Supreme Court Seeks MP Govt Response on Judicial Retirement Age Dispute

The Supreme Court of India has sought responses from the Madhya Pradesh government and High Court registry regarding a petition challenging the refusal to raise the retirement age of judicial officers in Madhya Pradesh from 60 to 61 years, despite the Supreme Court's May 26 directive that there was no legal impediment to such an increase. The Madhya Pradesh Judges Association filed the plea, arguing that the High Court's administrative decision to decline the enhancement violates the apex court's earlier order and constitutes unfair, "step-motherly treatment" toward judicial officers. The High Court communicated its decision orally through the Registrar General without providing a written order and refused to share a copy of the administrative order dated August 22, 2025, further aggravating the concerns. The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, issued notices while hearing the plea and emphasized the need for a formal response from the state authorities. The association has sought parity with judicial officers in Telangana, where the retirement age has already been increased to 61 years following the Supreme Court's clarification. The case remains under review as the Supreme Court awaits detailed responses to resolve the issue.