The Supreme Court on Wednesday voiced its displeasure at recent criticisms regarding judges' working hours and vacation days.

In a pointed reference to comments by Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, Justice Dipankar Datta suggested that if the government is concerned about delays, it should begin by adhering to prescribed timelines for filing appeals.

Economist Sanjeev Sanyal, in a recent podcast, called for reforms in the judiciary, criticizing the vacation system and suggesting that judges work few hours. He said, "The High Courts and the Supreme Court take leave in summer and then take leave again in Dussehra. What is this system? They work for a few hours. All these old systems will have to be changed and modernised. The government can contribute to this to some extent. But in the end, the justice system will have to do it on its own."

In response, Justice Datta, while allowing the withdrawal of a petition by former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in a money laundering case, stated, "Those people who castigate the judiciary, [should] take stock of these things... the authorities don't come within time and they say we work less?"

He continued, "Very unfortunately, Mr. (Kapil) Sibal, despite efforts being put in by judges, it is said that judges work for very few hours. Those who say all this is part of governance, no matter filed by the Union within the time limit. Every case has a condonation of delay application. All who castigate the judiciary must take note of this. We burn midnight oil even during vacations."

Kapil Sibal responded by stating that the Supreme Court is the most "over-worked" court in the world. "No judge works as hard as you are," he said.

Justice Datta added, "Since they are part of governance, we would expect that at least in one matter filed by the Union of India or by a State, the appeal comes within time. Every matter there is a condonation of delay."

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also weighed in, saying, "Only people who are totally unaware criticise."

This is not the first instance of judges defending the judiciary's working conditions. Last month, Justice B R Gavai commented on similar criticisms, stating that judges often work weekends and even during travel.

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