In a significant move aimed at enhancing the judicial system, the Union Cabinet has approved a bill to raise the number of judges in the Supreme Court from 34 to 38. This decision, which includes the Chief Justice, is expected to facilitate a more efficient and effective functioning of the court, ultimately leading to quicker justice for the citizens of India.
The Cabinet’s endorsement of the 2026 Supreme Court Number of Judges Amendment Bill comes ahead of the anticipated Monsoon Session of Parliament, likely to convene in June or July. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the necessity of this proposal, pointing to a staggering backlog of nearly 92,000 cases currently pending in the Supreme Court. He noted that since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government assumed power in 2014, the number of judges has surged by approximately 50%, reflecting a commitment to addressing judicial delays.
The history of the Supreme Court’s judicial strength reveals a gradual progression in its composition. In 2009, the sanctioned strength was increased from 26 to 31, although the full complement of judges was not appointed until 2019. The last adjustment occurred in 2019, when the count rose from 31 to the present 34 judges. The proposed increase to 38 is seen as a crucial step in managing the ever-growing volume of cases reaching the highest court in the land.
According to Article 124(1) of the Indian Constitution, it is the prerogative of Parliament to determine the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court. The approval of this bill marks the beginning of the legislative process, which will now require further parliamentary endorsement to amend the existing 1956 Act that governs judicial appointments. Once the amended law is enacted, the Supreme Court collegium will oversee the appointment of the new judges.
The decision to augment the number of judges is consistent with the government’s broader agenda to enhance the efficiency of the judiciary. Given the increasing volume of litigation, the addition of judges is not merely a logistical adjustment; it is an essential move towards alleviating the burden on the judicial system and ensuring that justice is not delayed for the citizens who rely on the courts to resolve their disputes.
