Authority: Supreme Court of India
Order Date: 20-07-2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: Justice V.S. Dave, President, Association of Retired Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts.
- Respondent: Kusumjit Sidhu & Ors.
- Intervention Application: IA No. 217417/2025 filed under CONMT.PET.(C) No. 425‑426/2015 in W.P.(C) No. 523/2002.
- Hearing: The matter was called for hearing on 20‑07‑2026 before a bench comprising the Chief Justice, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana.
- Counsel: Numerous senior counsels and advocates appeared for both parties, including Solicitor General of India and various AORs.
Order Details
1. The Court identified the core issue as the lack of uniformity in benefits/facilities (domestic help, driver, telephone, medical reimbursement, transit stay in Government Guest Houses/Circuit Houses) provided to retired Chief Justices and High Court Judges across different States.
2. It recognised the Union of India as a vital stakeholder, emphasizing that the financial burden of these facilities should be shared proportionately between the Union and the States.
3. The Court directed the Solicitor General of India to persuade the Union of India to constitute a Committee within two weeks to formulate uniform guidelines on the said benefits.
4. The Committee is required to submit its recommendations to the Union of India and place them on record before this Court within three months from the date of its constitution.
5. The matter is posted for further hearing on 03‑11‑2026.
Final Outcome
- The Supreme Court ordered the formation of a Committee, to be set up within two weeks, tasked with drafting uniform guidelines for benefits to retired Chief Justices and High Court Judges. The Committee must forward its recommendations to the Union and record them before the Court within three months, with the next hearing scheduled for 03‑11‑2026.
Topics: Retired Judges Benefits, Uniform Guidelines, Judicial Administration