New Delhi: the Supreme Court on Monday, ruled that all retired High Court judges are entitled to receive full and equal pension, regardless of their date of appointment or whether they served as permanent or additional judges. The court extended this directive to include retired judges of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and all district judges, ensuring uniformity in post-retirement benefits across the judiciary.

‘One Rank, One Pension’ principle upheld

Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai emphasised that uniform post-retirement benefits are just as important as salaries to protect the independence of the judiciary and maintain the dignity of judicial office.

The Supreme Court reinforced the principle of ‘One Rank, One Pension’ by stating that no distinctions should be made between judges based on their appointment status.

Equal benefits for judges and their families

The bench also ruled that other benefits, including gratuity and family pension for widows, widowers, and dependents, must be standardised for all judges.

Highlighting this, the court stated, "We hold that any discrimination among judges for terminal benefits after retirement will be violative of Article 14. Thus, we hold all High Court judges, irrespective of when they entered, are entitled to full pension."

Full pension for additional judges confirmed

The court made clear that retired judges who served as additional judges are equally entitled to full pension, with no distinction permitted between them and permanent judges.

"We also hold High Court judges who retired as additional judges will also get full pension and any distinction between judges and additional judges will be doing violence," the order stated, as quoted by legal news portal Bar and Bench.

Specific pension amounts ordered

The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice Gavai, directed the central government to provide retired chief justices of High Courts with a full pension of Rs 15 lakh per annum. Other retired High Court judges are to receive Rs 13.5 lakh per annum, ensuring a clear, standardised pension structure for all.