The Lahore High Court (LHC) has introduced restrictions on the use of official symbols on vehicles provided to judges. The instructions apply to judges who recently received vehicles from the government.
Under the new directions, judges cannot use green registration plates on these vehicles. They are also prohibited from installing blue warning lights. The use of the judiciary’s official monogram is also not allowed.
The instructions were issued through a notification by Lahore Sessions Judge Tariq Khurshid Khawaja. The notification was sent to additional sessions judges and civil judges in Lahore.
According to the notification, the vehicles will be considered for private use. Judges cannot display or represent these cars as official judiciary vehicles.
The LHC instructions also warn judges against violating the new rules. Disciplinary or other action may be taken if the restrictions are ignored.
The notification has also been communicated to judges in other districts across Punjab. Additional sessions judges reportedly informed judicial officers about the instructions after receiving the notification.
The development follows the provision of a large number of vehicles to members of the lower judiciary. According to the report, 189 vehicles were provided to additional sessions judges.
Around 400 vehicles were also provided to civil judges in Lahore. The vehicles are intended for the judges’ use but will not carry certain official markings.
Another important part of the decision concerns vehicle maintenance. The government will not bear the official maintenance expenses for these cars.
Judges will therefore have to pay for maintenance themselves. They will continue receiving the petrol allowance already included in their salaries.
The latest LHC directions clarify how the newly provided vehicles should be used. They also aim to prevent the cars from being presented as official government vehicles.
The restrictions cover registration plates, warning lights and judicial symbols. Judges have been advised to follow the instructions to avoid possible action.
The notification applies to the concerned judges and vehicles provided under the recent government initiative. The instructions are expected to ensure clear rules regarding the private use of these vehicles.
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The LHC has therefore placed specific limits on how judges can identify and operate the recently provided cars.
