The Supreme Court has directed seven states to raise retirement age of judicial officers from 60 to 62 years.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana, directed Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal states to amend their respective service rules to formally enhance the retirement age to 62 years.
The apex court has stipulated that judicial officers reaching the age of 60 will have to undergo a suitability and performance assessment by the concerned High Court before being permitted to continue until 62.
The Court has also opened a limited window for judicial officers from these States who retired on or after March 31, 2026, to seek re-entry into judicial service.
Such officers may exercise the option to return, provided they have not subsequently taken up another government position or employment constituting an office of profit under the Union or State government.
The apex court asked these states and Union Territories to decide the issue within two weeks and submit a compliance report.
The move comes against the backdrop of a persistent shortage of judges in the district judiciary, with a significant gap between sanctioned and working strength.
