BS EDIT: Should Retired Officials Take New Jobs?

By Business StandardPublished On May 19, 2025

Judges Speak Out

Justice Khanna and Justice Gavai opposed post-retirement jobs for judges

🔹 Seen as rare self-restraint

🔹 Possibly a critique of past norms

The Two Avenues

Public servants often join:

1️⃣ Government bodies

2️⃣ Private firms

Both raise ethical concerns

Cooling-Off Confusion

🕐 Private jobs: 1-year gap (was 2)

🕐 Govt posts: No mandatory gap

⚠️ Waivers are common

Key Examples

🔹 Ashok Jha → Hyundai India

🔹 S Jaishankar → Tata Sons

🔹 Nripendra Misra → PMO (via ordinance)

Grey Areas Remain

🔸 Voluntary exits lack scrutiny

🔸 Gulati case: CCI → Google

🔸 No bar on joining politics

Why It Matters

⚠️ Risks of conflict of interest

⚠️ Undermines public trust

Legislative clarity is needed—but unlikely soon