India and Sri Lanka move to raise judges' retirement age

In India, the Supreme Court issued an interim order on 22 July 2026 directing all states and union territories to consider raising the retirement age of district judges from 60 to 61 years, with a possible uniform increase to 62 years pending a final decision. The directive applies only where both the state government and the respective high court agree and is slated to take effect from 1 April 2026.

In Sri Lanka, the government’s proposal to extend the retirement age of judges has drawn sharp criticism from legal professionals and political analysts. Critics warn that the amendment could tarnish President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s legacy and undermine judicial independence by allowing political influence over the bench. Civil‑society groups are calling for full transparency and public consultation before any change is enacted.