New Delhi, Aug 20: The Supreme Court on Thursday granted the Centre one more week to constitute a panel to formulate a uniform national policy on post-retirement benefits and facilities for former High Court judges.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana took note of Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati’s request for additional time to set up the committee.
The bench said the matter would be listed after 10 days and warned that if the Centre failed to constitute the panel, the court would consider setting up one itself.
The proposed panel will examine facilities for retired Chief Justices and judges of High Courts, including drivers, security personnel, domestic help, telephone facilities, medical reimbursement and accommodation while travelling.
The issue came before the court in a contempt petition filed by Justice V S Dave, President of the Association of Retired Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
The court noted that post-retirement facilities currently vary considerably from state to state. It had earlier directed the Centre to constitute the panel within two weeks and submit its report within three months.
During the proceedings, the bench also questioned whether the financial assistance provided by some states was sufficient to hire drivers and security personnel.
The court said the Centre was a key stakeholder as any uniform framework could require financial participation by both the Union and state governments.
