LHC rolls out Transport Monetisation Policy, allows Judicial Officers to purchase official vehicles at depreciated rates

The Lahore High Court has rolled out a Transport Monetisation Policy, enabling judicial officers serving in the district judiciary across Punjab to purchase their officially allotted vehicles at depreciated rates, with retrospective effect from July 1, 2026. Under the new arrangement, judicial officers will no longer be entitled to official fuel, maintenance, or driver facilities for personal use. In place of these benefits, they will receive a monthly transport monetisation allowance, the amount of which will be fixed by the competent authority and revised from time to time in accordance with fuel prices and prevailing economic conditions.

According to a notification issued by the LHC registrar, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum approved the policy in line with the decisions of the National Judicial Policy Making Committee and the Punjab cabinet. A major component of the policy allows judicial officers to purchase the official vehicles presently allotted to them by paying a depreciated lump-sum amount. The depreciated price will be worked out by applying depreciation at the rate of 15% during the first year and 10% for every subsequent year on the vehicle’s original purchase cost. Those opting not to purchase the vehicles will have to surrender them immediately to their respective district and sessions judges.

The policy is available only to judicial officers who have been officially allotted vehicles by the LHC. It also extends the option to the widow or spouse of a judicial officer who dies during service, allowing them to purchase the allotted vehicle at the depreciated price, subject to the prescribed procedure and approval. Judicial officers facing disciplinary proceedings, as well as those who have already surrendered their official vehicles, will generally not be entitled to avail themselves of the scheme. However, probationary judicial officers may benefit from the policy, subject to applicable conditions.

The notification further directs every district to maintain a centralised pool of official vehicles solely for official and protocol purposes, while any surplus vehicles arising from the implementation of the monetisation policy are to be disposed of without delay. The policy aims to streamline vehicle management, reduce costs, and provide judicial officers with a transparent and efficient transport allowance system. By allowing officers to purchase their vehicles at depreciated rates, the LHC seeks to offer a practical and sustainable solution that balances official requirements with the personal needs of judicial officers. The move is expected to bring uniformity and financial relief to the district judiciary, ensuring that transport facilities are utilized efficiently while maintaining the dignity and independence of the judicial system.