Lok Sabha Passes Supreme Court Judges Amendment Bill 2026, Raising Supreme Court Strength from 34 to 38

The Lok Sabha on Monday (3 August) passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 by a voice vote, paving the way for increasing the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI). The Bill replaces the Ordinance issued earlier this year and amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.

Introducing the Bill, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal said the proposal was aimed at addressing the growing backlog of cases and improving the Court's efficiency. The Statement of Objects and Reasons notes that the Supreme Court had 92,101 pending cases as of January 1, 2026, making an increase in judicial strength necessary for faster disposal and regular Constitution Bench hearings.

"The increase in judge-strength... is one of the most exigent and viable solutions for tackling the pending backlog of cases," the Bill states while explaining the need for four additional judges.

It also says the move will enable the Chief Justice of India to constitute Constitution Benches more regularly for important constitutional matters.

The amendment substitutes the word "thirty-three" with "thirty-seven" in Section 2 of the 1956 Act, thereby increasing the sanctioned strength to 38 judges including the CJI.

The Act is deemed to have come into force from May 16, 2026, replacing the earlier Ordinance.