India, May 16 -- In an unprecedented fuel conservation measure triggered by the prolonged geopolitical crisis in West Asia, the Supreme Court on Friday ordered mandatory virtual hearings on Mondays and Fridays during partial working days in June and July, while also permitting up to 50% of its registry staff to work from home for two days a week. The judges of the too court have also decided to carpool to reduce fuel consumption.

The move, directed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant following a full court meeting on Friday morning, comes against the backdrop of a sharp rise in global crude oil prices and India's widening energy concerns following the ongoing West Asia conflict, which has entered its third month and disrupted supplies t...