The Supreme Court Calendar 2026 is an essential reference for advocates, litigants, law firms, government departments, and legal researchers. The calendar outlines the Supreme Court’s working days, vacation periods, and notified holidays, helping stakeholders plan filings, hearings, and case strategies efficiently.
This blog provides an overview of this year’s calendar of the Supreme Court, its structure, legal significance, and practical implications for court practice.
What Is the Supreme Court Calendar?
The Supreme Court Calendar is an official annual schedule notified by the Supreme Court of India, specifying:
- Court working days
- Vacation periods and partial court sittings
- Gazetted and court-specific holidays
- Registry working schedules
It acts as an authoritative guide for procedural compliance and case management throughout the year.
Structure of the Supreme Court 2026 Calendar
The Supreme Court Calendar 2026 is typically organized month-wise and includes:
- Twelve-month calendar layout
- Marked court holidays
- Working Saturdays (if any)
- Vacation benches period
Download Supreme Court Calendar 2026 (PDF)
This document should always be cross-referenced with subsequent court notifications or practice directions.
Supreme Court Vacations in 2026
Summer Vacation
The summer vacation is traditionally the longest break in the Supreme Court calendar. During this period:
- Regular benches do not function
- Vacation Benches hear urgent matters
- Fresh filings are accepted, subject to listing norms
Winter and Festival Breaks
Shorter breaks may be scheduled around:
- Winter holidays
- National festivals
- Court-notified special occasions
These breaks are reflected clearly in the annual calendar to avoid procedural ambiguity.
Supreme Court Holidays List 2026
The Supreme Court observes a mix of:
- National holidays
- Gazetted holidays
- Court-specific holidays
These holidays apply to both court sittings and, in many cases, registry functioning.
| Month and Date | Name of Holiday | Days of the Week |
| Christmas and New Year Holidays 2026 | January 2 | Friday |
| Makar Sankranti/Magh Bihu/Pongal 2026 | January 14 | Wednesday |
| Republic Day 2026 | January 26 | Monday |
| Holi Holidays 2026 | March 2 To March 7 | Monday To Saturday |
| Id-ul-Fitr 2026 | March 21 | Saturday |
| Ram Navami 2026 | March 26 | Thursday |
| Local Holiday 2026 | March 27 | Friday |
| Local Holiday 2026 | March 30 | Monday |
| Mahavir Jayanti 2026 | March 31 | Tuesday |
| Good Friday 2026 | April 3 | Friday |
| Budha Purnima 2026 | May 1 | Friday |
| Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) 2026 | May 27 | Wednesday |
| Partial Court Working Days | June 1 To July 12 | Monday To Sunday |
| Muharram 2026 | June 26 | Friday |
| Independence Day 2026 | August 15 | Saturday |
| Milad-un-Nabi or Id-e-Milad 2026 | August 26 | Wednesday |
| Raksha Bandhan 2026 | August 28 | Friday |
| Janmashtami 2026 | September 4 | Friday |
| Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 | September 14 | Monday |
| Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday | October 2 | Friday |
| Dussehra Holidays 2026 | October 19 To October 24 | Monday To Saturday |
| Diwali Holidays 2026 | November 9 To November 14 | Monday To Saturday |
| Guru Nanak’s Birthday 2026 | November 24 | Tuesday |
| Christmas and New Year Holidays 2026 | December 21 To January 1 | Monday To Friday |
Working Days and Registry Functioning
Regular Court Working Days
- Monday to Friday are standard working days
- Court timings and listing schedules remain consistent unless otherwise notified
Registry Operations
Even on certain non-sitting days:
- The Registry may remain open for filings
- Urgent matters may be processed administratively
Advocates are advised to verify registry circulars issued alongside the calendar.
Importance of the Supreme Court Calendar for Legal Practice
The Supreme Court Calendar 2026 is crucial for:
- Case filing timelines
- Limitation period calculations
- Listing and mentioning of urgent matters
- Planning conferences, hearings, and client advisories
Missing a holiday or vacation period can directly affect procedural compliance.
Vacation Benches and Urgent Matters
During vacation periods:
- Designated Vacation Benches hear urgent cases
- Matters involving liberty, bail, stay, and constitutional urgency are prioritized
- Advance preparation is essential due to limited bench availability
The calendar helps identify these windows in advance.
How Advocates and Litigants should use the SC Calendar 2026?
Best practices include:
- Syncing the calendar with law office management systems
- Monitoring circulars issued alongside the calendar
- Planning filings ahead of long vacation periods
- Advising clients proactively on expected delays
Conclusion
The Supreme Court Calendar 2026 is more than a list of dates. It is a procedural roadmap for the entire legal ecosystem. Proper understanding and timely use of the calendar ensures smoother litigation, effective advocacy, and compliance with judicial timelines.
Legal professionals are encouraged to review the calendar thoroughly and stay updated with any modifications issued by the Supreme Court during the year.
