The Jammu and Kashmir government has increased the retirement age of judicial officers from 60 to 62 years, following directions issued by the Supreme Court. The decision was notified through a government order issued by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. The enhanced superannuation age will take effect retrospectively from March 31, 2026, subject to the conditions specified by the government and the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The government order referred to Supreme Court directions issued on July 22 and August 5, 2026, in the All India Judges Association and connected matters. The court had directed states and Union Territories to consider increasing the retirement age of judicial officers from 60 to either 61 or 62 years in consultation with their respective High Courts. It also directed that where the enhancement was approved, it would apply from March 31, 2026, including to eligible judicial officers who retired on or after that date.

The Jammu and Kashmir government said the matter was considered in consultation with the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Registrar General conveyed that the Full Court, during its deliberations on August 10, had 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.

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The Finance Department subsequently conveyed its concurrence to the proposal on September 9. The Council of Ministers then approved the measure through Decision No. 146/12/2026 on September 22. Following these approvals, the government issued the order formally sanctioning the increase in the superannuation age.

The revised retirement age will remain subject to assessment of fitness, eligibility, suitability, performance and continued utility by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The government order also stated that necessary amendments to the relevant service rules would be undertaken in consultation with the High Court. The measure therefore allows eligible judicial officers to continue in service up to 62 years while retaining the required review and eligibility conditions.

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