ALL INDIA JUDGES ASSOCIATION Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We find that the affidavits of compliance as regards revised pay scales and arrears of salary from 1-7-1996 in pursuance of this Court's order dated 15-10-2003 have been filed by the States of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tripura, Orissa and West Bengal.

(2.) As regards the State of Madhya Pradesh, the affidavit discloses that arrears are being paid not w.e.f. 1-7-1996 but from 1-7-2002 which is the date of the Judgement by this Court. In our view, the decision taken by the State of Madhya Pradesh is contrary to the Judgement of this Court. We, therefore, direct the State of Madhya Pradesh to pay the arrears to the judicial officers w.e.f. 1-7-1996 and file an affidavit to that effect within a period of one month. Likewise, the State of Bihar shall also file an affidavit.

(3.) As regards the States of Goa, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Orissa and Gujarat, although formal orders have been passed in regard to the payment of arrears w.e.f. 1-7-1996 but they have not filed the requisite affidavit. Learned counsel appearing for the State of Orissa states that the State has filed the affidavit reporting compliance. Office to verify. Learned counsel appearing for other States pray for and are allowed four weeks' time to file an affidavit to that effect.