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Art. 125 Part V: The Union

Salaries, etc., of Judges

Exact text — Constitution of India

(1) There shall be paid to the Judges of the Supreme Court such salaries as may be determined by Parliament by law and, until provision in that behalf is so made, such salaries as are specified in the Second Schedule. (2) Every Judge shall be entitled to such privileges and allowances and to such rights in respect of leave of absence and pension as may from time to time be determined by or under law made by Parliament and, until so determined, to such privileges, allowances and rights as are specified in the Second Schedule: Provided that neither the privileges nor the allowances of a Judge nor his rights in respect of leave of absence or pension shall be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article ensures Supreme Court judges have defined salaries and benefits — but crucially, the proviso specifically bars reducing a judge's benefits to their DISADVANTAGE after they've been appointed, a powerful financial-independence safeguard preventing a government from pressuring judges through salary or pension threats during their tenure.
Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This 'non-reduction' protection is a key structural pillar of judicial independence — a sitting judge doesn't need to worry that ruling against the government might result in retaliatory salary cuts, since this Article specifically forecloses that possibility.

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Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 125

Can Parliament ever reduce a sitting Supreme Court judge's salary?
Not to their disadvantage once they're already appointed — the proviso specifically protects against this, though Parliament could theoretically set different (even higher) terms for future appointees.

The text above reproduces Article 125 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.