SC directs Centre to form panel for uniform 'post-retirement facilities' policy for HC judges
New Delhi, July 20
The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Union Government to constitute a committee within two weeks to frame uniform guidelines governing the post-retirement facilities to be extended to retired Chief Justices and judges of the High Courts across the country.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed that the committee shall be constituted in two weeks and submit its recommendations to both the Union Government and the Supreme Court within three months of its constitution. The Court has also directed the committee to recommend the manner and mechanism for sharing the financial burden between the Centre and the States.
"The larger issue revolves around whether certain benefits/facilities are to be made admissible to the retired Chief Justices and Judges of the High Courts. It is a matter of record that basic facilities like domestic help, driver, telephone, medical reimbursement and transit stay in Government accommodation etc., vary from State to State. The lack of uniformity has prompted the Association of Retired Judges firstly to approach the authorities and thereafter invoke the writ jurisdiction of this Court. It further appears that the Union of India is also a vital stakeholder, especially when we expect that a part of the financial burden ought to be shared by the Union and the States in a defined manner. There can indeed be no doubt that these facilities must be ensured on a uniform basis and there is no reason for these to vary from State to State," the Court said.
The Court, therefore, directed the Solicitor General of India (SGI), Tushar Mehta, to persuade the Union Government to constitute the committee.
"We have asked the learned Solicitor General to persuade the Union of India to constitute a committee to lay down the uniform guidelines and also the manner and mechanism for financial assistance. Let such a committee be constituted within two weeks. There shall be an endeavour by the committee to submit its recommendations to the Union of India and to this Court within three months of its constitution", the Court said.
During the hearing, the CJI also remarked, "Looking after senior citizens is part of our culture also."
The matter has been directed to be listed after three months, by which time the committee is expected to place its recommendations before the Court.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some uniformity! My father was a High Court judge in a smaller state and he faced so much hassle getting basic things like medical reimbursement. The disparity between states is shocking. CJI's remark about looking after senior citizens being part of our culture is spot on.
Good move by SC but why does this take a court order? This is something the government should have done long back. Our judiciary is overburdened and such mundane matters shouldn't take up their time. But well, better late than never. Hope the recommendations are implemented quickly.
As someone who works in HR in the US, I find it interesting how judicial perks are handled differently. But every country has its own system. What matters is that retired judges get consistent support regardless of which state they served in. Uniformity makes sense for a federal system like India's.
Respect for our judges is important but at a time when millions are struggling with unemployment and inflation, is this the priority? The government should focus on pressing issues like education and healthcare for all, not just post-retirement benefits for a select few. Just my two paise. 🤔
This is a necessary step. Judges sacrifice a lot - they can't practice after retirement, they face security risks, and their families are always under scrutiny. A uniform policy ensures they don't face harassment from state governments for basic facilities. Well done Supreme Court! 🙏
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