High Courts Function Even on Holidays; Denial of Compensatory Leave to Officers is Illegal: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court has ruled that High Court officers are entitled to compensatory leave for work performed on holidays, holding that denial of such leave is illegal and violative of Article 229 of the Constitution.

The Court observed that High Courts routinely function even on holidays for urgent judicial work, and officers discharging official duties during such periods cannot be deprived of compensatory benefits.

It emphasized that service conditions of High Court staff fall within the constitutional framework of Article 229 and must be respected by the administration.

Arbitrary denial of compensatory leave undermines fairness, service rights, and constitutional protections afforded to court employees.