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Cabinet Approves Increase in SC Judges’ Strength

  • 06 May 2026

On 5th May 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the introduction of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to increase the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court of India from 33 to 37 judges (excluding the Chief Justice of India).

Key Points

  • Legislative Amendment:
    • The proposal seeks to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, which governs the sanctioned strength of the apex court.
  • Objective:
    • Improve efficiency of the apex court.
    • Reduce pendency and speed up disposal of cases.
  • Financial Provision:
    • Expenditure to be met from Consolidated Fund of India.
    • Includes salaries, staff, and infrastructure costs.
  • Constitutional Basis: The Constitution of India empowers Parliament to determine the number of SC judges.
  • Historical Evolution:
    • Initially 8 judges after independence.
    • Increased to 10 (1956), 13 (1960), 17 (1977), 25 (1986), 30 (2008), and 33 (2019).
  • Current Need:
    • Rising workload and increasing case backlog.
    • Need for faster and more accessible justice delivery.