SC transport policy defines vehicle, security entitlements for judges

New policy applies to incumbent, retired judges

The Supreme Court has issued a policy regarding the use of official vehicles by judges. The policy, called the Transport Entitlement Policy for the Judges of the Supreme Court 2025, will apply to incumbent and retired judges of the apex court.

According to the Supreme Court Judges (Leave, Pension, Privileges) Order 1997, read with the Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights Division's letter dated 07.06.2007, on elevation, a Supreme Court judge is entitled to use two official cars up to 1800cc.

"One vehicle shall be used as the 'primary car' (for official purposes), whereas the other one as the 'secondary/family car'. The vehicles so provided shall be maintained at government expense through the budgetary allocation of the Court with POL in both the cars up to 600 litres per month (as prescribed monthly ceiling or actual use) on production of a certificate by the respective Private Secretary of the Hon’ble Judge, as decided by the Full Court on 20.01.2010."

Each judge shall also be entitled to the provision of two drivers: one provided by the Court from regular strength and the other appointed on a contingent basis.

In exceptional circumstances or on an urgent-need basis, if requisitioned, a third car may be provided—subject to availability—after the approval of the Registrar for a maximum period of two weeks. If such a period requires further extension, it shall be allowed only with the approval of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), on payment of the prescribed charges. In any case, a third car shall not be retained beyond eight weeks in a year.

Provision of Security (Escort) Vehicles

The policy states that the CJP is entitled to security (escort vehicles) as per the Blue Book under the supervision of the Chief Security Officer (CSO).

"Each Hon’ble Judge shall be entitled to the provision of a well-trained gunman with one security (escort) vehicle on a 1/4 ratio, provided by the Islamabad Police at the Principal Seat and by the Provincial Police Officers in case any Hon’ble Judge is in provincial jurisdiction. Where an Hon’ble Judge requires additional security given any threat, the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan shall approve a second escort."

Post-Retirement Transport Entitlement

The policy states that each regular judge of the Court, on retirement, may retain the primary car for a maximum period of one month, after which the vehicle shall be retrieved and returned to the Court’s pool.

"Each Hon’ble regular Judge of the Court, on retirement, shall be entitled to purchase a primary or secondary car at depreciated value as per existing government policy, provided that the Hon’ble Judge has not availed the facility previously."

It further states that each retired judge of the Court, on demand during their stay in Islamabad or provincial capitals, as the case may be, shall be entitled to the provision of an official vehicle, subject to availability, on prescribed charges as determined by the Full Court, along with a complementary pick-and-drop facility to/from the airport.

Disposal of Vehicles

"According to the relevant Rules for the Use of Staff Cars, 1980, upon reaching the prescribed age/mileage limit, official vehicles shall be disposed of by prevailing law/rules. The procedure for disposal shall be transparent and in compliance with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) guidelines or other applicable laws for the time being enforced."

It is also clarified that all costs incurred in connection with the procurement, maintenance, fuelling and operation of the official vehicles, as well as the employment of drivers, shall be met from the sanctioned budget of the Court under the respective heads.

It is further clarified that in the event of any ambiguity or uncertainty regarding the interpretation of this policy, the matter shall be placed before the CJP for appropriate orders.

Funeral arrangements policies

SC has issued new guidelines to manage arrangements on the demise of former judges, appointing focal persons to assist with funerals, transportation, and placement of floral wreaths.

According to the office order, the Deputy Registrar (Miscellaneous) — or in his absence, the Assistant Registrar (Misc.), Senior Protocol Officer, or designated staff, will serve as focal person in Islamabad.

Officers in charge of branch registries in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta will perform similar duties at the provincial level.

The focal person will represent the court, assist with transportation of the deceased to the funeral site, and place a floral wreath on behalf of the Chief Justice of Pakistan and sitting judges.