The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Centre to constitute a committee to frame uniform policy guidelines for providing various facilities such as security and drivers to retired high court judges.A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the committee shall submit its recommendations to the Centre and place the same before the top court in three months from the date of its constitution.Noting that there was no uniformity in facilities extended to retired high court judges by different states, the bench – which also included Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana – asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, to set up a committee in two weeks.“Either you set up a committee or we will have to do it,” the CJI said.Mehta said the Government had no objection to it.“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,” the bench said.The order came during a hearing on a contempt petition filed by Justice VS Dave, President of Association of retired judges of the Supreme Court and high courts, raising the issue of security and other facilities for retired judges.


