Kerala High Court Asks Govt To Take Decision On Proposal For Enhancing Superannuation Age Of High Court Staff

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday asked the state government to consider and take a decision at the earliest on the proposal made by a Committee of Judges regarding enhancement of age of superannuation of its staff, in light of judicial reforms proposed on the basis of 'Model Digital Court'. 

Justice Devan Ramachandran said:

"It is thus clear that, on one side, it is obligatory on the Government to consider the proposal of this Court in its proper perspective; while, on the other, the requirement of experienced staff for it, during the transitory period, is unexpendable. To obtain a balance, I am certain that Government must take a decision on Ext.P3 at the earliest, keeping in mind the above important aspects, especially that the 'transitory stage' is commencing soon". 

The Court took note that the recommendation regarding enhancement of the age of superannuation was made to ensure that the services of its experienced staff would be available for transition to paperless courts in accordance with 'Model Digital Court'. 

"The said letter thus makes the unequivocal recommendation that the services of its experienced staff are required to be utilised during the transitory stage," said Justice Ramachandran, adding the stage commences from January 2023.

 Special Government Pleader T.B. Hood told the court the proposal is under active consideration of the government, and that an "apposite decision" would be made without any delay. He added that the High Court had also already made the retirement of the petitioners in two other cases, subject to the result of the said writ petitions.

It is under these circumstances that the court ordered that the retirement of the petitioner and the party respondent herein would be subject to the final orders in the petition. 

Case Title: Sajeev Kumar P.P. v. State of Kerala 

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