India

SC Summons Chief Secretaries Over Pending Judicial Pension Payments

The Chief Secretaries of 18 states appeared before the Supreme Court following its order regarding the payment of pending pensions and retirement benefits of judges, in line with the recommendations of the Second National Judicial Pay Commission. During the hearing, the bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud clarified that Chief Secretaries from states that have cleared the dues need not appear further. The court expressed no satisfaction in summoning top officials but explained that repeated absences by state lawyers made it necessary.

States Complying with Pension Payments Identified

In the previous hearing, the court summoned Chief Secretaries from 18 states and union territories, including Delhi, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Bihar, ordering their presence. During this session, the CJI asked which states have complied with the pension recommendations. The counsel informed the court that Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, and Himachal Pradesh have allocated funds and will comply within four weeks. The court urged non-compliant states to act promptly.

CJI Highlights Serious Pension Issues

The court emphasized the severity of cases related to judicial pensions, noting that some retired district judges receive as little as ₹15,000 per month. The CJI highlighted one instance where a woman judge receives an annual pension of only ₹96,000, or ₹8,000 monthly. The bench also expressed concern over district judges promoted to the High Court at an advanced age, receiving pensions of ₹30,000 but unable to take on arbitration cases due to their age. The court stressed that after years of service, such officers cannot easily transition into practice. The ongoing case involves a petition by the All India Judges Association, seeking enforcement of the Second National Judicial Pay Commission’s recommendations. Amicus Curiae K. Parmeshwar informed the court that several states oppose the implementation due to financial constraints, arguing that central government support is needed to proceed.

Also Read: SC Directs IMA President To Submit Readable Apology In Patanjali Misleading Ad Case

Gopal Krishna

Recent Posts

PM Modi Meets Bhutan PM Tobgay At BIMSTEC Summit; Highlights Strong Bilateral Ties & Regional Cooperation

PM Narendra Modi met Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC…

18 mins ago

Jamia Students Back Waqf Amendment Bill; Call It A Step Toward Empowerment

The student group 'Shaher-E-Arzoo' expressed firm support for the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it a…

3 hours ago

India’s Exports To The US Face Limited Impact From Tariff Hike: SBI Report

The 27% tariff hike by US President Donald Trump on Indian goods will have only…

3 hours ago

Waqf Freed From Mafia Control, New Era Of Development Begins For Muslims: MRM

Following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in both Houses of Parliament, celebrations…

4 hours ago

India’s Forex Reserves Surge To $665.4 Billion; Rupee Strengthens As Trade Deficit Narrows

India’s forex reserves jumped $6.6 billion to a five-month high of $665.4 billion for the…

5 hours ago

Laxmi Singh Leads Gautam Buddha Nagar Police To Historic No 1 Rank In IGRS Across All Stations

Gautam Buddha Nagar Police, led by CP Laxmi Singh, achieved a historic feat with all…

6 hours ago