The Delhi High Court has sought the response of Delhi Government as to why sanction was not issued in respect to the arrears liable to be paid to Law Researchers of High Court Judges.

“…ld. Counsel for Respondent No.1 take instructions in the matter and place on record the reasons as to why sanction has not been issued in respect to the arrears liable to be paid to Law Researchers who were discharging their duties at the relevant point of time”, Justice Prathiba M. Singh ordered.

The Court was dealing with the plea of 11 Petitioners attached as Law Researchers to different Judges of the High Court. It was petitioner’s case that the Chief Justice had initially enhanced the monthly remuneration of Law Researchers from Rs.25,000 to Rs.35,000 which was again increased to Rs.50,000. The amount was finally increased to Rs.65,000.

The grievance of the Law Researchers was they were functioning as Law Researchers during the relevant periods and the arrears has not been paid to them. Through RTI applications, it was revealed that financial sanction for payment of arrears was not issued by the Delhi Government.

Accordingly, a plea was filed seeking release of arrears in terms of the remuneration fixed by the High Court to the Petitioners and to other Law Researchers.

Senior Advocate Nidhesh Gupta appeared for the petitioners whereas Advocate Avnish Ahlawat appeared for Respondents.

The Court while issuing notice directed the counsel for the Delhi Government to take instructions in the matter and place on record the reasons as to why sanction has not been issued.

The Court directed to file a status report/affidavit by May 15, 2023.

“A status report/affidavit be filed by 15th May, 2023 with advance copy to the other side”, the Court said while posting the matter to May 22 for further hearing.

Cause Title- Danish Iqbal & Ors v. GNCTD & Ors

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Delhi High CourtJustice Pratibha M. Singh

Ashish Shaji