A Bill seeking to formalise retirement benefits for former Chief Justices has been introduced in Parliament, setting out a comprehensive package that includes a tax-free salary, housing, and other state-supported entitlements.
The proposed law, titled the Benefits of Former Chief Justice Bill, 2026, aims to provide structured benefits to individuals who have served as Chief Justice for at least five years and have vacated office in accordance with the Constitution.
According to the Bill, a former Chief Justice will be entitled to a tax-free monthly salary pegged at 80 percent of the emoluments of the sitting Chief Justice. In addition, the State will provide a house of the former Chief Justice’s choice within Zambia or, alternatively, a one-off cash payment equivalent to 40 percent of what is granted to former Presidents under the existing benefits framework.
The Bill further provides for a government-funded motor vehicle, a driver, and full maintenance including fuel, as may be determined by the Judicial Service Commission.
In the event of the death of a former Chief Justice, the surviving spouse and children will be entitled to certain benefits, including a house if one had not already been provided, as well as a tax-free monthly pension set at 50 percent of the sitting Chief Justice’s emoluments.
However, the proposed law places conditions on eligibility. Benefits will not be granted if a former Chief Justice is receiving a government salary, engages in active politics, is removed from office for constitutional violations or misconduct, or is convicted of an offence carrying a prison sentence exceeding six months.
The Bill also clarifies that some benefits, such as vehicles and related provisions, will not form part of the deceased’s estate, while others, including housing benefits, may be inherited.
Additionally, a surviving spouse who remarries will cease to be entitled to the benefits provided under the Act.
The move aligns with broader efforts by government to standardise post-retirement packages for high-ranking public officials, following similar provisions extended to former Presidents and Vice Presidents.
Once enacted, the law will apply to individuals serving as Chief Justice from the commencement date of the Act, marking a significant development in the structuring of judicial retirement benefits in Zambia.