Enacted to safeguard judicial independence and dignity, the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958 established a statutory framework for remuneration and service conditions of India's apex court judges. This legislation emerged from constitutional mandates (Articles 125 and 221) to ensure financial security and autonomy for judges, free from executive interference.
Key Provisions:
Salaries & Allowances (Section 2): Fixed salaries (revised periodically), sumptuary allowances, and official residences.
Pension & Retirement Benefits (Sections 14-16): Guaranteed lifelong pensions (50% of last drawn salary) and post-retirement benefits.
Leave & Travel (Sections 8-9): Regulates leave entitlements and official travel concessions.
Restrictions (Section 13): Bars post-retirement legal practice in Indian courts to prevent conflicts of interest.
The Act has undergone amendments to adjust salaries (linked to pay commissions) while maintaining its core purpose: preserving judicial independence through dignified service conditions. It complements constitutional protections against arbitrary reduction of judges' salaries (Article 125(2)).