In Brief

The Supreme Court held that all retired judges of High Courts are entitled to uniform full pension—₹15 lakhs annually for Chief Justices and ₹13.5 lakhs for other judges—under the One Rank One Pension principle, regardless of their source of entry (District Judiciary or Bar), break-in-service, or whether they retired as Additional or Permanent Judges. Widows and families of judges (including Additional Judges) who die in harness receive family pension and gratuity with 10 years added to service. Judges who entered State judiciary after New Pension Scheme came into effect retain full High Court pension entitlements. All allowances, leave encashment, and provident fund benefits must be paid per the High Court Judges Act, ensuring parity and protecting judicial independence through financial security both during service and after retirement.

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