Supreme Court of India – Composition & Strength

Why in News?

The Supreme Court regained its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges after Chief Justice B.R. Gavai swore in Justices Alok Aradhe and Vipul M. Pancholi. Their appointment drew attention due to a rare dissent in the Collegium.

Description:

• Article 124 (1): Establishes the Supreme Court of India with a Chief Justice of India (CJI) and other judges.
• The Constitution does not fix the number of judges; it empowers Parliament to decide by law.

Sanctioned Strength (as of 2025):

• Current strength: 34 judges (CJI + 33 other judges).
• Increased by Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 2019.

Historical Evolution of Strength:

Tenure of Judges:

• Hold office until 65 years of age (Art. 124(2)).
• Resignation by writing to the President.
• Removal: By impeachment process under Articles 124(4) & 124(5) (proved misbehavior or incapacity).

Appointment of Judges:

• By the President, after consultation with judges of SC and HCs as deemed necessary.
• Since 1993 (Second Judges Case) → Appointment through Collegium System (CJI + 4 senior-most SC judges).

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