Supreme Court Seeks Response on Retirement Age Debate in Madhya Pradesh

The Supreme Court of India has called for responses from the Madhya Pradesh government and high court registry regarding a plea that contests the rejection of increasing the retirement age for judicial officers in the state from 60 to 61 years. The move follows earlier approval by the apex court.

A bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai previously indicated no legal barriers to raising the retirement age. The latest Supreme Court notice was issued after the Madhya Pradesh Judges Association argued that the high court's refusal violated the top court's May 26 directive, which stated there was no hindrance to raising the retirement age to 61 years.

The high court had orally communicated its decision and denied a written order on August 22, prompting allegations of unfair treatment toward the judicial officers. The association is seeking consistency with the policy in Telangana, hoping for a resolution in the upcoming hearings.