LI Network
Published on: 27 January, 2024 at 12:20 IST
In response to directives from the Supreme Court in the case of All India Judges’ Association v. Union of India & Ors., Acting Chief Justice Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi of the Orissa High Court has established the Committee for Service Conditions of the District Judiciary (CSCDJ).
The committee has formulated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to facilitate the proper implementation of recommendations from the Second National Judicial Pay Commission (SNJPC), including enhanced pay scales for judicial officers.
The SOPs aim to ensure the settlement of claims and the efficient disbursement of allowances, salaries, pensions, and other related matters, aligning with the Supreme Court’s approval. The procedures also cover the payment of arrears to judicial officers, pensioners, and family pensioners in the state.
Key Points from the SOPs:
- The State Government, in collaboration with the Law Department and Finance Department, is required to issue a Resolution/Notification within seven days of receiving recommendations from the CSCDJ for each allowance.
- The Resolution/Notification should distinctly mention effective dates and specify major/minor heads of accounts for drawing/reimbursing current and arrear claims/allowances.
- To ensure timely disbursement of arrear salary, allowance, and pensionary benefits, the Law Department/Home Department, in consultation with the Finance Department, must allocate sufficient funds within the stipulated timeframe.
- Designated Government authorities and judicial officers, acting as ‘Nodal Agencies,’ are responsible for the smooth disbursement of salary, allowances, and arrears. They must ensure computation and payment on or before February 29, 2024, as directed by the Supreme Court.
- A permanent grievance redressal cell will function in the Appointment Section of the Court to address issues related to pay, pension, retiral benefits, and arrears for judicial officers, pensioners, and family pensioners.
- The grievance redressal cell will maintain a database of retired Judicial Officers and family pensioners, regularly updated and uploaded on the Court’s website.
These SOPs aim to streamline the process and prevent any delays or issues in the disbursement of enhanced pay to judicial officers, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the Supreme Court’s directives.
Case Title: In Re: Orders Of Calcutta High Court dated 24.01.2024 and 25.01.2024 and ancillary issues.
Case No: SWM(C) No 1/2024