperatures begin to ease after the peak summer period.
