In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Government to explain why arrears owed to Law Researchers working with High Court judges have not been paid. The Court issued this directive in response to a plea filed by 13 individuals who served as Law Researchers between 2018 and 2025. These researchers had been appointed on a contractual basis and were entitled to enhanced remuneration as per orders issued by the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.
The Chief Justice had approved an increase in the monthly remuneration of Law Researchers to ₹80,000, effective from October 1, 2022. However, despite this approval, the Delhi Government has not implemented the order, leading to a delay in the disbursement of the enhanced salary and arrears. The petitioners contended that the failure to act upon the Chief Justice's order and the continued withholding of arrears, despite clear administrative approvals, necessitated the filing of the writ petition.
The petitioners argued that the inaction of the Delhi Government in approving or rejecting the Chief Justice's recommendation was perverse and deprived them of the benefit of drawing higher monthly remuneration for the hard work and long hours they dedicated during their tenure as Law Researchers. They further sought the payment of arrears along with interest at 18% per annum.
During the hearing, Justice C. Hari Shankar and Justice Ajay Digpaul were present. However, Justice Digpaul recused himself from hearing the matter due to a conflict of interest, as his nephew was serving as a Law Researcher. Consequently, the Court directed that the matter be listed before another bench, subject to the orders of the Chief Justice, on July 2, 2025.
This case highlights the ongoing issues related to the remuneration and welfare of Law Researchers in the judiciary. Despite the enhancement of their remuneration over the years, challenges remain in the timely implementation of such decisions, leading to financial uncertainties for the researchers. The Delhi High Court's intervention underscores the need for prompt action by the Delhi Government to address these concerns and ensure that Law Researchers receive their due remuneration without further delay.
As the matter progresses, it is anticipated that the Delhi Government will provide a detailed response to the Court's queries and take necessary steps to resolve the issue. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for addressing similar concerns regarding the remuneration and welfare of Law Researchers across various courts in the country.
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