6 hrs ago
Supreme Court Seeks Former High Court Chief Justice Panel
The Supreme Court is examining benefits for judges after they retire.
These benefits can include drivers, security, medical help and places to stay during travel.
Different states currently provide different levels of support.
The court wants one national policy so the rules are more consistent.
It suggested that a former high court chief justice should lead the committee making the recommendations.
The government said it had already decided to create a committee led by a former secretary-level officer.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta agreed to consider the court’s suggestion.
The government will respond to the court on September 28.
The Supreme Court asked the Centre to consider appointing a former high court chief justice to lead a panel on retired judges’ benefits.
The proposed national policy would cover drivers, security, domestic help, telephone services, medical reimbursement and government accommodation.
The Centre told the bench that a committee had been approved and was currently headed by a former secretary-level officer.
The court said benefits vary considerably between states and asked the Centre to return with its decision on September 28.
The proceedings arose from a contempt petition filed by Justice V S Dave over security and other facilities for retired judges.
- Who
- The Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, the Centre, and the Association of Retired Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are involved.
- What
- The court asked the Centre to consider appointing a former high court chief justice to lead a panel on uniform post-retirement benefits for former high court judges.
- Where
- The matter was heard by the Supreme Court in New Delhi.
- When
- The hearing was reported on September 24; the Centre was asked to respond on September 28.
- Why
- Benefits and facilities for retired judges vary considerably between states, prompting calls for a uniform national policy.
Key facts
- Issue
- Uniform post-retirement benefits and facilities for former high court judges
- Proposed panel head
- A former high court chief justice, as suggested by the Supreme Court
- Current government proposal
- A committee headed by a former secretary-level officer
- Facilities under consideration
- Drivers, security, domestic help, telephone services, medical reimbursement and government accommodation
- Court deadline
- The panel was earlier directed to submit its report within three months
- Next hearing
- The Centre is expected to return to the bench on September 28
- Petitioner
- Justice V S Dave, president of the Association of Retired Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts
Quotes
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant
Chief Justice of India and head of the Supreme Court bench hearing the matter
“I think a former Chief Justice of the High Court should preside over the committee.”
theprint.in
“In Rs 45,000-50,000, is it possible to get a driver and a security officer?”
theprint.in
Sources
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