Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill 2026

The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 20 July 2026 during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The Bill seeks to increase the sanctioned judicial strength of the Supreme Court to address rising workload and case pendency.

It proposes to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956. The number of judges will increase from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Thus, the total sanctioned strength will rise from 34 to 38 judges, including the CJI.

How is the Strength of Supreme Court Judges Increased?

The Supreme Court of India is the country’s apex judicial body. Article 124 of the Constitution provides for its establishment and composition.

However, Parliament can determine the number of Supreme Court judges through legislation. Therefore, increasing its sanctioned strength does not require a Constitutional Amendment.

Legislative Process

• The Union Cabinet approved the proposal on 5 May 2026.
• An ordinance was promulgated by the President in May 2026.
• The new Bill seeks to replace the 2026 Ordinance.
• As it amends an ordinary law, it can be passed through a simple majority in Parliament.

The President’s power to promulgate an ordinance when Parliament is not in session is provided under Article 123 of the Constitution.

Why is the Number of Judges Being Increased?

The proposed increase aims to strengthen judicial capacity and improve case disposal.

The Supreme Court reportedly faces a backlog of around 92,385 cases. Additional judges can help constitute more benches and improve the efficiency of judicial administration.

The previous increase occurred in 2019, when the sanctioned number was raised from 30 to 33 judges, excluding the CJI.

Important Facts for Exams

• Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act: Enacted in 1956.
• Proposed strength: 37 judges + CJI = 38.
• Current sanctioned strength: 33 judges + CJI = 34.
• Article 124: Establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court.
• Article 123: President’s ordinance-making power.
• Increasing Supreme Court judge strength requires an ordinary law, not a Constitutional Amendment.
• Such a Bill is generally passed by a simple majority.
• The Supreme Court’s strength was last increased in 2019.
• The Supreme Court of India came into existence on 28 January 1950.
• Originally, it consisted of the CJI and seven other judges.