''The Supreme Court had directed implementation of increased pay scales for judicial officers of subordinate courts across the country,'' Deputy Chief Minister in charge Law department Bindo M Lanong said yesterday.
In his report to the Supreme Court, Justice E Padmanabhan had recommended for uniform salary with enhanced scales for the judges of same rank in all the states translating into at least Rs 20,000 hike for a magistrate at the entry-level. He also proposed an average 3.07-fold hike in existing salaries, which was recommended by the Second National Judicial Pay Commission.
''It would be a huge burden for the state to implement the new pay scale for the judicial officers since there is a quantum jump in their salaries,'' Mr Lanong said.
The Supreme Court had stated that the state government can increase their taxes is they face difficulties in paying salaries to the judiciary.