Seeking to rectify an anomaly as per which the High Court judges selected from the Bar get lesser pension than those elevated from State judicial services, the Government plans to bring a Bill to amend the law Governing their salaries and service conditions.
The proposal to amend the High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954, comes more than a year after the Supreme Court ruled that such a discrepancy must be removed.
The law Ministry plans to bring the bill in the Monsoon Session of the Parliament beginning July 21.
According to an apex court ruling, if the service of a judicial officer is counted for fixation of pension, there is “no valid reason” as to why the experience at Bar cannot be treated as equivalent for the same purpose.
“...We accept the petitioners’ claim and declare that for pensionary benefits, ten years’ practice as an advocate be added as a qualifying service for judges elevated from the Bar.”