The Supreme Court referred the issue of whether MBBS and AYUSH doctors can receive equal service conditions, including retirement age, to a larger bench, emphasizing that treatment of unequals as equals is impermissible, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta representing the petitioner.
The Supreme Court and the Union government are debating the uniformity of judges’ salaries and pensions. The Court argues that disparities undermine judicial independence and talent retention, while the Attorney General claims that financial stability does not necessarily affect independence. Concerns over inadequate pensions for retired judges were also raised.
The Supreme Court of India today (22nd Oct) reviewing the constitutionality of the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004, which a High Court previously deemed unconstitutional. The UP government argues for partial review rather than complete dismissal, emphasizing the state’s duty to provide quality education. Concerns over madrasa students’ eligibility for NEET were also discussed.
The Supreme Court today urged the Centre to address the meager pensions for district judges, citing concerns for their welfare. The Attorney General and Solicitor General were requested to collaborate with the amicus curiae to find a solution. The bench postponed the hearing to address pension-related concerns and highlighted the delay in implementing uniform service conditions for judicial officers.