During a hearing on judges’ pensions, Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud expressed significant concern. The bench, led by the CJI, instructed Attorney General R. Venkat Ramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to address the issue.
The petition seeks retirement benefits for retired district court judges. The CJI highlighted the low pension amounts, noting some retired judges receive only Rs 15,000 per month. In one case, a female judge receives Rs 96,000 annually, or Rs 8,000 per month.
The CJI also noted that judges promoted to High Court by age 56-57 face reduced pension benefits of Rs 30,000, and struggle with career transitions at such an advanced age. He emphasized the need for government action, questioning how judges can sustain themselves after years of service.
The Supreme Court is reviewing a petition from the All India Judges Association, which calls for the implementation of the second National Judicial Pay Commission’s recommendations. Amicus Curiae K. Parmeshwar reported that states oppose the recommendations due to financial constraints and suggest central government support for pension funding.
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