New Delhi: The Supreme Court has sought the views of the Madhya Pradesh government and the Madhya Pradesh High Court on a plea demanding an increase in the retirement age of district judges from 60 to 61 years.
A Bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and Sudhanshu Dhulia issued notices to both the state government and the High Court administration while hearing a petition filed by a group of serving and retired judicial officers. The petitioners argued that raising the retirement age would help retain experienced judges and ensure the smooth functioning of the subordinate judiciary.
The plea also pointed out that several other states have already implemented higher retirement ages for judicial officers, and extending the same to Madhya Pradesh would promote uniformity and consistency in the judicial system.
Counsel for the petitioners submitted that district judges play a pivotal role in handling heavy caseloads and ensuring speedy justice, and their early retirement often leads to vacancies and delays in trial proceedings.
The Supreme Court has now asked the Madhya Pradesh government and the High Court to submit their responses on the feasibility and administrative implications of the proposal.
The matter will be taken up for further hearing after the state and the High Court file their affidavits.
