[BREAKING] Judges Pension | “Pitiable That Retired HC Judges Getting Pension Rs 10K & Rs 15K”: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court Today (Dec 18) said it was “pitiable” that some retired high court judges were getting a pension ranging between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000. “You cannot have a legal approach in every matter. Sometimes, you need to have a humane approach,” observed a bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan. “It is pitiable,” the bench said, while noting that some retired high court judges were getting pension ranging between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000.

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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court addressed the alarming issue of inadequate pensions for some retired high court judges.

The bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan expressed their dismay over the situation, noting that several retired judges were receiving pensions ranging from a meager Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.

“You cannot have a legal approach in every matter. Sometimes, you need to have a humane approach,”

-the bench observed during the proceedings.

The issue was brought before the apex court through a plea concerning pension discrepancies among retired high court judges. While hearing the case, the court reiterated its concern, stating, “It is pitiable.”

Government Intervention Requested

Attorney General R. Venkataramani, appearing for the government, mentioned the matter and requested the bench to take it up for hearing in January. He assured the court that efforts were being made to resolve the issue.

“It is better you persuade them that our intervention should be avoided,”

-the bench suggested to the Attorney General, indicating its preference for an amicable resolution.

The court emphasized that the matter would not be decided on a case-by-case basis. Instead, it intended to establish a uniform ruling applicable to all high court judges. The hearing has been scheduled for January 8, 2024.

Previous Observations on Shocking Pension Figures

The bench revisited an earlier plea filed by a retired judge of the Allahabad High Court, who disclosed that he was receiving a pension of only Rs 15,000. The petitioner, who served as a district court judicial officer for 13 years before his elevation to the high court, claimed his judicial service was not considered while calculating his pension.

“If there are retired high court judges before us who are getting Rs 6,000 and Rs 15,000 as pension, it is shocking. How can that be?”

-the bench remarked during a previous hearing.

This is not the first time the Supreme Court has addressed the issue. In March, the court criticized the disparity in pensionary benefits for retired high court judges based on their elevation, whether from the bar or the district judiciary.

“There cannot be any discrimination in computing the pensionary benefits of retired judges of high courts based on whether they were elevated from the bar or the district judiciary,”

-the court observed.

It further clarified that the pension of retired judges elevated from the district judiciary should be calculated based on their last drawn salary as high court judges.

Implications of the Court’s Observations

The Supreme Court’s remarks underline the pressing need for reforms in pension policies for retired high court judges.

The issue not only reflects administrative oversight but also highlights the necessity of ensuring dignity for individuals who have served at the highest levels of the judiciary.

As the case progresses, the January 8 hearing will be crucial in addressing this long-standing issue and potentially setting a precedent for more equitable pension structures across the judiciary.

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