New Delhi, August 5: Parliament has passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, paving the way for an increase in the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.
The Rajya Sabha passed the legislation after a discussion and returned it to the Lok Sabha, which had approved the Bill earlier this week. The legislation amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956. Earlier this year, President Droupadi Murmu had promulgated an ordinance to provide for the increase in the number of judges.
Replying to the debate in the Rajya Sabha, Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the legislation forms part of the government’s judicial reform efforts and is intended to improve the efficiency of the Supreme Court. He said the increase in judicial strength was necessary in view of the growing workload, evolving legal issues and the need for faster disposal of cases.
During the discussion, Congress MP Vivek Tankha questioned the decision to introduce the measure through an ordinance and highlighted that around 95,000 cases are pending before the Supreme Court.
Members from several political parties supported the legislation, stating that increasing the number of judges could help reduce pendency and improve access to justice. Some members also called for filling vacancies in High Courts and strengthening judicial infrastructure alongside the expansion of the Supreme Court’s strength.
After completing discussion on the Bill, the Rajya Sabha took up Special Mentions on matters of public importance before adjourning for the day.