Delhi High Court Faces Petition for Salary Increase of Legal Researchers
A group of legal researchers has filed a petition with the Delhi High Court, seeking to enforce a salary increase to ₹80,000 as directed by the Chief Justice. They are also requesting outstanding dues with interest. Despite previous approvals for salary increments, the proposal remains pending with the Delhi government, leading to frustration among the researchers. The case highlights the challenges faced by legal researchers in securing fair compensation for their work, as they often work longer hours than judges. The situation raises questions about bureaucratic delays and the recognition of their contributions within the judicial system.
| Jun 3, 2025, 16:59 IST
Legal Researchers Seek Salary Hike
A group of legal researchers has approached the Delhi High Court, requesting the implementation of a directive from the Chief Justice to raise their monthly salary to ₹80,000, effective from October 1, 2022. Their petition also demands the payment of outstanding dues with an annual interest of 18%. The petition highlights that under Article 229, the Delhi High Court established rules in 1972, leading to the creation of 367 positions for senior judicial assistants, of which 120 were designated for legal researchers under the appointment scheme. This case was listed for hearing last week before a bench comprising Justice C. Harishankar and Justice Ajay Digpaul. However, due to Justice Digpaul's recusal, the matter was transferred to a different bench.
Concerns Raised Over Delayed Salary Implementation
During the proceedings, Justice Harishankar acknowledged that legal researchers often work longer hours than judges and noted that their counterparts in the Supreme Court receive significantly higher compensation. He expressed concern over the lack of action despite the proposal being approved two years ago, stating that legal researchers deserve recognition and fair remuneration for their work. Consequently, the case has been sent to a different bench for review after the court's recess. Initially, legal researchers earned ₹25,000 per month, which was increased to ₹35,000 in August 2017 following approval from the then acting Chief Justice. Subsequent salary increments under Article 229 raised their pay to ₹50,000 in August 2018, ₹65,000 in August 2019, and most recently to ₹80,000 from October 2022, as approved by the Chief Justice.
Pending Approval from Delhi Government
Despite these approvals, the proposal remains pending with the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). The repeated requests from legal researchers for implementation have largely gone unaddressed, with only a potential increase from ₹35,000 to ₹65,000 approved in November 2021, disregarding prior approvals. Frustrated by the delays, the petitioners filed RTI applications in March and August 2024, revealing that the proposal was submitted to the GNCTD in September 2023 but has yet to receive approval. Further inquiries from the finance and law departments have highlighted bureaucratic hurdles, with officials withholding information under Section 8(1)(i) of the RTI Act.