Controversial Judge Ganediwala Entitled to High Court Pension

The Bombay High Court ruled that former HC judge Pushpa Ganediwala, demoted over controversial POCSO rulings, is entitled to a pension on par with an HC judge. Despite her voluntary retirement, the court directed pension adjustments with interest, emphasizing 'retire' includes resignation under HC Judicial Act provisions.

The Bombay High Court has determined that Pushpa Ganediwala, a former HC judge demoted due to controversial judgments under the POCSO Act, should receive a pension equivalent to that of a high court judge. This ruling comes despite her voluntary retirement and subsequent demotion to district sessions judge in 2022.

Ganediwala's eligibility for a high court judge's pension was contested due to her resignation. However, a division bench headed by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe has ordered the high court registry to adjust her pension, including 6% interest from February 2022, within two months. The court emphasized that 'retirement' encompasses resignation according to judicial provisions.

This decision follows the Supreme Court Collegium's withdrawal of Ganediwala's appointment as a permanent judge due to her controversial interpretations of the POCSO Act. Her appeal for pension, challenged in November 2022, was quashed by the court, reaffirming her entitlement under judicial service conditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)