JUSTICE V.S. DAVE PRESIDENT, THE ASSOCIATION OF RETD. JUDGES OF SUPREME COURT AND HIGH COURTS Vs. KUSUMJIT SIDHU AND ORS.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These cases were fixed on 17th Jan., 2017 for report on the implementation of the order of the Court so far as grant of allowances on the Andhra Pradesh Model to retired Honourable Chief Justices and retired Honourable Judges of the High Courts are concerned. The action taken by the States of Jharkhand, Nagaland, Orissa, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal and Himachal Pradesh were to be considered as to whether the payment of allowances were on the Andhra Pradesh Model i.e. Rs.14,000.00 per month to the retired Honourable Chief Justices and Rs.12,000.00 per month to the retired Honourable Judges of the High Courts for defraying the services of an orderly, driver, security guard, etc. and free telephone calls to the extent of 1500 per month over and above the number of free calls per month allowed by the telephone authorities to both retired Honourable Chief Justice and retired Honourable Judge of the High Courts.

(2.) At the hearing today learned counsels appearing for the States of Jharkhand, Orissa, and Himachal Pradesh have submitted that payment of allowances on the Andhra Pradesh Model has been sanctioned and are being paid with effect from 1st Oct., 2014. Learned counsels appearing for the States of West Bengal and Nagaland submit that the payment of allowances as aforesaid are being paid in their respective States with effect from 1st April, 201 The aforesaid States, therefore, have complied with the order of the Court.

(3.) Insofar as the State of Jammu & Kashmir is concerned, learned counsel appearing for the said State has assured the Court that the payment of allowance, which is presently at the rate of Rs.12,000.00 per month to the retired Honourable Chief Justices and Rs. 10,000.00 per month respectively to the retired Honourable Judges of the High Court, will be enhanced to Rs. 14,000.00 per month to the retired Honourable Chief Justices and Rs.12,000.00 per month to the retired Honourable Judges of the High Court along with free telephone calls to the extent of 1500 as aforesaid.