'Why Should Youngsters Suffer?': Supreme Court Dismisses Delhi Govt Challenge To Retrospective Pay Hike For HC Law Researchers

The Supreme Court today dismissed a petition filed by the Delhi Government challenging the Delhi High Court directions issued in October 2025 to increase the Law Researchers' honorarium retrospectively.

The High Court ordered retrospective payment of enhanced remuneration of Rs. 80,000 per month to its law researchers with effect from October 01, 2022.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi refused to entertain the matter in the "peculiar facts and circumstances". The bench however left the question of law open.

"Why should the youngsters suffer because of the delay by the government?" CJI Surya Kant asked the State's counsel during the hearing.

The State mainly contends that directions relate to the salaries and allowances, and would require approval of the Governor under Article 229(2) of the Constitution. 

Additionally, the Government has argued that the retrospective application of the directions would fix a major unbudgeted liability on the State Exchequer. The decision would impose additional financial liability of Rs. 9.45 crores. 

Background

A division bench comprising Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Rajneesh Kumar Gupta disposed of a plea seeking to enhance the monthly remuneration of the High Court's law researchers from Rs. 65,000 to Rs. 80,000, along with arrears.

“Accordingly, it is held that the enhancement would be payable to the law researchers who were engaged by this Court with effect from October 01, 2022. No further orders are called for in this petition. Petition is disposed of,” the Court ordered.

The petition was filed by 13 individuals who were or are employed on contractual basis as Law Researchers with the Delhi High Court between 2018 to 2025.

They sought implementation of directions issued by the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court enhancing the monthly remuneration of Law Researchers to Rs. 80,000 with effect from October 01, 2022, along with arrears and interest at 18% per annum.

The plea stated that on August 16, 2023, the Chief Justice had approved enhancement of remuneration to Rs. 80,000 with effect from October 01, 2022. However, it was alleged that such an order was not implemented.

Case Details : THE GOVERNMENT OF NCT OF DELHI Versus RUSHANT MALHOTRA AND ORS.| Diary No. 6259-2026