Judicial Pay Commission: SC to decide pay scale of subordinate judiciary on priority basis

Supreme Court. File Pic

The Supreme Court has said that issues of pay scales and pensionary/retiral benefits of the subordinate judiciary will be decided on a priority basis As these two issues have been pending for a long time.

According to Live Law, the plea was filed by the All India Judges Association for constitution of All India Judicial Commission to review the service conditions of the judges of the district judiciary before the bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Hima Kohli. In 2017, the Supreme Court had constituted the Second National Judicial Pay Commission to look into the pay scale, service conditions of the subordinate judiciary.

On January 6, the apex court directed state govts and union territories to give their objections to the recommendation of the Second National Judicial Pay Commission to the Amicus Curiae K Parameshwar so he can prepare a comprehensive report. "Please cooperate and do it in the interest of the Judiciary of the Country", the CJI told the State Counsels.

Attorney General for India and ASG KM Nataraj, Additional Solicitor General would also give short written objections on behalf of the Union of India. The bench also stated that if there are any objections then it must reach the Amicus Curiae and court within one week so that the court can fix a date for passing the order. The report has already been submitted by the commission appointed by Supreme Court viz a viz issue of pay, pension and allowances and service conditions with reference to subordinate judiciary. However, it is yet to submit its report on the issue of work methods, work environment.