Decision Takes Effect Retrospectively From March 31, 2026; High Court to Assess Fitness, Eligibility and Continued Utility

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 6 (KNC): The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved the enhancement of the superannuation age of Judicial Officers in the Union Territory from 60 to 62 years, bringing the change into effect retrospectively from March 31, 2026.

The decision has been taken in compliance with directions issued by the Supreme Court of India in the long-running All India Judges Association & Ors. and connected matters.

According to a Government Order issued by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, the Supreme Court, while dealing with W.P.(C) No. 1022/1989, directed the States and Union Territories to consider increasing the retirement age of Judicial Officers from 60 years to 61 or 62 years in consultation with their respective High Courts.

The Supreme Court, through its orders dated July 22, 2026 and August 5, 2026, further directed that wherever such enhancement was agreed to, it would take effect from March 31, 2026. The benefit would also extend to Judicial Officers who retired on or after that date, subject to fulfillment of the prescribed conditions and applicable requirements.

Following the Supreme Court’s directions, the J&K Government 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, 2026, conveyed the outcome of the Full Court deliberations held on August 10, 2026, 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 subsequently received the concurrence of the Finance Department, which communicated its approval through an official communication dated September 9, 2026.

Thereafter, the Council of Ministers, through Decision No. 146/12/2026 dated September 22, 2026, accorded formal approval to the proposal.

Accordingly, the Government has now sanctioned the enhancement of the superannuation age of Judicial Officers from 60 to 62 years with effect from March 31, 2026.

The Government Order makes it clear that continuation beyond 60 years 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.(KNC)