Supreme Court Calls for Humane Approach to Judges' Pensions

The Supreme Court has criticized the inadequately low pensions for some retired high court judges, urging a humane rather than legal approach. The disparity in pensions stems from judges being covered under different retirement schemes. The government aims to address this issue by 2025.

The Supreme Court has criticized the remarkably low pensions ranging between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 allotted to some retired high court judges, labeling it as 'pitiable.' The court urged authorities to adopt a 'humane approach' over a 'legal approach' in tackling the issue.

A bench consisting of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan is examining numerous pleas addressing the divergence in pensions paid to retired high court judges. This disparity arises because judges promoted from the district judiciary are under the New Pension Scheme, whereas those elevated from the Bar benefit from the Old Pension Scheme.

The Attorney General R Venkataramani has highlighted the issue to the bench, seeking a hearing in January 2025. Meanwhile, the government is working towards a resolution. The bench specified that any judicial pronouncements applicable to all retired high court judges, will be considered during the January hearing.

(With inputs from agencies.)