Context
The Lok Sabha has passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, increasing the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI). The move aims to improve the Court’s capacity to address the growing pendency of cases.
Explanation
- Article 124 of the Constitution establishes the Supreme Court of India, consisting of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and such number of other judges as Parliament may prescribe by law.
- Parliament determines the Court’s sanctioned strength through the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, which has been amended several times.
- The latest amendment raises the strength from 34 to 38 judges (including the CJI) to improve judicial capacity.
- Increasing the sanctioned strength does not automatically fill vacancies; appointments continue through the Collegium system and are formally made by the President.
- The objective is to reduce case pendency, improve access to justice and enable constitution of more Benches, including Constitution Benches under Article 145(3).
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Supreme Court Judges Amendment: Expanding Judicial Capacity