Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026: Increasing Judicial Strength
This Bill proposes to increase the number of Supreme Court judges (excluding the CJI) from 33 to 37, aiming to address judicial workload.
Source: PRS BilltrackThe Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 20, 2026. This Bill seeks to replace the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, which was promulgated on May 16, 2026. The primary objective of the Bill is to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956. It proposes to increase the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India. Specifically, the Bill aims to raise the number of Supreme Court judges, excluding the Chief Justice of India, from the current 33 to 37. This amendment is intended to enhance the judicial capacity of the Supreme Court, potentially helping to manage the increasing caseload and reduce pendency of cases. The Bill directly affects the structure and functioning of the highest court in India.
This Bill is significant for UPSC GS Paper II (Polity and Governance) as it directly impacts the judiciary, a core pillar of India's democratic structure. The increase in judicial strength is a policy response to the persistent issue of judicial backlog and access to justice. Article 124 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to determine the number of Supreme Court judges. Such amendments reflect the government's approach to judicial reforms and capacity building. Understanding these changes is crucial for analyzing the evolution of India's judicial system and its ability to deliver timely justice.
- Introduced in Lok Sabha on July 20, 2026
- Ministry of Law and Justice introduced the Bill
- Increases the number of Supreme Court judges (excluding CJI) from 33 to 37
- Seeks to replace the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026
- Amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956
- Invokes powers related to Article 124 of the Constitution
This Act provides for the number of judges of the Supreme Court of India. It has been amended multiple times to increase the sanctioned strength of judges as per the needs of the judiciary and the increasing caseload. The original Act set the number of judges, and subsequent amendments have progressively raised this number.
An ordinance is a law promulgated by the President of India on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet when Parliament is not in session. It has the same force and effect as an Act of Parliament but must be approved by Parliament within six weeks of its reassembly. Article 123 of the Constitution grants the President this power.
UPSC Mains often asks about judicial reforms, pendency of cases, and the structure of the judiciary. Prelims may test specific numbers or the constitutional articles related to the Supreme Court's composition.
SC Judges: 33 to 37, '26 Bill. Think '26 for the year, and 33+4=37 for the increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026?
This Bill proposes to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India. It aims to raise the strength from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.
When was it introduced and what is its current status?
The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 20, 2026. It is currently in the Lok Sabha stage, seeking to replace an Ordinance issued on May 16, 2026.
How does it differ from the existing law?
The existing Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, as last amended, provides for 33 judges in the Supreme Court, excluding the Chief Justice of India. This Bill proposes to increase that number to 37, thereby expanding the judicial strength.