In India, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court benefits from exclusive perks, including a personal courtroom within their official residence. This arrangement facilitates the prompt fulfillment of judicial duties, particularly during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
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NEW DELHI: In India, the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (CJI) is one of immense responsibility and comes with several exclusive perks and security measures. One of the most unique features that the Chief Justice of India enjoys is having a personal courtroom within their official residence. This distinct privilege ensures that judicial duties can be fulfilled without delay, especially during emergencies or exceptional circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The current Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, benefits from this in-house facility, which allows him to convene online hearings or urgent court proceedings from the comfort of his government-provided residence. This special arrangement ensures that justice is not delayed, no matter the situation. The importance of this provision became particularly evident during the pandemic when maintaining the judiciary’s functioning while adhering to social distancing norms was critical.
Along with this special courtroom, the Chief Justice of India is also entitled to a range of perks and allowances, which reflect the importance of their role in the judicial system. According to official reports, the Chief Justice receives a monthly salary of Rs.280,000, accompanied by several allowances. These include a hospitality allowance of Rs.245,000, which helps cover the costs of official hosting duties, and a one-time furnishing allowance of Rs.21 million, used for the official residence.
The official residence of the Chief Justice is another highlight of the position. The government allots the Chief Justice a Type Seven bungalow, which is a spacious, luxurious residence. The bungalow comes with an array of benefits, including 24-hour security, domestic help, and clerical support, all provided free of cost. The comprehensive support system ensures that the Chief Justice can focus entirely on their judicial responsibilities without worrying about personal or logistical matters.
One of the most intriguing features of the Chief Justice’s Type Seven bungalow is the in-house courtroom. This facility enables the Chief Justice to preside over important cases when physical presence at the Supreme Court is either not feasible or delayed. This feature played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing hearings to continue without any interruptions.
Having a courtroom at the official residence ensures the continuity of critical judicial functions. In situations of public emergency, health crises, or national security concerns, the Chief Justice can swiftly convene hearings and deliver decisions from home. It eliminates unnecessary delays and reinforces the judicial system’s ability to function during unprecedented times.
Given the stature and responsibilities of the Chief Justice of India, security is of paramount importance. The Chief Justice is provided with Z or Z+ category protection, which is the highest level of security offered in India. This security cover ensures the Chief Justice’s safety around the clock, including protection for family members.
The Z+ security detail includes a full protocol, which remains in place throughout the Chief Justice’s tenure. Only under exceptional circumstances are any changes made to this security arrangement. The security forces assigned to the Chief Justice are trained to handle any potential threats and ensure that the judicial head of the country is always safe.
This high level of security underscores the critical importance of the role and the need for uninterrupted judicial functioning. Whether commuting to the Supreme Court, traveling domestically, or staying at the official residence, the Chief Justice is protected at all times.
