Supreme Court Summons State Officers Over Non-Compliance of Judicial Pay Recommendations

The Supreme Court has ordered the chief and finance secretaries of 16 states to appear in court for not complying with the Second National Judicial Pay Commission's recommendations on paying arrears and benefits to judicial officers. Multiple extensions have been given, but full compliance remains unfulfilled. The court is considering contempt proceedings if compliance is not met.

The Supreme Court on Thursday summoned the chief and finance secretaries of 16 states for non-compliance with the Second National Judicial Pay Commission's recommendations on arrears of pension and other retirement benefits to judicial officers.

Expressing strong displeasure, the bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud made it clear that further delays wouldn't be tolerated. 'We know how to extract compliance now,' the bench stated, emphasizing the significance of personal presence if affidavits are not filed on time.

Despite seven opportunities, several states remain in default. The court warned that non-compliance could lead to contempt proceedings and mandated that the top officials from Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and other states appear on August 23. Further extensions will not be granted, and specific issues like wrongful TDS deductions must be addressed immediately.