Supreme Court Urges Central Government to Address Concerns Over Inadequate Pensions for Retired District Judicial Officers
New Delhi, 26-02-2024 : The Supreme Court, in its session on Monday, voiced serious apprehensions regarding the meager pensions received by retired district judicial officers and urged the Central Government to seek a viable solution to address the issue. The bench, comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, solicited the assistance of Attorney General R Venkataramani in light of revelations that retired district judicial officers were receiving pensions amounting to only Rs 19,000-20,000.
Expressing dismay over the financial predicament faced by retired judges, the bench highlighted the challenges of sustaining oneself on such pensions, particularly after dedicating a considerable portion of their lives to service. The bench noted the impracticality for retired officers, often in their sixties, to transition back into legal practice given their age and circumstances.
Advocate K Parameshwar, acting as amicus curiae, emphasized the necessity of adequate pension provision to safeguard the judicial independence of officers. Recognizing the need for uniformity in the service conditions of judicial officers nationwide, the apex court had previously instructed the establishment of two-judge committees in each high court to monitor the implementation of orders concerning pay, pension, and other retirement benefits, in accordance with the recommendations of the Second National Judicial Pay Commission.
The commission’s proposals encompass various aspects, including pay structures, pensions, family pensions, allowances, and the establishment of a permanent mechanism to address the service conditions of district judiciary members. Stressing the significance of judicial independence in upholding public trust in the rule of law, the apex court underscored the necessity for judges to lead financially dignified lives both during and after their tenure.
The court reiterated that the post-retirement service conditions significantly impact the dignity and independence associated with the judicial office, and thus, should ensure security and dignity for retired officers. It emphasized that maintaining such conditions is essential to attract talent to the judiciary and to uphold its integrity in society.
Furthermore, the court expressed concern over the delay in resolving issues related to the service conditions of judicial officers, despite revisions being granted to officers in other services as early as January 1, 2016. This protracted delay has left similar concerns pertaining to judicial officers unresolved even after eight years, a matter the court views with grave concern.
