Supreme Court of India Orders States to Consider Raising Judicial Retirement Age

The Supreme Court of India directed all state governments and union territories on July 22, 2026, to consider raising the retirement age of judicial officers from 60 to 61 years. This interim measure, effective from April 1, 2026, follows a petition by the All India Judges Association seeking a uniform national increase to 62 years.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant ordered states to decide on the 61-year extension in consultation with their jurisdictional high courts and report back within two weeks. The court clarified that this temporary arrangement will not prejudice its final, independent decision on the legality of a uniform 62-year limit, regardless of the positions taken by state governments or high courts.

The issue remains contentious due to divergent regional policies. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has passed a resolution recommending an increase to 62 years, while the Punjab and Haryana High Court opposes the move, arguing that other state government employees retire at 60 or below.