J&K Govt Raises Retirement Age of Judicial Officers from 60 to 62 Years

The Jammu and Kashmir government has increased the superannuation age of judicial officers from 60 to 62 years, following directions issued by the Supreme Court.

According to an order issued by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, the decision was taken after consultation with the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Supreme Court, while hearing W.P.(C) No. 1022/1989, All India Judges Association & Ors and connected matters, had directed state governments and Union Territories through its orders dated July 22 and August 5, 2026, to consider increasing the retirement age of judicial officers from 60 to 61 or 62 years in consultation with their respective High Courts.

The Supreme Court further directed that wherever such enhancement was approved, it would take effect from March 31, 2026, including for judicial officers who retired on or after that date, subject to consent and fulfilment of applicable conditions.

The government order said the Registrar General of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh communicated on July 30 and August 12 that the Full Court, in its deliberations on August 10, recommended raising the retirement age to 62 years. The recommendation was subject to judicial officers being found fit and eligible for continued service beyond the age of 60.

The Finance Department conveyed its concurrence on September 9, while the Council of Ministers approved the proposal through Decision No. 146/12/2026 dated September 22, 2026.

The enhanced retirement age will take effect from March 31, 2026, subject to assessment of fitness, eligibility, suitability, performance and continued utility by the High Court of J&K and Ladakh. Necessary amendments to the relevant rules will also be undertaken in consultation with the High Court.