In 2024, Indian judges wield immense power, shaping the nation's legal landscape. But what does this responsibility translate to in terms of compensation? In 2024, the salary of judges in India reflects both the gravity of their role and the complexity of the judicial system. Judges are the backbone of the legal framework, responsible for interpreting constitution & constitutional laws and delivering justice. With increasing responsibilities, the salary of a Judge in India has been revised, befitting to their role and including numerous allowances and benefits. 

From entry-level magistrates to senior district and Supreme Court judges, salaries vary significantly depending on experience, court level, and position. Along with a fixed monthly salary, judges receive a range of perks, including housing, transport, and a substantial pension post-retirement, ensuring financial stability throughout their career. 

In this blog, let us dive into details of the Judge Salary in India in 2024, breaking down the key salary components and the factors that influence the pay and the benefits that come with the job.

Judge Salary in India in 2024

In 2024, the salary of judges in India is designed in alignment with the importance and responsibility of their positions within the judiciary. Salaries vary significantly depending on the level and type of court. Check the salary structure for Judges of the Supreme Court and High Court below –

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Salary and Benefits:

• Designation: Chief Justice of India

• Salary: ₹2,80,000 per month

• Pension: ₹16,80,000 per annum (with Dearness Relief)

• Gratuity: ₹20,00,000

Judges of the Supreme Court Salary and Benefits:

• Designation: Judges of the Supreme Court

• Salary: ₹2,50,000 per month

• Pension: ₹15,00,000 per annum (with Dearness Relief)

• Gratuity: ₹20,00,000

Chief Justices of High Court Salary and Benefits:

• Designation: Chief Justices of High Court

• Salary: ₹2,50,000 per month

• Pension: ₹15,00,000 per annum (with Dearness Relief)

• Gratuity: ₹20,00,000

Judges of High Court Salary and Benefits:

• Designation: Judges of High Court

• Salary: ₹2,25,000 per month

• Pension: ₹13,50,000 per annum (with Dearness Relief)

• Gratuity: ₹20,00,000

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Designation-Wise Judge Salary in India

The salary of judges in India varies significantly across different designations and service durations. This structured pay scale reflects the responsibilities and seniority levels within the judiciary. Below is a detailed table showcasing the current and proposed pay scales for judges at various stages of their careers.

First Class Magistrate / Junior Civil Judge Salary:

• Current Pay Scale: ₹27,700 - ₹47,700

• Proposed Pay Scale: ₹77,840 - ₹1,36,520

First Class Magistrate / Junior Civil Judge Salary (after 5 years in service):

• Current Pay Scale: ₹33,090 - ₹45,850

• Proposed Pay Scale: ₹92,960 - ₹1,36,520

First Class Magistrate / Junior Civil Judge Salary (5 years after first career progression or during the tenure of II after career progression):

• Current Pay Scale: ₹39,530 - ₹54,010

• Proposed Pay Scale: ₹1,11,000 - ₹1,63,030

Senior Civil Judge Salary:

• Current Pay Scale: ₹39,530 - ₹54,010

• Proposed Pay Scale: ₹1,11,000 - ₹1,63,030

Senior Civil Judge Salary after 5 years in service:

• Current Pay Scale: ₹43,690 - ₹56,470

• Proposed Pay Scale: ₹1,22,700 - ₹1,80,200

Senior Civil Judge Salary (5 years after first career progression):

• Current Pay Scale: ₹43,690 - ₹56,470

• Proposed Pay Scale: ₹1,22,700 - ₹1,94,660

District Judge Salary:

• Current Pay Scale: ₹51,550 - ₹63,070

• Proposed Pay Scale: ₹1,44,840 - ₹1,94,660

District Judge Salary (Selection Grade after 5 years of Entry Grade):

• Current Pay Scale: ₹57,700 - ₹70,290

• Proposed Pay Scale: ₹1,63,030 - ₹2,19,090

District Judge Salary (3 years after the Selection Grade):

• Current Pay Scale: ₹70,290 - ₹76,450

• Proposed Pay Scale: ₹1,99,100 - ₹2,24,100

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Perks & Allowances Included in Judge Salary in India

Beyond their basic salary, judges in India receive a range of perks and allowances, which include official residences or housing allowances, transport facilities or vehicle allowances, and sums for utilities and domestic help. Additional allowances that get added to the Judge salary include a Dearness Allowance (DA) that adjusts for inflation, and a Special Judicial Allowance aimed at recognizing the unique demands of their duties. Judges also typically receive substantial post-retirement benefits, including pensions and continued housing or equivalent allowances, ensuring financial security long after their service ends. 

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Allowances:

• Designation: Chief Justice of India

• Furnishing Allowance: ₹10,00,000

• House Rent Allowance (HRA): 24% of Basic Salary

• Sumptuary Allowance: ₹45,000 per month

Judges of the Supreme Court Allowances:

• Designation: Judges of the Supreme Court

• Furnishing Allowance: ₹8,00,000

• House Rent Allowance (HRA): 24% of Basic Salary

• Sumptuary Allowance: ₹34,000 per month

Chief Justices of High Court Allowances:

• Designation: Chief Justices of High Court

• Furnishing Allowance: ₹8,00,000

• House Rent Allowance (HRA): 24% of Basic Salary

• Sumptuary Allowance: ₹34,000 per month

Judges of High Court Allowances:

• Designation: Judges of High Court

• Furnishing Allowance: ₹6,00,000

• House Rent Allowance (HRA): 24% of Basic Salary

• Sumptuary Allowance: ₹27,000 per month

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What are Roles & Responsibilities of Judges?

In India, judges play a crucial role in maintaining the rule of law and ensuring justice. Their responsibilities are foundational to the functioning of the entire judicial system, influencing both the legal landscape and societal norms.

1. Adjudication – Judges are responsible for hearing and deciding cases, interpreting laws, and applying them to specific circumstances in both civil and criminal matters.

2. Ensuring Fair Trials – They ensure that trials are conducted fairly and that everyone is given an equal opportunity to present their case.

3. Judgment Enforcement – Once a decision is made, judges have the authority to enforce these judgments, ensuring that they are carried out as per the law.

4. Legal Precedent – Higher court judges often set legal precedents that lower courts are bound to follow, thereby shaping the future interpretation of laws.

5. Upholding Constitutional Values – Judges protect the constitution and the rights it grants to the citizens, often acting as a check on the powers of the executive and legislative branches of government.

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Tiered System of Judges

The Indian Judiciary is a complex and tiered system, featuring a variety of judicial positions, each serving distinct roles and responsibilities. From the lower courts to the apex of the judicial hierarchy, the types of judges reflect the multifaceted nature of legal administration in India. The hierarchy starts from subordinate judges in district courts, ascends to high courts, and culminates at the Supreme Court, the highest judicial authority in India. Let us look at this hierarchy given below –

• Magistrate/Judicial Magistrate: Handles preliminary hearings, issues warrants, adjudicates minor civil and criminal cases at the local level.

• Civil Judge: Presides over civil cases involving property disputes, contractual issues, and family law.

• Sessions Judge: Oversees the district court’s sessions, dealing with more serious criminal cases requiring detailed trial.

• High Court Judge: Sits at the state level, dealing with appeals from lower courts and significant cases involving state laws.

• Supreme Court Judge: Highest judicial officer in the country, handling cases of the utmost importance and constitutional matters.

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How to Become a Judge in India?

Becoming a judge in India is a prestigious accomplishment that requires a combination of legal education, practical experience, and passing competitive exams. The process ensures that only qualified candidates make it to the judiciary to uphold the law and justice system. A Judge holds a critical role in the Judiciary. Here’s how to become a Judge in India –

Step 1 – Obtain a Law Degree (LLB)

To start on the path to becoming a judge, one must first complete an LLB Degree from a recognized university. This program typically lasts three years following a bachelor’s degree, or five years as an integrated degree straight out of high school.

Step 2 – Gain Legal Experience

After obtaining an LLB, aspiring judges are required to practice law, usually as advocates, for a specified number of years. This experience is crucial for gaining practical knowledge and understanding of the legal system.

Step 3 – Clear the Judicial Services Examination

Candidates must pass the Judicial Services Examination conducted by the Public Service Commission of their respective state. This highly competitive exam tests candidates' knowledge of law and their aptitude for judicial services.

Step 4 – Undergo Training

Once selected, candidates go through rigorous training at a Judicial Academy, where they are trained in various aspects of law and judiciary. This includes mock trials, judicial proceedings, and internships with senior judges.

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Skills You Need to Become a Judge in India

To become a Judge in India, one need not only master the theoretical knowledge taught at the degree level, but also possess a set of personal attributes that will make them effective and efficient in their role as a Judge. Judges need a specific set of skills to perform their duties effectively and uphold the integrity of the judiciary. These skills are –

• Analytical Skills – Judges must have the ability to analyze submissions and evidence, interpret laws, and make decisions based on complex legal principles.

• Decision-making Skills – Effective judges are decisive and capable of making sound decisions quickly, ensuring that justice is delivered timely and fairly.

• Integrity and Objectivity – A judge must be impartial, ethical, and free from biases, serving justice without personal or external influences.

• Communication Skills – Clear and effective communication is crucial for judges, as they must explain their decisions and the legal reasoning behind them comprehensibly.

• Emotional Intelligence – Judges should handle sensitive situations with empathy and understanding, yet remain detached enough to deliver unbiased judgments.

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Salary of a Judge vs. IAS Officer Salary in India

The salary of Judges and IAS Officers differ considerably in India. A Judge's salary is fixed by the National Judicial Pay Commission and is higher than that of an IAS Officer. 

• A newly appointed Civil Judge draws a starting monthly salary of around Rs. 77,840. The salary increases with experience and designation. 

• A District Judge draws a monthly pay of around Rs. 2,24,100. On the other hand, the salary of an IAS Officer is determined by the 7th Central Pay Commission. 

• A newly recruited IAS Officer is placed in the Pay Scale of Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 2,24,100. However, an experienced IAS Officer holding the post of Cabinet Secretary can draw a monthly salary of around Rs. 2,50,000. 

• While Judges have higher basic pay, an IAS Officer's salary increases substantially with growth in career and experience over 37 years of service.

Judge Salary in India FAQs

Q1. What is the maximum salary of a District Judge?

The maximum salary of a District Judge is Rs. 2.5 lakhs per month.

Q2. Are High Court Judges eligible for pension?

Yes, High Court and Supreme Court judges are eligible for a pension equivalent to 50% of the last drawn salary after demitting office at the age of 65.

Q3. Which state pays the highest salary to its judges?

Uttar Pradesh offers the highest pay scale and perks to its judges among states in India.

Q4. Do retired judges get any other benefits?

They continue to get pension, medical and travel allowances even after retirement. Judges are highly respected in the society and their service to justice is a matter of national pride.

Q5. Do Judges pay income tax in India?

Yes. The salary of a Judge in India is taxable under the head salary as per norms of the National Judicial Commission.