 New Delhi : A strong push to increase the retirement age of Supreme Court judges from 65 to 68 years and high court judges from 62 to 65 years seems to be floundering, with those behind the move finding it difficult to mobilize support from within the government and political parties.
Though the sentiment among the political class seems to be in favour of the move, it has not gelled into solid political backing for the constitutional amendment that would be required for the age hike. Law minister Veerappa Moily said there was no such move. However, sources in the ruling coalition as well as in Opposition parties confirmed that efforts were on to mop up support. Under the Constitution, raising the age limit will require amending Article 124(2) by a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Government managers, it is learnt, have sounded out the Opposition, but the non-Congress parties have not warmed up to the idea till now. There are misgivings within Congress as well -- one reason why its support to the move has appeared tentative to many.
The issue of timing is crucial; for Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan is due to retire in April. While the idea may not come to fruition immediately, it is not seen without merit. For instance, it is pointed out that increase in retirement age of HC judges would solve the problem of more than 250 vacancies in high courts as sitting judges would get three more years.
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