Question : NATIONAL JUDICIAL PAY COMMISSION S RECOMMENDATION FOR SALARY

(a) whether the Government have considered the report of the national Judicial Pay Commission which had inter-alia recommended the salary hike and increase in the number of judges;

(b) if so, whether the financial implications involved and the strength of judges recommended to be increased in each State;

(c) whether any consultation have been held with the State Governments in this regard; and

(d) if so, the decision taken to implement the various recommendations of the judicial commission as per the directive of the Supreme Court?

THE MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE (SHRI K. JANA KR1SHNAMURTHY):

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) As per the details made available by the respective 10 States and 4 UTs, the expenditure involved (both recurring and non-recurring expenditure) on account of implementing the recommendations of the First National Judicial Pay Commission (FNJPC) would be Rs.372.33 crores. The strength of judges recommended to be increased in each State is from the existing ratio of 13 per 10 lakh population to 50 judges per million people which is given in enclosed statement.

(c) Yes, Sir.

(d) The Central Government has partially accepted the recommendations of FNJPC in respect of Union Territories for which it is administratively responsible and implemented vide implementation orders dated 11.10.2001 and 11.3.2002. As regards the implementation of the directions of the Supreme Court contained in its Judgment of 21st March, 2002 with regard to the recommendations of FNJPC, the State Governments have expressed financial and constitutional difficulties in complying with the Judgment and the Central Government had filed applications before the Supreme Court apprising the Court of these difficulties and seeking an appropriate extension of time. The Supreme Court, in their order dated 25.11.2002, has directed that so far as the implementation of the higher pay-scales of the officers of subordinate judiciary is concerned, the same must be given effect to on or before 1st April, 2003 and for that purpose necessary budgetary provision can be made in the budget of the respective States as well as that of the Union. The matter is listed for next hearing in the 2nd week of May, 2003 for further directions.