Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Increase SC Judge Strength to 38
The Lok Sabha recently approved a Bill to increase the number of Supreme Court judges, aiming to reduce the backlog of cases.
Source: GNews ParliamentThe Lok Sabha has passed a Bill to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India. This Bill proposes to raise the maximum strength of Supreme Court judges from the current 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India. The move aims to address the rising number of pending cases in the Supreme Court, which currently stands at over 80,000. The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2024, was introduced by the government to facilitate quicker disposal of cases and ensure timely justice. This increase in judicial strength is expected to improve the efficiency and capacity of the Supreme Court in handling its extensive workload. The Bill will now proceed to the Rajya Sabha for its consideration and approval before becoming an Act.
This development is crucial for UPSC and State PSC aspirants under Polity (GS Paper II) and General Awareness for SSC/Banking exams. It highlights the government's efforts to strengthen the judiciary and improve access to justice. Understanding the structure and functioning of the Supreme Court, including its composition and powers, is a recurring theme in competitive exams. Aspirants should note the current and proposed judge strength and the legislative process involved.
- Lok Sabha passed the Bill to increase Supreme Court judge strength.
- The proposed new strength of Supreme Court judges will be 38.
- The current sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges is 34 (including CJI).
- Over 80,000 cases are currently pending in the Supreme Court.
- The Bill is named the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2024.
- The Chief Justice of India is included in the total judge count.
The highest judicial court and the final court of appeal under the Constitution of India. Established on January 26, 1950, it is located in New Delhi. It has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction, safeguarding fundamental rights and interpreting the Constitution.
The lower house of India's bicameral Parliament. Its members are directly elected by universal adult suffrage. It has a maximum strength of 550 members, with a term of five years, unless dissolved earlier. It holds significant legislative and financial powers.
The head of the Indian judiciary and the Supreme Court of India. Appointed by the President, the CJI presides over the Supreme Court's proceedings and allocates cases. The CJI is also responsible for the administration of the Supreme Court.
Exams frequently test knowledge about the Indian judiciary, including the composition of the Supreme Court, appointment of judges, and constitutional articles related to it. Pay attention to the current and proposed numbers, and the legislative process.
Remember 'SC 38' for the new strength. 'S' for Supreme, 'C' for Court, '38' for the new number of judges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges in India?
The current sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges in India is 34, which includes the Chief Justice of India and 33 other judges. This strength was last increased in 2019 to address the growing judicial workload.
Why is the government increasing the number of Supreme Court judges?
The government is increasing the number of Supreme Court judges primarily to reduce the significant backlog of pending cases. With over 80,000 cases awaiting resolution, a higher judicial strength is expected to improve the efficiency and speed of justice delivery.
Which constitutional article deals with the Supreme Court's establishment?
Article 124 of the Indian Constitution deals with the establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court. It outlines provisions regarding the appointment of judges, their tenure, and the overall structure of the apex court.