Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has officially sanctioned a proposal extending the retirement age of judicial officers in the Union Territory from 60 to 62 years, effective retroactively from March 31, 2026.
The directive follows recent clearance from the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet and complies with broader instructions from the Supreme Court of India. Under the Apex Court’s guidance, state governments and union territories were directed to consult their respective High Courts to evaluate raising the superannuation age to 61 or 62, applied from March 31, 2026, for eligible officers who consent.
According to a formal notification released by Achal Sethi, Secretary to the Government’s Department of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, serving past the age of 60 will not be automatic. Continued tenure depends on an evaluation conducted by the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The court will assess each candidate’s:
Physical and professional fitness
Statutory eligibility and suitability
Overall performance and continued public utility
This framework aligns with a recommendation passed by the High Court’s Full Court during its August 10, 2026 meeting. The Finance Department subsequently backed the plan, paving the way for cabinet sign-off. The administration confirmed that applicable service rules will soon be formally amended in coordination with the High Court.
