Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Expand Supreme Court Strength Amid Rising Pendency

New Delhi, Aug 4 (KNN) The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to increase the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI), was passed in the Lok Sabha on Monday without debate.

The Bill was introduced and moved by Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal during the post-lunch session. He said the proposal was necessitated by the growing pendency of cases and the need to improve the efficiency of the apex court.

Replaces earlier ordinance

The legislation seeks to replace an ordinance promulgated earlier this year to expand the number of judges. In May, the President had issued the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, amending the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, by increasing the number of judges from 33 to 37, excluding the CJI.

With this change, the total sanctioned strength of the court rises to 38, including the CJI.

Current strength and past revision

Despite the increased sanctioned capacity, the Supreme Court is currently functioning with 32 judges, including the CJI.

The last revision in the number of Supreme Court judges was made in 2019, when the strength was increased from 30 to 33 (excluding the CJI).

No constitutional amendment required

Under Article 124 of the Constitution, the strength of the Supreme Court is determined by Parliament through legislation. As a result, the amendment does not require any change to the Constitution and can be passed by a simple majority.

Outlook

The increase in judicial strength is expected to help the Supreme Court handle its growing caseload more effectively, although timely appointments will be crucial to realise the intended benefits.

(KNN Bureau)