LHC Unveils Transport Monetisation Policy, Enabling Judicial Officers to Acquire Official Vehicles at Depreciated Rates

LAHORE — The Lahore High Court (LHC) has rolled out a Transport Monetisation Policy that permits judicial officers in Punjab’s district courts to buy their designated vehicles at a reduced, depreciated cost.

A notification from the LHC registrar confirms that Chief Justice Aalia Neelum approved the policy after receiving recommendations from the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) and the Punjab cabinet.

The policy is effective retroactively from 1 July 2026.

Rather than receiving official fuel, maintenance, or driver services for personal use, officers will receive a monthly transport monetisation allowance; the amount will be set by the competent authority and periodically adjusted to reflect fuel prices and economic changes.

A central element of the policy gives officers the choice to buy their assigned vehicles at a depreciated lump‑sum price. Those who refuse must deliver the vehicle immediately to the district and sessions judge.

The notification explains that depreciation will be calculated at 15 % in the first year and 10 % each subsequent year, applied to the vehicle’s original purchase price.

Nonetheless, the sale price is capped at a minimum of Rs200,000 for cars up to 1,000 cc and Rs250,000 for those 1,300 cc and larger.

Payments must be made in a single lump sum via pay order or demand draft payable to the LHC registrar.

Officers who opt to purchase must submit a—they cannot submit a formal undertaking confirming acceptance of the terms.

Once purchased, officers must register the vehicles as private property.

The government licence plates and green plates must be surrendered, and the officer bears all re‑registration, transfer, and tax costs.

Only officers who have received official allocations from the LHC may purchase the vehicles.

The notification further allows a deceased officer’s widow or spouse to buy the vehicle at the depreciated rate, pending approval and following prescribed procedures.

Officers under disciplinary review or who have already surrendered vehicles are normally ineligible; probationary officers may use the facility under certain conditions.

Each district is asked to keep a centralised fleet for official and protocol use, and any surplus vehicles resulting from the monetisation policy must be reported to the High Court promptly.

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