The Supreme Court directed the Centre to form a committee to ensure uniform post-retirement facilities for retired High Court judges across all States within two weeks. CJI Surya Kant observed that while some States provide adequate support, others fail to offer even basic facilities, creating significant disparities.
The Supreme Court directed the Central Government to set up a committee to formulate uniform guidelines for the post-retirement facilities to be provided to retired Chief Justices and Judges of High Courts.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant ordered that the committee be constituted within two weeks, and instructed it to submit its recommendations to both the Central Government and the Supreme Court within three months of its formation.
The committee has also been asked to propose a mechanism for dividing the financial responsibility between the Centre and the States.
The Bench said,
“There can indeed be no doubt that these facilities must be ensured on a uniform basis, as there is no reason whatsoever for such amenities to vary from State to State. Keeping this perspective in mind, we have impressed upon the Union of India to constitute a committee to lay down uniform guidelines and also the manner and mechanism for financial assistance,”
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CJI remarked,
“There is lack of uniformity in facilities for retired judges. Some states are giving all that is needed. But some states do nothing at all.”
While discussing the security requirements for retired judges, Justice Bagchi said,
“Security of one police officer for five years is reasonable for a High Court judge…because they deal with sensitive issues also.”
CJI Kant also referred to the comparatively low amounts approved for secretarial, security, and other facilities, and noted,
“See the clause – Rs.15,000 for secretarial services, security, travel etc.”
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During the hearing, CJI Surya Kant orally remarked,
“Caring for senior citizens is also a part of our culture.”
The Court will take up the matter again after three months.
The top court further noted that there is no justification for these post-retirement benefits to differ across States, and that they should be extended to all retired High Court judges on a uniform basis.