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 amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 and raise the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India, which would make the total strength 38 including the Chief Justice of India.
Supreme Court Strength in India
The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial body under the Constitution of India. Its sanctioned strength has been changed through ordinary legislation under the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, and such changes do not require a constitutional amendment.
Legislative Process for Judge Strength
The Bill can be passed by a simple majority in Parliament because it amends a statutory law and not the Constitution. The Union Cabinet approved the proposal on 5 May 2026, and the Bill is intended to replace the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance 2026 promulgated by the President in May 2026.
Backlog and Judicial Administration
The stated purpose of the Bill is to improve the functioning of the Supreme Court and to address a backlog of 92,385 cases. The last increase in the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges took place in 2019, when the number was raised from 30 to 33, excluding the Chief Justice of India.
Important Facts for Exams
- The Supreme Court of India was established under Part V of the Constitution of India.
- The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 fixes the sanctioned strength of judges in the apex court.
- An ordinance is a temporary law made by the President under Article 123 of the Constitution when Parliament is not in session.
- A Bill that amends an ordinary law generally requires a simple majority in both Houses of Parliament.
Parliamentary Context
The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session of Parliament on 20 July 2026. The introduction took place in the Lower House of Parliament, which is one of the two Houses of the Indian Parliament.
