The bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana delivered its order on 20 Aug 2026, following a July 20 directive that the Centre establish a panel within two weeks.
The panel must draft a national framework covering drivers, security, government accommodation and other post‑retirement services, and it is required to submit its report within three months. Law officers Tushar Mehta and Aishwarya Bhati informed the bench that the government had already named a former secretary‑level officer to head the committee; however, CJI Kant insisted that a former high‑court chief justice should preside.
CJI Kant questioned whether states could afford adequate security for retired judges, noting that a budget of ₹45,000‑50,000 would barely cover a driver and a guard. "There is a lack of uniformity among states," he said, adding that a central committee could standardise provisions and even match state grants.
The order was issued while the bench heard a contempt petition from Justice V S Dave, president of the Association of Retired Judges, who had raised the issue of inconsistent benefits across jurisdictions. The court’s notice highlighted that domestic help, telephone facilities, medical reimbursement and government housing vary widely, prompting the association to seek judicial intervention.
Mehta assured the bench that the government would return on 28 Sept 2026 with a draft proposal. The next hearing will determine whether the Centre’s plan satisfies the court’s requirement for uniformity and financial viability, and whether ex‑judges will finally receive consistent post‑retirement support.