LG clears proposal for increase in Judicial Officers’ retirement age to 62

JAMMU, Oct 6: Following approval by the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today cleared a proposal for increase in retirement age of Judicial Officers, serving in the UT, from 60 to 62 years with effect from March 31, 2026.

As per the conditions mentioned in the order, continuation in service beyond the age of 60 years shall be subject to assessment by the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh of the fitness, eligibility, suitability, performance and continued utility of the Judicial Officer concerned, in accordance with recommendation of the Full Court dated 10.08-2026.

Necessary amendments in the relevant rules shall be undertaken in consultation with the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, the order read.

Excelsior had earlier exclusively reported that the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet has approved enhancement in retirement age of Judicial Officers from 60 to 62 years with effect from March 31, 2026.

As per the Law Department’s order, the Supreme Court directed the State Governments/ Union Territories to take a decision regarding enhancement of the age of superannuation of Judicial Officers from 60 to 61/62 years, in consultation with the respective High Court. The Apex Court further directed that wherever such enhancement is agreed to, the same shall take effect from 31-03-2026 including in respect of Judicial Officers who retired on or after the said date, subject to their consent and fulfillment of the applicable conditions.

The Supreme Court directed seven States to amend their Judicial Service Rules to provide for superannuation at 62 years, subject to assessment of suitability at the age of 60 years by the jurisdictional High Court. The Apex Court separately directed the remaining States/UTs including Jammu and Kashmir to take an appropriate decision and submit a compliance report.

“The matter was considered in consultation with the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The Registrar General conveyed that the Full Court in its deliberations held on 10-08-2026, resolved to recommend enhancement of the retirement age of Judicial Officers in the UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to 62 years, subject to such officers being found fit and eligible for their continued utility beyond the age of 60 years,’’ the order said.

The matter was also taken up with the Finance Department which conveyed its concurrence to the proposal, subject to assessment of fitness, eligibility and continued utility beyond the age of 60 years, carrying out necessary amendment to the relevant service rules and approval of the Council of Ministers.

The Council of Ministers in its subsequent meeting approved the proposal.(DE)