Cabinet approves revised salaries and pension for Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts

The Union Cabinet approved revision in salaries, gratuity, allowances, pension etc. of Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts and retired Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts. The decision follows implementation of recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission in respect of Civil Servants.

Key Facts

The increase in salary and allowances will benefit 31 Judges of Supreme Court (including the CJI) and 1079 Judges (including the Chief Justices) of High Courts. Besides, it will also benefit approximately 2500 retired Judges.
The approval will pave way for necessary amendments in two laws viz. 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 CJI, Judges of Supreme Court, Chief Justices and all Judges of High Courts. Government has proposed to introduce Bill in Parliament in ensuing Session for amendment in these relevant Acts for giving effect to the revision of salaries and allowances.

Background

Supreme Court judge at present gets Rs 1.5 lakh a month in hand after all deductions from salary and allowances. The CJI gets a higher amount than this while judges of High Courts get lesser amount. Moreover, these judges are provided with rent-free accommodation while they are in service. After the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, the matter of pay hike was taken in consideration by the government.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2017