New Delhi, 19 May (H.S.): On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled that all retired high court judges, including additional judges, are entitled to equal pension and retiral benefits, regardless of their retirement date, length of service, or the source from which they entered service.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai emphasized the application of the ‘One Rank One Pension’ principle, stating that no discrimination should exist in pension benefits based on a judge’s entry into service or their appointment from judicial service or the Bar. The court directed the Central government to provide a full annual pension of Rs 15 lakh to retired chief justices and Rs 13.6 lakh to other high court judges, including additional judges.

Family pensions will also be available for the spouses of retired judges. The Chief Justice stated that discrimination against judges concerning terminal benefits violates Article 14 of the Constitution. The ruling arose from proceedings initiated by the court to address disparities in retiral benefits for judges and petitions by retired judges. The bench also ordered that retired high court judges with previous district judge service be granted full pension, regardless of service breaks, and directed states to refund all contributions made to the new pension scheme along with dividends.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar