Kerala High Court

Kerala HC: IHRD Employees Reinstated After Retirement Age Delay

Updated
Dec 23, 2025 7:11 PM
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Here's a breakdown of a recent court decision that affects many employees in Kerala. The High Court of Kerala has ruled in favor of several employees from the Institute of Human Resources Development (IHRD), allowing them to continue working until they reach the age of 60.

Background of the Case

This case involves several requests made by IHRD employees who were made to retire at 58, even though the government had decided to increase the retirement age to 60. The employees argued that it was unfair to make them retire before the new rule was applied.

Key Events Leading Up to the Case

  • IHRD's Request: On January 20, 2024, IHRD asked the government to increase the retirement age to 60.
  • Government Decision: On May 28, 2025, the Kerala government decided to make this change for both IHRD and the C.H. Mohammed Koya Memorial State Institute.
  • Immediate Action for Some: The change was applied to the C.H. Mohammed Koya Memorial State Institute on May 30, 2025, but not to IHRD.

Delay in Implementation

  • Election Concerns: An election in Nilambur caused a delay in applying the new retirement age to IHRD employees. The government was careful because of a complaint related to the election, which stopped the immediate implementation.
  • Final Order Issued: The government finally issued the order for IHRD on August 13, 2025, but by then, many employees had already retired.

Court's Decision

Justice N. Nagaresh decided on November 28, 2025, that the delay in implementing the decision for IHRD was not fair. The court ordered that employees who retired after May 30, 2025, be given their jobs back and allowed to continue working until they turn 60. However, they won't receive pay for the time they were not working.

Implications for Employees

This decision is a big relief for the affected employees, ensuring they can continue their careers without the financial problems of early retirement. The court's ruling highlights the importance of fair and timely implementation of government decisions.

The case shows how delays and outside factors, like elections, can impact how policies are put into action, affecting the lives of many.