LI Network
Published on: 23 July 2023 at 14:10 IST
The Supreme Court of India upheld the order issued by the Tripura High Court, directing the State Government to pay former judge of the Gauhati High Court, Justice Alok Baran Pal, his rightful remuneration as the Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board.
The apex court affirmed that Justice Alok Baran Pal is entitled to receive remuneration at the rate of a High Court judge’s salary during his tenure as Chairman, with the exception of pension deductions.
Justice Alok Baran Pal, a distinguished legal figure, retired from his position as the Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board after a notable tenure of service.
The matter concerning his remuneration during the period he held the sole post as Chairman of the Board became a subject of contention, prompting him to seek legal recourse.
The case reached the Tripura High Court, which subsequently ruled in favor of Justice Alok Baran Pal, emphasizing that he should receive compensation equivalent to the salary of a High Court judge for the duration of his tenure as Chairman of the Board. The High Court, however, specified that the pension amount must be excluded from the remuneration package.
Unsatisfied with the decision of the Tripura High Court, the State Government sought to appeal the ruling in the Supreme Court. The case was heard before a bench of eminent judges, who meticulously analyzed the arguments presented by both parties.
After careful consideration, the Supreme Court concurred with the verdict of the Tripura High Court, highlighting the importance of recognizing Justice Alok Baran Pal’s services as the Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board.
The apex court stressed that his remuneration should correspond to that of a High Court judge, thereby acknowledging the responsibilities and contributions associated with the position he held during his tenure as Chairman.
However, the Supreme Court also noted that the pension component of the remuneration should be deducted, consistent with the principles and norms governing pension regulations for retired judges. This deduction ensures a fair and balanced approach to compensating Justice Alok Baran Pal for his services without deviating from established legal norms.
The decision of the Supreme Court not only sets a precedent for similar cases in the future but also reaffirms the significance of recognizing the valuable contributions of public servants who have served in critical roles.
As the news of the Supreme Court’s ruling spreads, legal experts and observers have praised the judgment for its equitable approach and adherence to established legal principles. This landmark decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for similar disputes concerning remuneration and pension entitlements of public officials.
Justice Alok Baran Pal’s long and illustrious career in the judiciary and his recent role as Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board have been acknowledged by both the High Court and the Supreme Court, underscoring the value of his dedicated service to the nation.
