The Supreme Court has ruled that every retired High Court judge is entitled to receive the same pension amount, regardless of when they were appointed, whether they were permanent or additional judges, or whether they came from the Bar or were promoted from lower courts.The court further stated that judges of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and those from the district judiciary should also be given equal post-retirement benefits.

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai noted that just as judges are paid equally during their service, they should also receive equal benefits after retirement. He said this is important for maintaining fairness and independence in the judicial system.The bench made it clear that there should be no discrimination in benefits like gratuity and family pension for the dependents of retired judges, including widows and widowers.

Referring to Article 14 of the Constitution, which ensures equality before the law, the court said any unequal treatment of judges after retirement is not acceptable. The ruling applies to all High Court judges, including those who served as additional judges.The bench, headed by CJI Gavai, also instructed the central government to provide ₹15 lakh per year as a pension to retired Chief Justices of High Courts and ₹13.5 lakh per year to other retired High Court judges.