Uniform Facilities For High Court Judges: Supreme Court Asks Centre To Constitute Panel, Create Policy

Stressing for a uniform policy, the Supreme Court has called on the Central government to constitute a committee and frame guidelines for providing facilities to retired High Court judges of the country.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana, heard a writ petition filed by an association of retired judges concerning the security and other post-retirement facilities available to retired High Court judges.

While hearing the concerns raised before it, the CJI 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".

Accordingly, the bench has ordered that the committee so constituted shall submit its recommendations to the Union government and also place the same before the Court within three months from the date of its constitution.

Questioning the adequacy of the monetary assistance provided by some States towards security arrangements, the CJI asked today, "In Rs.45,000-50,000, is it possible to get a driver and security officer?"

"One way is the Government of India constitutes a committee and prescribes norms. Central Government may also match grants... if you don't do it, I will have to constitute," the Chief Justice said. Responding to the suggestion, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the bench, "No difficulty. We can constitute. This is an issue which needs to be addressed. It will be addressed in the spirit expressed,"

Court noted that basic facilities like domestic help, driver, telephone and medical reimbursement, stay in government houses, etc., vary from State to State and such lack of uniformity prompted the Association of Retired Judges to first approach the authorities and thereafter invoke writ jurisdiction.

Case Title: JUSTICE V.S. DAVE PRESIDENT, THE ASSOCIATION OF RETD. JUDGES OF SUPREME COURT AND HIGH COURTS v. KUSUMJIT SIDHU . AND ORS.

Bench: CJI Kant, Justice Bagchi and Justice Mohana

Hearing Date: July 20, 2026