‘It will become difficult for judges to live like this…’ CJI Chandrachud expressed concern over whom, asked for help from the Centre

The pension amount received by retired district judges has also worried the Supreme Court. The court has asked Attorney General R Venkataramani to help in bringing a ‘just solution’ in this matter. Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud also said that some High Court judges have approached the Supreme Court over non-payment of salaries as they were not allotted new GPF accounts after promotion from the district judiciary.

While hearing a petition of All India Judges Association, CJI Chandrachud asked, ‘Retarded district judges are getting a pension of Rs 19,000-20,000. After long service, how will they manage their lives?’

Retired judges cannot practice at the age of 61-62 years
Justice Chandrachud also said, ‘This is the kind of office where you become completely incompetent. You cannot suddenly come into practice and go to the High Court at the age of 61-62.’ Along with this he said, ‘We want a proper solution to this. You know the District Judge is really suffering.

The Attorney General, representing the Central Government in the case, said that he will look into the issue. Earlier, the court had issued directions regarding the salaries and service conditions of judges based on the recommendations of the Second National Judicial Pay Commission. In this, states were asked to clear the dues and high courts were asked to form committees to ensure proper implementation.

The top court had earlier said that judicial independence, which is essential to maintain citizens’ faith in the rule of law, can be ensured only so long as judges can live with a sense of financial dignity.