CJI Bobde Says Judges Willing To Work If Retirement Age Is Increased After Attorney General Moots 3-Year Term For CJI

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sharad Arvind Bobde has stated that judges are “willing to work” longer if the age of their retirement is raised.

CJI Bobde was responding to Attorney General K K Venugopal’s suggestion that there should be a minimum tenure of three years for the Chief Justice of India.

Venugopal was speaking at the function organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association to felicitate the new Chief Justice of India Justice S A Bobde.

“There must be a fixed term of minimum three years for the Chief Justice of India, which will allow them the time to bring substantial changes. Today the tenure is set against their retirement. By the time they (the Chief Justice) decide to do something, they retire and also many are left with very little tenure to plan for some crucial reforms or changes. As they plan, retirement day is there,” Venugopal said.

Addressing the gathering at the CJI's felicitation ceremony, Venugopal stated that lawyers who are in their 70s and 80s argue their cases “vigorously” in courts and likewise, the retirement age of judges can be extended to 70 years in the case of Supreme Court judges and 68 years for high court judges.

“Age difference between Supreme Court judges and High Court judges is 65 and 62. The retirement age for judges should be around 70 years,” Venugopal suggested.

At present, Supreme Court judges demit office at the age of 65 while high court judges retire after reaching 62.

CJI Bobde, who was sworn-in as the country’s 47th Chief Justice of India on November 18, who was present at the function to felicitate him, stated that Attorney General K K Venugopal should tell this to the central government.

“You should tell this to your client (central government)... We are ready to work,” CJI Bobde said, responding to the Attorney General’s suggestion.