Supreme Court Clarifies Responsibility for Medical Expenses of Retired High Court Judges

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has delineated the responsibilities of state governments concerning the provision of medical benefits to retired High Court judges. This decision addresses longstanding ambiguities regarding which state bears the financial burden for medical expenses when a retired judge settles in a state different from where they served.

The Court emphasized that the state from which a retired judge draws their pension is obligated to reimburse medical expenses, irrespective of the judge's current residence. This clarification ensures that retired judges receive consistent medical benefits, aligning with the dignity of their former office.

The ruling mandates that all states and Union Territories provide medical facilities to retired Chief Justices and judges of High Courts, including their spouses and dependent family members, on par with serving judges. This includes reimbursement for treatments in private hospitals without requiring prior approval from the state government. Furthermore, the Registrar General of each High Court is designated as the sanctioning authority for medical reimbursements, streamlining the process and reducing bureaucratic delays.

The Court's decision also addresses the challenges faced by retired judges who relocate post-retirement. By assigning the financial responsibility to the state from which the pension is drawn, the ruling eliminates confusion and ensures that retired judges are not disadvantaged due to their choice of residence.

This judgment reinforces the principle that the judiciary must be supported adequately, even after retirement, to maintain its independence and integrity. By ensuring uniform medical benefits and clarifying administrative responsibilities, the Supreme Court upholds the respect and care owed to those who have served in the nation's highest courts.