Justice Joymalya Bagchi appointed as SC judge set to become CJI in 2031: Check the salary & perks of judges in India

Salary & Perks Of Indian Judges: The Indian government has appointed Justice Joymalya Bagchi as a judge of the Supreme Court, following a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced this significant development on social media.

With this appointment, Justice Joymalya Bagchi is set to become the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in May 2031. However, his tenure as CJI will be brief, lasting just over four months before his retirement on October 2, 2031. His elevation fills one of the two vacant positions in the Supreme Court, which has a sanctioned strength of 34 judges.

Career Journey of Justice Joymalya Bagchi

Justice Bagchi began his judicial career as a judge in the Calcutta High Court in June 2011. In January 2021, he was transferred to the Andhra Pradesh High Court before being repatriated to the Calcutta High Court in November 2021. Over his 13-year tenure, he has handled a wide range of legal matters, gaining expertise across various fields of law.

Salaries and Perks of Judges in India

According to the official website of the Department of Justice, The salary and benefits of Supreme Court and High Court judges are regulated under the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958, and the High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954. Any revisions to their salaries and perks require amendments to these acts.

The last revision in the salaries of Supreme Court and High Court judges took effect from January 1, 2006, following the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission. Later, the 7th Pay Commission recommended further revisions, which were approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2017.

Salary and Perks of the Chief Justice of India (CJI)

• Monthly Salary: Rs 2,80,000
• Sumptuary Allowance: Rs 45,000 per month
• Furnishing Allowance: Rs 10 lakh
• Official Residence: Rent-free Type VII bungalow with security staff
• Vehicle & Fuel: Official car with a driver and 200 litres of fuel per month
• Personal Security: Assigned a Personal Security Officer (PSO)
• Travel Allowance: Reimbursed when travelling for official duties

Retirement Benefits:

• Pension: Rs 1,40,000 per month plus Dearness Allowance (DA)
• Gratuity: Rs 20 lakh
• Medical Benefits: Class 1 Central Civil Services medical facilities for life

The CJI receives a higher salary than the Prime Minister of India, whose total monthly earnings are around Rs 2 lakh. Only the President and Vice President of India have higher salaries than the CJI.

Salary and Perks of Supreme Court Judges

• Monthly Salary: Rs 2,50,000
• Sumptuary Allowance: Rs 34,000 per month
• Furnishing Allowance: Rs 8 lakh
• Official Residence: Rent-free bungalow
• Vehicle & Driver: Official car with a driver

Retirement Benefits:

• Pension: Rs 1,25,000 per month plus DA
• Gratuity: Rs 20 lakh
• Medical Benefits: Lifetime coverage under government medical schemes

Salary and Perks of High Court Judges

Chief Justice of a High Court

• Monthly Salary: Rs 2,50,000
• Sumptuary Allowance: Rs 34,000 per month
• Furnishing Allowance: Rs 8 lakh

Retirement Benefits:

• Pension: Rs 1,25,000 per month plus DA
• Gratuity: Rs 20 lakh
• Medical Benefits: Government-provided healthcare services

Other High Court Judges

• Monthly Salary: Rs 2,25,000
• Sumptuary Allowance: Rs 27,000 per month
• Furnishing Allowance: Rs 6 lakh

Retirement Benefits:

• Pension: Rs 1,12,500 per month plus DA
• Gratuity: Rs 20 lakh
• Medical Benefits: Lifetime healthcare coverage

Who Pays the Salaries of Judges?

The Ministry of Law and Justice manages the salaries, pensions, and allowances of Supreme Court judges, which are paid by the Central Government. However, the salaries of High Court judges are covered by their respective state governments, while their pensions are paid by the Central Government.

The appointment of Justice Joymalya Bagchi to the Supreme Court is a crucial development in India¡¯s judicial system. As he prepares to take over as CJI in 2031, he will play a significant role in shaping the country¡¯s legal landscape. Meanwhile, the salary and perks of Supreme Court and High Court judges reflect their esteemed position in the judicial hierarchy, ensuring they have the necessary resources and security to carry out their duties effectively.

For more updates on judicial appointments, salaries, and perks of Supreme Court judges, stay tuned!

For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here.