Parth Bajaj
On 2nd July, Justice Navin Chawla of the Delhi High Court recused himself from hearing a plea filed by thirteen law researchers demanding the implementation of a long-pending salary hike. he stated,
“This has to go before another bench,”
citing a possible conflict of interest. This is the second judge to step aside in the matter. Justice Ajay Digpaul had earlier withdrawn on May 29 due to a relative having served as a law researcher.
The petitioners, who served in the chambers of High Court judges between 2018 and 2025, are seeking enforcement of a decision passed by the then Chief Justice in August 2023. The decision approved increasing their monthly salary from ₹65,000 to ₹80,000, effective from October 1, 2022. However, despite a formal communication to the Delhi Government in September 2023, the hike has not been implemented.
According to the plea, the delay is arbitrary and unjustified, especially since all administrative approvals and constitutional requirements under Article 229 have been met. the petition states,
“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,”
demanding arrears along with 18% annual interest.
The petitioners are represented by Senior Advocate Ankit Jain and a team of lawyers, including Abhishek Taneja and others. The Delhi Government is represented by Senior Panel Counsel Avshreya Pratap Singh Rudy and advocate Amit Gupta, while Standing Counsel Radhika Bishwajit Dubey is appearing for the Delhi High Court.
Case Name: Rushant Malhotra & Ors. vs. The Government of NCT of Delhi & Ors.
Case Number: W.P.(C) – 7998 / 2025
Bench: Justices Prathiba M. Singh & Ajneesh Kumar Gupta
Click here to access the order
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