Having Judicial Might Yet Bearing Plight

What happens when the Supreme Court of India gives a crystal-clear judgment, but the implementation on the ground turns murky? If you're a judicial officer in West Bengal, chances are you already know the answer.

The Second National Judicial Pay Commission (SNJPC) promised a long-overdue upgrade in service conditions—transparent allowances, fair benefits, and dignity for the backbone of our justice delivery system. The Supreme Court accepted it in toto. Most states have complied. But in West Bengal, we're still waiting... and asking.

Let’s talk about what’s really going on. And if you’re a judicial officer, this blog is your checklist — or perhaps your charge-sheet — for what still needs fixing.

⚖️ 1. Transport Allowance: Do You Own a Car? No? Then Tough Luck.

The G.O. dated 19.03.2024 says: if you don't own a car or use a pool car, you get no transport allowance. But wait — didn’t the SNJPC (and the Supreme Court) specifically say:

“The officers who do not own a car nor avail of pool car facility shall be allowed to draw the same quantum of allowances.”

Yes, they did. And many states—Karnataka, UP, Tripura, Himachal, Andhra Pradesh—have implemented this exact clause. But West Bengal has skipped it entirely.

So here's the question: Why are officers here being penalized for not owning a car?

Also, where are the rules for soft car loans? And why is “city” defined so narrowly (only 4 cities qualify!) when the court said any area with a population of 50,000+ is a city?

🏠 2. HBA: Approved in Principle, Denied in Practice

House Building Advance is a lifeline for officers dreaming of home ownership. But in West Bengal? No clear rules. No forms. No process.

So the question is: If there's no roadmap to claim it, what good is a benefit on paper?

🪑 3. Furniture and AC Allowance: What Good is a Block Benefit Without a Retrospective Clock?

This one’s particularly frustrating.

The allowance is supposed to be given twice over 10 years (in 5-year blocks).

The SNJPC recommendations took effect from 01.01.2016.

But the G.O. applies it only prospectively.

Translation: Judicial officers in West Bengal are getting half the benefit. Other states? They’ve applied it retrospectively with carry-forward options. So why are we falling short?

And let’s be honest — was the delay the officers’ fault?

🎓 4. LLM & PhD Incentives: Where's the Recognition for Academic Excellence?

While other states are offering benefits for higher legal education, West Bengal is yet to even issue a G.O. on the subject.

If we want an intellectually equipped judiciary, why are we ignoring qualifications like LLM and PhD?

However, the Judicial Department of Government of West Bengal has issued an order in this regard, yet the spirit of the Supreme Court's order is yet to be preserved. The three advance increment for LLM is given only as a one time measure in the whole career. For more analysis, please read the detailed post !

💰 5. Arrears: Supreme Court Said "By 29 Feb 2024" — What Happened?

The Supreme Court was crystal clear:

“Arrears must be paid on or before 29 February 2024.”

But without a standing order authorizing treasuries to clear arrears in anticipation of funds, the G.O. turns into a bureaucratic dead end.

Ask yourself: Were the arrears calculated? Cleared? If not, what are we waiting for?

📦 6. Composite Transfer Grant: Is This Financial Cushion Deflated?

Transfers are part of judicial life. So is the expense that comes with it. That’s why the SNJPC recommended a Composite Transfer Grant.

But here in Bengal, unless there’s a notification directing Treasury to pay the grant immediately, officers are left struggling.

Simple ask: Issue one line—“Grant payable in anticipation of allotment.” Done.

🏙️ 7. City Categorization for HRA: Still Using an Outdated Map?

The High Court uses zone A, B, C, D for postings. But HRA still uses the old X, Y, Z classification — which doesn’t match.

Here’s the fix:

Zone A → Category X

Zones B & C → Category Y

Zone D → Category Z

Let’s align benefits with where officers actually live and work.

📄 8. Concurrent Charge Allowance: Doing Double Duty for Single Pay?

Judicial officers holding concurrent charges carry double the burden — often for long stretches.

But where are the rules? The criteria? The compensation?

It’s high time the High Court frames clear guidelines. Officers doing more should be recognized, not overburdened silently.

🏨 9. Guest House Facilities: Still Missing After All This Time

The SNJPC envisioned well-equipped guest houses for traveling judicial officers.

Other states? Implemented.

West Bengal? Still no G.O. Not even a whisper.

When will this change?

📣 Final Thoughts: The Law is Clear. So Why the Delay?

Judicial officers across India have received the SNJPC benefits in full spirit and substance. In West Bengal, however, the implementation seems reluctant, fragmented, and riddled with anomalies.

This isn’t just about allowances. It’s about respecting the dignity of the judiciary — an institution that ensures justice for all. The officers who run it deserve no less.

🗣️ What do you think?

Are you facing similar issues?

Which of these problems affects district judiciary the most?

What steps should be taken next?

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments or write to us at [insert contact]. Let's keep this conversation going — and push for what’s fair and due.

Because justice should begin at home — with those who deliver it. ⚖️