Dipak Misra – First CJI With Z-Category Cover, Bulletproof Car

CJI Dipak Misra is the first Supreme Court judge to use a bulletproof ambassador car.

India’s 45th CJI Dipak Misra (right) with President Ramnath Kovind (left).

(Photo: PTI)

Justice Dipak Misra, who was sworn in on Monday as the 45th Chief Justice of India, will be the first of CJIs to have Z-category security cover. He is also the only Supreme Court judge to use a bulletproof ambassador car with a police escort, reported Times of India.

In July 2015, a bench headed by Justice Misra rejected 1993 Mumbai serial blasts convict Yakub Memon's plea for leniency of his death penalty. Following the sentencing, an anonymous letter was thrown into Misra’s house, requiring him to be provided with the Z-category security. The security cover will reportedly stay in place.

Justice Misra, 64, assumed office following the retirement of Justice JS Khehar on Sunday, and will remain in office till 2 October 2018. As per the established practice, Justice Khehar had named Misra as the next CJI in July.

Also Read: Why We Should Watch Out Once Dipak Misra Assumes CJI’s Seat

PM Modi and President Kovind at the oath taking ceremony.(Photo Courtesy: ANI Screengrab)

The memorandum of procedure, a document which guides the appointment, transfer and elevation of judges of the Supreme Court and the 24 high courts, states that appointment to the office of the Chief Justice of India should be of the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, who’s considered fit to hold the office.

Also Read: Chief Justice JS Khehar Beleaguered by Controversy & Mismanagement

(With inputs from PTI, Times of India)

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