NAWAL SINGH vs STATE OF U.P.

The Supreme Court upheld the orders of compulsory retirement of Judicial Officers in Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing that the judicial service is not merely employment but involves the exercise of sovereign judicial power. The Court ruled that the integrity and reputation of judges must be beyond doubt, and the subjective satisfaction of the High Court's evaluation regarding their utility is paramount. The Court also noted that the Uttar Pradesh Judicial Officers (Retirement on Superannuation) Rules, 1992, which set the retirement age at 60, do not override the provisions of Rule 56 of the U.P. Fundamental Rules, which mandates retirement at 58, unless exceptional circumstances are proven.