Supreme Court Orders States to Decide on Judges' Retirement Age Within Two Weeks

The Supreme Court of India has issued a directive to all states, mandating them to resolve the issue of increasing the retirement age of judges within a fortnight. The ruling comes after several states had cited financial constraints as a reason for postponing the decision. In a unanimous judgment, the Court stated that the financial burden argument was unfounded and that the matter required immediate attention.

The directive emphasizes that the retirement age of judicial officers is a matter of national importance and that states must not delay the implementation of any changes. The Court highlighted that the judiciary's efficiency and independence hinge on timely reforms, and that any delay could undermine public confidence.

Under the directive, state governments are expected to submit their proposals and justifications to the Supreme Court by the end of the two‑week period. The Court has also indicated that it will review the submissions and may issue further orders if necessary.

This development marks a significant step in the ongoing debate over judicial retirement policies and signals the Supreme Court’s willingness to enforce swift action on matters affecting the country's legal framework.