Correct Option
The salaries and allowances of the Judges of the High Court are charged to the Consolidated Fund of the State. This provision is enshrined in the Constitution under Article 202 (regarding the State Budget) and Article 229(3). Charging these expenses to the Consolidated Fund of the State ensures that they are non-votable by the State Legislature, thereby safeguarding the financial independence of the judiciary. It is important to note that while their salaries and allowances are from the State Fund, the pensions of High Court judges are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India, as per Article 112(3).
Incorrect Options
Option (a) Consolidated Fund of India: This fund is responsible for the salaries and allowances of Supreme Court judges and the pensions of High Court judges, but not for the regular salaries and allowances of High Court judges.
Option (c) Contingency Fund of India and Option (d) Contingency Fund of the State: These funds are established to meet unforeseen and urgent expenditures. They are not designed for recurring and planned expenses such as the salaries and allowances of High Court judges, which are budgeted annually.