The Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concerns over the low pensions received by retired high court judges, some as little as Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000. This discrepancy stems from how pension calculations do not account for prior judicial service. The court plans to review pension policies further on November 27, emphasizing the need for equitable retirement benefits to uphold judicial integrity and dignity.
Yesterday (March 16th), the Supreme Court of India issued a significant ruling emphasizing equality in determining pensionary benefits for retired high court judges. The Court stressed that there should be no differentiation in pension benefits between judges elevated from the bar and those from the district judiciary. CJI Chandrachud led the bench in this landmark judgment, affirming that the pension entitlements of retired high court judges, regardless of their pre-elevation professional background, should be based on their last salary as a high court judge.
Retired Justice Ajit Singh from the Allahabad High Court challenges the pension norms for judges elevated from the district judiciary, stating that the current pension of ₹15,005 does not reflect the dignity due to a retired High Court judge. He argues for equal treatment in pension calculation and highlights broader issues of financial security and respect for retired judges.
The Supreme Court expressed serious concern over inadequate pension for retired district judges, emphasizing the need for a dignified post-retirement life. Chief Justice Chandrachud sought the assistance of the Attorney General, highlighting that some High Court judges were also facing pension issues. The Court had previously cautioned against non-compliance with pension directives.