Cabinet’s nod to pay hike for the Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts - (22 Nov 2017)

Constitution

Based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission in respect of Civil Servants, the Union Cabinet has approved the revision in the salaries, gratuity, allowances, pension etc. of the Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts and retired Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts. The cabinet’s approval would pave the way for necessary amendments in Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958 and High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954, which govern the salaries of Chief Justice of India (CJI), Judges of Supreme Court of India, Chief Justices and all Judges of High Courts. Law and IT minister said that, a bill would be introduced in winter session of Parliament to effect the pay hike.

With the revision, 31 Judges of Supreme Court of India (including the CJI) and 1079 Judges(including the Chief Justices) of High Courts across the country will be benefitted due to increase in emoluments. Further, approximately 2500 retired Judges will also be benefited on account of revision of pension/gratuity etc. Arrears on account of revised salaries, gratuity, pension and family pension w.e.f 01.01.2016 will be paid as one time lump sum payment. At present, a Supreme Court judge gets Rs. 1.5 lakh a month in hand after all deductions from salary and allowances. The Chief Justice of India gets a higher amount, while a judge of the High Court gets a lesser amount. Further, rent-free accommodation is provided to judges while they are in service.

In 2016, then Chief Justice of India TS Thakur initiated the issue of revision in emolument had written to the Government seeking a hike in the salaries of Supreme Court and High Court judges. Salaries, gratuity, pension, allowances etc. in respect of Judges of Supreme Court are governed by the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958. Salaries of Judges of High Courts are governed by High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954. An amendment in the Acts is required whenever there is any proposal for revision of salaries/pension gratuity, allowances etc. in respect of Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts. Therefore, Government proposes to move a Bill in the Parliament in the ensuing Session for amendment in the relevant Acts for giving effect to the revision of salaries and allowances.

Tags : JUDGES SALARY HIKE