The Supreme Court on Monday directed the central government to form a committee. Driver for Retired High Court Judges, The national policy aims to consolidate post-retirement benefits across the country such as security and staying in government accommodation during travel.
Chief Justice Surya Kant, A bench of Justice Jayamalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohan observed that there are significant inconsistencies in the benefits currently provided by various states. The bench asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, to constitute the committee within two weeks. The committee will submit its report within the next three months.
The court passed the order while hearing a plea filed by Supreme and High Court Retired Judges Association President Justice VS Dave citing the issue of security and other facilities. During the hearing, the Chief Justice questioned the amount of financial assistance currently provided by some states. He asked if it was possible to hire a driver and a security guard for just Rs 45,000-50,000, saying there was no consistency in these benefits among states.
The Chief Justice clarified that the Central Government should constitute a committee to frame certain rules and the Center may also grant grants. He said, if the government does not do it, the court itself will be forced to form the committee‘b. In response, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta agreed that the government had no difficulty in setting up such a committee and the issue would be resolved soon.‘b.
The court in its order noted that domestic workers, the driver, telephone, Basic benefits like reimbursement of medical expenses and accommodation in government houses now vary widely from state to state. This discrepancy forced the retired judges association to go to court. Central government has a very important role in the whole process, Because according to the new rules the financial burden will be shared between both the Center and the States‘b can be used.