Madras HC urges reconsideration of coast guard retirement age
The Madras High Court has set aside the defense ministry’s rejection of a plea by Coast Guard members seeking an increase in retirement age from 57 to 60. The court, led by Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy, directed the Central government to reconsider its decision. Members were given three months to submit detailed representations, and the government is required to make a decision within four months, considering relevant material.
The petitioners challenged the Constitutional Validity of Rule 20(1) of the Indian Coast Guard Rules 1986, arguing that the retirement age disparity below the rank of Commandant lacked justification. The court noted a lack of application of mind in the government’s order and emphasized the need for the government to assess the similarity or dissimilarity with other Central Armed Police Forces. It highlighted doubts regarding the reasons for prescribing different age limits and called for the government to consider materials submitted by the petitioners, leaving the decision in the government’s hands.
