Srinagar, Oct 6 : The Jammu and Kashmir government has raised the retirement age of judicial officers from 60 to 62 years with retrospective effect from March 31, 2026, a move that will benefit officers who retired on or after that date, officials said on Tuesday.
The decision, approved by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, follows Supreme Court directions in the All India Judges Association case, in which states and union territories were asked to consider enhancing the superannuation age of judicial officers in consultation with their respective High Courts.
The apex court, through orders dated July 22 and August 5, 2026, directed that where 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 that date, subject to prescribed conditions.
The J&K government subsequently took up the matter with the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The Registrar General, through communications dated July 30 and August 12, conveyed the outcome of the Full Court deliberations held on August 10, in which the Full Court recommended raising the retirement age to 62 years.
The recommendation is subject to judicial officers being found fit, eligible, suitable and capable of continued utility beyond the age of 60.
The proposal 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.
An order issued by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs makes it clear that continuation beyond 60 will not be automatic and will remain subject to assessment by the High Court 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.
