Archive · 29 Jul 2026
SC: Wrongfully Discharged Judicial Officers Entitled to Pay Scales
The Supreme Court ruled that a judicial officer who was wrongfully discharged and later reinstated cannot be denied higher pay scales just because the necessary performance reports (ACRs) for the time he was out of service are missing.
The court said the Rajasthan High Court, which wrongfully discharged the officer, cannot use the lack of ACRs as a reason to deny him the pay scales he should have gotten.
The officer, Abhay Jain, was discharged in 2016 and reinstated in 2022.
The court ordered the high court to give him the pay scales he would have earned and to fix his pay and benefits within three months.
Supreme Court ruled that wrongfully discharged judicial officers cannot be denied pay scales due to lack of ACRs.
Abhay Jain, discharged in 2016 and reinstated in 2022, is entitled to Selection Scale from July 16, 2018, and Super Time Scale from July 16, 2021.
The absence of ACRs for the period of discharge is a consequence of the high court's wrongful action.
Jain's entitlement to pay scales is based on valid ACRs from 2013 and 2014.
Rajasthan High Court must refix Jain's pay and disburse arrears within three months.
- Who
- Abhay Jain, a judicial officer in Rajasthan
- What
- Supreme Court ruling on pay scales for wrongfully discharged judicial officers
- When
- July 29, 2023
- Where
- New Delhi
- Why
- To ensure judicial officers are not denied career progression benefits due to wrongful discharge
Rajasthan High Court
Supreme Court
Entitlement to Pay Scales
Rajasthan High Court
Denied pay scales due to lack of ACRs for the period of discharge.
Supreme Court
Entitled to pay scales as the absence of ACRs is a consequence of wrongful discharge.
- Judicial Officer
- Abhay Jain
- Discharge Year
- 2016
- Reinstatement Year
- 2022
- Selection Scale Grant Date
- July 16, 2018
- Super Time Scale Grant Date
- July 16, 2021
- Back Wages Awarded
- 50%
- Valid ACRs Considered
- 2013 and 2014
- Time to Refix Pay
- 3 months