Two days ago also, Sharma had to attend a farewell organized by the Judicial Officer´s Society. He was uncertain how to reach the venue. Later, the SC sent a vehicle to pick him up, and to take him home after the program was over. [break]
Sharma is not an exception in having to move about on foot following his retirement. Except for former CJ Bishwanath Upadhyaya, no ex-CJ has been provided a vehicle following retirement.
"As per constitutional provisions, the government should treat all high-ranking authorities equally," said SC Registrar Dr Ram Krishna Timalsena, adding, "The government is doing an injustice to the ex-CJs in not providing them any vehicle."
The government, however, has long been providing vehicles to former prime ministers, home ministers and defense ministers. "The chief justice is second in rank to the prime minister in terms of protocol," retired CJ Sharma said, adding, "Former prime ministers and home and defense ministers get vehicles even after they leave office but the CJs are not treated on par with PMs and ministers."
Sharma demanded vehicles for all former CJs. "This is not a personal problem," he said, "CJs moving about on foot is quite a sensitive matter from the security point of view as well."
Former CJs get personal security officers (PSO). But such officers are almost inactive because the ex-CJs normally don´t make any trips for lack of vehicles.
Registrar Timalsena said they are all set to formally ask the government to arrange vehicles for former chief justices. "In other countries there is a practice of providing vehicles for retired CJs," Timalsena added.
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