Delhi Govt Should Decide On Approved Enhancement Of Monthly Remuneration For Law Researchers Expeditiously: High Court

The Delhi High Court has issued notice on a plea seeking to enhance the monthly remuneration of its law researchers from Rs. 65,000 to Rs. 80,000 along with arrears.A division bench comprising Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Ranjeesh Kumar Gupta said that prima facie, the Delhi Government ought to consider the approved enhancement for the LRs by the Court and take a decision in an expedited manner. This was after the counsel for the petitioners submitted that a Committee of High Court Judges approved the increase in the monthly remuneration of the LRs from Rs. 65,000 to Rs. 80,000 which was approved by then Acting Chief Justice. It was contended that the decision was communicated in September 2023 to the Delhi Government but no approval was granted yet. The Court said that the LRs attached to Judges of the High Court or any other Court have an important role to play in the judicial assistance, as they prepare case briefs, conduct research and are expected to stay abreast with the latest developments in law.“Owing to the quantum of work that Judges have to deal with on a daily basis, Law Researchers are also required to stay late hours everyday and also usually work on weekends and holidays. Prima facie, the Delhi Government ought to consider the approved enhancement by the Court and take a decision in an expedited manner,” the Bench said.The Court sought response of the Union of India, Delhi Government and the Delhi High Court's Registrar General. The Court has asked the authorities to file their affidavits in the matter and listed it for hearing on August 21. The petition has been 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 have 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 states 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 has been alleged that such an order has not been implemented yet. “Almost two years have elapsed since the proposal was first sent to GNCTD, and even after the clarifications were provided on 07.05.2024, the order has not been implemented. The failure to act upon the Hon'ble Chief Justice's order dated 16.08.2023 and continued withholding of arrears, despite clear administrative approvals and constitutional sanction under Article 229, necessitates the present writ petition,” the plea states. It has been stated that the action of Delhi's Lieutenant Governor in not approving or rejecting the recommendation of the Chief Justice and sitting over the recommendation is perverse. The plea adds that such an action deprives the Petitioners and others from the benefit or advantage of drawing higher monthly remuneration for the hard work and long hours the Law Researchers put in during their course of attachment with the Judges. Title: RUSHANT MALHOTRA & ORS v. THE GOVERNMENT OF NCT OF DELHI & ORSCitation: 2025 LiveLaw (Del) 780Click here to read order

Delhi Govt Should Decide On Approved Enhancement Of Monthly Remuneration For Law Researchers Expeditiously: High Court

Nupur Thapliyal

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