SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has raised the superannuation age of judicial officers in the Union Territory from 60 to 62 years, with retrospective effect from March 31, 2026.
The decision was approved by the Council of Ministers and follows directions issued by the Supreme Court in the All India Judges Association case, directing States and Union Territories to consider raising the retirement age of judicial officers to 61 or 62 years in consultation with their respective High Courts.
According to an order issued by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, the Supreme Court, while hearing W.P.(C) No. 1022/1989, All India Judges Association & Ors and connected matters, issued directions on July 22 and August 5, 2026. It said any agreed enhancement should take effect from March 31, 2026, including for judicial officers who retired on or after that date, subject to their consent and fulfilment of applicable conditions.
The J&K Government subsequently consulted the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Registrar General, through communications dated July 30 and August 12, conveyed that the Full Court, in its August 10 deliberations, recommended raising the retirement age to 62 years, subject to officers being found fit and eligible for continued service beyond 60.
The Finance Department gave its concurrence on September 9, while the Council of Ministers approved the proposal through Decision No. 146/12/2026 dated September 22.
The enhanced retirement age will be subject to assessment by the High Court of J&K and Ladakh of the officer’s fitness, eligibility, suitability, performance and continued utility. The government order also provides for necessary amendments to the relevant rules in consultation with the High Court.
