In a legal development today, the Supreme Court has issued a stern warning to Chief Secretaries of states, cautioning them against failing to comply with previous directives related to the payment of pensions to district judges at revised rates from July 1 onwards. The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, alongside Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, noted a lack of adherence to the Court's directive issued on May 19 by certain states and union territories.

Despite the dissatisfaction expressed by the Bench regarding the non-compliance, an extension until December 6 has been granted for the states to meet the directives. However, if the deadline is not met, Chief Secretaries from non-compliant states will be required to appear before the Court on December 8.

The Court emphasized the seriousness of the non-compliance, deeming it a significant breach that could lead to contempt of court proceedings against Chief Secretaries. The final opportunity for compliance has been set for December 6, with a clear directive that compliance involves the actual transfer of the revised pension amounts into the bank accounts of judicial officers or their surviving spouses.

To provide further context, on May 19, 2023, the Supreme Court issued directives instructing High Courts and competent authorities to make necessary amendments to service rules, addressing the service conditions of judicial officers. The Court mandated the implementation of these changes within a three-month timeframe, with revised pension rates to be disbursed from July 1, 2023.

Additionally, the Court instructed an increase in the number of posts for district judges, raising the percentage to 35% of the cadre strength from the existing 25%. Presently, the Supreme Court has urged all High Courts to comply with its directives by December 31, with amendments to service rules officially notified by January 31, 2024.

The issue also delves into the impact of a contributory scheme on the financial dignity of judicial officers regarding their pension. The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for this matter in the third week of January 2024.