Retirement Age Enhanced Retrospectively From March 31, 2026; Continuation Beyond 60 Subject to High Court Assessment,
Srinagar, Oct 06 : The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has approved enhancement of the superannuation age of Judicial Officers in the Union Territory from 60 to 62 years, with the decision taking retrospective effect from March 31, 2026.
According to a Government Order issued by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, as per news agency , the decision has been taken in compliance with directions issued by the Supreme Court of India in the All India Judges Association & Ors. and connected matters.
The Supreme Court, while dealing with W.P.(C) No. 1022/1989, had directed States and Union Territories to consider increasing the retirement age of Judicial Officers from 60 to 61 or 62 years in consultation with their respective High Courts.
Through orders dated July 22 and August 5, 2026, the Supreme Court further directed that wherever such enhancement was agreed to, it would take effect from March 31, 2026, with the benefit extending to Judicial Officers who retired on or after the said date, subject to fulfillment of prescribed conditions.
The J&K Government subsequently took up the matter in consultation with the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The Registrar General of the High Court, through communications dated July 30 and August 12, conveyed the outcome of the Full Court deliberations held on August 10, wherein the Full Court recommended enhancement of the retirement age to 62 years.
The recommendation, however, is subject to Judicial Officers being found fit, eligible, suitable and capable of continued utility beyond the age of 60 years.
The proposal later received concurrence from the Finance Department on September 9, 2026, following which the Council of Ministers, through Decision No. 146/12/2026 dated September 22, 2026, accorded formal approval.
Accordingly, the Government has now sanctioned enhancement of the superannuation age of Judicial Officers from 60 to 62 years with effect from March 31, 2026.
The order makes it clear that continuation beyond the age of 60 will not be automatic and will remain subject to assessment by the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh regarding the officer’s fitness, eligibility, suitability, performance and continued utility.
The Government has also directed that necessary amendments to the relevant service rules be undertaken in consultation with the High Court.
The order has been issued by order of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.
