JAMMU, Oct 6: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has enhanced the age of superannuation of Judicial Officers in the Union Territory from 60 to 62 years, with retrospective effect from March 31, 2026, subject to assessment of their fitness, eligibility, suitability, performance and continued utility.
The decision, approved by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on October 5, will also cover Judicial Officers who retired on or after March 31, 2026, provided they give their consent and fulfil the prescribed conditions.
According to an order issued by Commissioner Secretary, J&K Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Achal Sethi, continuation in service beyond the age of 60 years will be subject to assessment by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in accordance with the recommendation of its Full Court.
The Full Court, in its deliberations on August 10, 2026, had recommended raising the retirement age of Judicial Officers in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to 62 years, subject to officers being found fit, eligible and suitable for continued service beyond 60.
The decision follows directions of the Supreme Court in All India Judges Association and connected matters. The apex court, through orders dated July 22 and August 5, 2026, had directed States and Union Territories to take a decision on enhancing the superannuation age of Judicial Officers to 61 or 62 years in consultation with their respective High Courts.
The Supreme Court subsequently directed J&K and other remaining States and UTs to take an appropriate decision and submit compliance reports.
The J&K Council of Ministers, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullahhad approved the proposal at its meeting on September 22, 2026, following concurrence from the Finance Department.
The Government has also decided to undertake necessary amendments to the relevant service rules in consultation with the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.