Supreme Court Mandates Equal Pension for Retired High Court Judges
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has mandated that all retired high court judges receive equal pensions, regardless of their appointment dates or positions. This decision aims to ensure uniformity in retirement benefits, reinforcing judicial independence and dignity. The court has also specified pension amounts for retired chief justices and judges, highlighting the importance of equitable treatment within the judiciary. This landmark decision is expected to have a profound impact on the retirement benefits of judges across India.
May 19, 2025, 12:34 IST
Supreme Court's Landmark Decision on Pension Equality
The Supreme Court issued a ruling on Monday, mandating that all retired judges from high courts receive full and equal pensions, regardless of their appointment date or whether they served as permanent or additional judges. The apex court also extended similar retirement benefits to judges of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and all district judges. Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud emphasized the necessity of uniformity in post-retirement benefits, akin to salaries, to uphold judicial independence and maintain the dignity of judicial offices.
Details of the Ruling
The court clarified that all high court judges are entitled to full pensions, irrespective of their appointment dates or whether they were promoted from the bar or the district judiciary. It stated that there should be no distinction between additional and permanent judges. The bench also noted that benefits such as gratuity and family pensions for widows, widowers, and other dependents should be uniform for all judges. The court asserted that any discrimination in terminal benefits among judges would violate Article 14 of the Constitution. Therefore, all high court judges are deemed eligible for full pensions, regardless of when they assumed office. The court also affirmed that retired additional judges of high courts should receive full pensions, as any discrimination between judges and additional judges would promote injustice.
Pension Amounts Specified
The bench led by Chief Justice Chandrachud directed the central government to provide a full pension of ₹15 lakh per year to retired chief justices of high courts and ₹13.5 lakh per year to retired high court judges.