Govt approves pay hike for judges of Supreme Court and high courts

The government on Wednesday approved an increase in the salaries and pensions of judges of the Supreme Court and high courts as per recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission.

The union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the revision in the salaries, gratuity, allowances, pension, etc, of the judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts and retired judges of Supreme Court and high courts.

This is part of the implementation of recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission in respect of civil servants, a finance ministry release stated.

The approval will pave the way for necessary amendments in the two laws - Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958 and High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954, which govern the salaries of Chief Justice of India (CJI), Judges of Supreme Court of India, Chief Justices and all judges of high courts.

The increase in the salary and allowances will benefit 31 judges of the Supreme Court of India (including the CJI) and 1,079 Judges (including the chief justices) of high courts. Besides, approximately 2,500 retired judges will also be benefited on account of revision of pension/gratuity etc.

Arrears on account of revised salaries, gratuity, pension and family pension will be paid from 1 January 2016 and will be paid as one time lump sum payment.