In the technical language of Indian civil service, there is no such thing as retirement. The correct term is superannuation. Superannuation literally means dismissal or discarding as too old for use, work etc., just as a medieval lord got rid of his old servants, or, more appropriately in the Indian context, his old horses. The Indian civil servant is slightly less unfortunate than an old horse, because he or she is not sent to the knackers. There are also some exceptions to the concept of superannuation. Superannuated judges are sometimes given "commissions". Bureaucrats found "too old and unfit to work" are given special assignments, a few "scientists" in the same category are made Scientists of Eminence, Professors Emeritus, and so on.
