NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Monday took exception to the meagre monetary compensation provided to retired chief justices and judges of high courts, which varies vastly from one state to another, and asked the Union govt to constitute a committee to lay down uniform pan-India guidelines.A bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana took exception to the UP govt’s challenge to an interim order of Allahabad HC directing the state to provide security even though it is paying Rs 65,000 and Rs 60,000 to retired CJs and judges of the HC towards security, a driver, domestic help, secretarial services, and telephone and internet expenses.The bench said HC judges, while holding constitutional posts, decide sensitive matters and their apprehensions about personal security are genuine. “Post-retirement, the judges need basic minimum facilities to lead a dignified life. Can Rs 60,000 provide all these services? We all know how much one needs to pay to employ a driver and a domestic help,” the CJI-led bench said.Finding solicitor general Tushar Mehta in the courtroom, the bench asked him to impress upon Centre to constitute a committee in two weeks to consider what should be the basic minimum security and services that every state must provide to retired HC CJs and judges to enable them to lead a dignified life. “We are not talking of a luxurious life, but a dignified life,” the CJI said.Mehta said such a panel would be constituted within two weeks as per request of the Supreme Court. The bench said the committee will study the issues faced by retired HC judges and give its recommendations within three months laying down basic guidelines on the obligations of the states to extend facilities to judges post-retirement.
