Cabinet Approves Increase in Supreme Court Judge Strength to 37

Introduction

The Union Cabinet has approved the introduction of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 to increase the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India from 33 to 37 judges (excluding the Chief Justice of India). Subsequently, the President of India promulgated the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, increasing the total strength of the apex court to 38 judges including the Chief Justice of India. The move aims to improve judicial efficiency, reduce pendency of cases and ensure speedy delivery of justice.

Analysis

The decision to increase the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court represents another significant step towards strengthening India's judicial infrastructure. The growing volume of litigation before the apex court has increased the need for additional judges to ensure timely disposal of cases. By increasing the judge strength from 33 to 37 (excluding the Chief Justice of India), the government intends to enhance the Court's capacity to hear more matters simultaneously, thereby reducing delays in justice delivery.The proposal has been brought through the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956. Pending enactment by Parliament, the President has exercised the constitutional power to promulgate the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, enabling the increase to take immediate effect.The additional expenditure arising from the appointment of four judges, supporting staff and related infrastructure will be met from the Consolidated Fund of India. The government has stated that the enhanced judicial capacity is expected to make the Supreme Court function more efficiently and effectively, thereby promoting faster adjudication of constitutional, civil, criminal and public interest matters.The strength of the Supreme Court has been expanded several times since Independence in response to increasing judicial workload. While Article 124(1) originally envisaged a Chief Justice and not more than seven other judges unless Parliament prescribed a larger number by law, Parliament has periodically amended the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 to meet growing institutional requirements.

Evolution of Supreme Court Judge Strength

Constitutional Provision

Article 124(1) of the Constitution of IndiaIt provides that there shall be a Supreme Court of India consisting of the Chief Justice of India and such number of other judges as Parliament may prescribe by law.

Key Highlights

• Judge strength increased from 33 to 37 (excluding the Chief Justice of India).
• Total sanctioned strength becomes 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India.
• Amendment made through the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 and subsequently through the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026.
• Objective is to ensure speedier justice and improve judicial efficiency.
• Additional expenditure will be met from the Consolidated Fund of India.

Static Part

Supreme Court of India

Established: 28 January 1950Headquarters: New DelhiPresent Head (as per article): Chief Justice of India (Name not mentioned in the input)

Constitutional Basis

• Part V of the Constitution
• Articles 124–147

Functions

• Guardian of the Constitution.
• Highest court of appeal in India.
• Exercises Original, Appellate and Advisory Jurisdiction.
• Protects Fundamental Rights under Article 32.
• Acts as the final interpreter of the Constitution.
• Exercises Judicial Review over legislative and executive actions.

Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956

• Enacted to prescribe the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court.
• Parliament periodically amends the Act based on judicial requirements and case pendency.

Institution

Supreme Court of India

• Constitutional Court of India.
• Apex judicial authority of the country.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.

Updated – 17 May 2026; 11:09 AM | News Source:PIB, News On AIR