(a) whether the Justice Jagasnnadha Shetty Commission report for higher pay for
judiciary pending with the Government;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) the details of recommendations made by the Commission;
(d) whether the Supreme Court of India recently ordered for its implementation; and
(e) if so, the action taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL AND MINES AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
LAW AND JUSTICE (SHRl RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD):
(a) to (e) The Central Government have partially accepted the recommendations of Justice K.J.
Shetty Commission (First National Judical Pay Commission) in respect of Union Territories for
which it is administratively responsible. Central Government`s decision has been implemented
vide implementation orders dated 11.10.2001 and 11.3.2002. The Commission has made wide ranging
recommendations covering salary structure, emoluments and other conditions of service of
judicial officers throughout the country, including higher pay for judicial officers.
The Supreme Court`s judgment of 21st March, 2002, in All India Judges` Association & Ors Vs.
Union of India & Ors, inter-alia, contains directions varying the decision taken by the
Government. 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 the First National
Judicial Pay Commission, the State Governments have expressed financial and constitutional
difficulties in complying with the Judgment and the Central Government has filed applications
before the Supreme Court apprising the Court of these difficulties, seeking modifications with
regard to certain directions and 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 the next
hearing in the 2nd week of May, 2003 for further directions.