Landmark Verdict on Pension Equality
Supreme Court Grants Full Pension to All Retired High Court Judges: The Supreme Court of India has ruled that all retired High Court judges, including those who served as Additional Judges, are entitled to receive full pension and retiral benefits. This decision eliminates previous disparities in pension payments based on the nature of judicial appointment and tenure.
Upholding Article 14 of the Constitution
The Court held that unequal pension treatment among retired judges violates the right to equality under Article 14. It emphasized that judicial service must be treated uniformly, irrespective of whether the judge retired as a permanent judge or additional judge of a High Court.
Directive for Uniform Pension Structure
The apex court directed the Union Government to implement the ‘One Rank One Pension’ principle in the judiciary. As per the judgment, retired Chief Justices of High Courts will now receive ₹15 lakh per annum as full pension, while other High Court judges will be entitled to ₹13.5 lakh per annum.
Wider Implications for Judicial Welfare
This verdict reinforces the idea that service in the judiciary—regardless of the role or appointment method—should be rewarded with equal post-retirement financial dignity. The court clarified that the term “retired judge” includes Additional Judges, thus ensuring a universal pension standard across the Indian judiciary.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
| Topic | Details |
| Supreme Court Ruling Year | 2025 |
| Beneficiaries | All retired High Court judges (including Additional Judges) |
| Key Constitutional Article Involved | Article 14 – Right to Equality |
| Annual Pension – Chief Justices | ₹15 lakh |
| Annual Pension – Other Judges | ₹13.5 lakh |
| Directive Issued | One Rank One Pension for Judiciary |
| Applicable to | All High Courts in India |
