Supreme Court Gets Five New Judges, Strength Rises to 32
India's Supreme Court recently welcomed five new judges, increasing its working strength. This follows a government decision to raise the sanctioned number of judges.
Source: The HinduFive new judges have been appointed to the Supreme Court of India. This development comes shortly after the Union government increased the court's sanctioned strength. The total number of judges in the Supreme Court, excluding the Chief Justice of India (CJI), has now reached 32. Previously, the sanctioned strength was 33 judges, which has now been raised to 37 judges (excluding the CJI). The latest appointments are expected to help balance regional representation and improve gender diversity on the Supreme Court Bench. These appointments are crucial for the efficient functioning of the Supreme Court, as a higher number of judges can help in clearing pending cases faster. The new judges were elevated from various High Courts across the country.
This news is important for competitive exams, especially for UPSC GS Paper II (Polity) and SSC General Awareness. Aspirants should understand the composition and appointment process of Supreme Court judges. The increase in sanctioned strength and the actual appointments reflect changes in the Indian judiciary, which is a core topic. Questions often relate to the number of judges, their appointment, and the role of the Chief Justice of India.
- Five new judges were appointed to the Supreme Court of India.
- The sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges (excluding CJI) increased from 33 to 37.
- The working strength of the Supreme Court judges (excluding CJI) is now 32.
- The appointments aim to balance regional representation and enhance gender diversity.
- Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President of India.
- The Chief Justice of India is also a judge of the Supreme Court.
The highest judicial court and the final court of appeal under the Constitution of India. It was established on January 28, 1950. It has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdictions. It ensures the protection of fundamental rights and acts as the guardian of the Constitution. Its decisions are binding on all other courts in India.
This refers to the maximum number of judges officially approved for a court by the government. For the Supreme Court, this number is set by Parliament. An increase in sanctioned strength allows for more judges to be appointed, potentially reducing the workload and backlog of cases in the judiciary.
The head of the Indian judiciary and the Supreme Court of India. The CJI is appointed by the President of India and holds office until the age of 65. The CJI presides over the court's proceedings and allocates cases to other judges. The current CJI is Justice D.Y. Chandrachud.
UPSC often asks about the constitutional provisions related to the Supreme Court (Articles 124-147), the appointment process of judges, and the powers of the CJI. SSC exams may focus on the number of judges or the retirement age.
Remember 'SC 37' for the new sanctioned strength (37 judges + CJI). 'SC' for Supreme Court, '37' for the number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many judges are currently in the Supreme Court of India?
Currently, the Supreme Court of India has a working strength of 32 judges, including the Chief Justice of India. This number is below the recently increased sanctioned strength of 37 judges plus the CJI.
What is the process for appointing Supreme Court judges in India?
Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President of India after consultation with the Chief Justice of India and other judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, as deemed necessary. The Collegium system plays a key role in recommending names for appointment.
Why did the government increase the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges?
The government increased the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges to address the growing backlog of cases and ensure faster delivery of justice. A higher number of judges can help in managing the judicial workload more effectively.