5 - Statement of Objects and Reasons. - Constitution (54th Amendment) Act, 1986

Statement of Objects and Reasons. 1. The salaries of Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts are governed by the provisions of Part D of the Second Schedule to the Constitution of India as indicated below: Chief Justice of India Rs. 5,000 per month Judges of the Supreme Court Rs. 4,000 per month Chief Justice of a High Court Rs. 4,000 per month Judges of a High Court Rs. 3,500 per month. 2. These salaries have remained static since 1950, despite high inflation and price rise that has taken place during all these years. The Joint Conference of Chief Justices, Chief Ministers and Law Ministers of the States held on 31st August and 1st September, 1985, inter alia, discussed and recommended improvement in service conditions of Judges including increase in their salaries, not only to minimise the inflationary pressures on them but also to attract best talents in the country to man the judicial posts. 3. Having considered all aspects of the matter, it is proposed to increase the salaries of the Judges as detailed below: Chief Justice of India Rs. 10,000 per month Judges of the Supreme Court Rs. 9,000 per month Chief Justice of a High Court Rs. 9,000 per month Judges of a High Court Rs. 8,000 per month. 4. This Bill seeks to amend Part D of the Second Schedule to the Constitution to give effect to the above increases in the salaries of Judges and to make an enabling provision in articles 125 and 221 to provide for changes in the salaries of Judges in future by Parliament by law.