Cabinet approves revised salaries, pensions for SC, HC judges

New Delhi, Nov 22 (IANS) The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved revision in the salaries, gratuity, allowances and pensions of the judges of the Supreme Court and high courts as well as those who have retired, an official statement said.

The increase in emoluments will be effective from January 1, 2016 and benefit 31 judges of the Supreme Court (including the Chief Justice of India) and 1,079 judges (including the Chief Justices) of high courts.

About 2,500 retired judges will also be benefited.

"The union cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the revision in the salaries, gratuity, allowances, pension etc. of the judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts and retired judges of Supreme Court and High Courts," an official release said.

"Arrears on account of revised salaries, gratuity, pension and family pension w.e.f 01.01.2016 will be paid as one time lump sum payment," it added.

The cabinet decision follows implementation of recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission in respect of civil servants.

The approval will entail amendments in the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958 and High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954.

The government intends to move bills to amend these two acts in the ensuing winter session of parliament.