Why in the News
The Union Cabinet has approved increasing the strength of the Supreme Court of India from 34 to 38 judges, aiming to address the growing pendency of cases.
Key Highlights
- Current sanctioned strength: 34 judges (including CJI)
- Proposed new strength: 38 judges
- Amendment required in: Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956
Constitutional Provision
Article 124(1)
- Provides for establishment of the Supreme Court
- Parliament has power to increase number of judges by law
| Year | Amendment Act Name | Judges (Excl. CJI) | Total Strength |
| 1950 | Constitution of India (Original) | 7 | 8 |
| 1956 | Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act | 10 | 11 |
| 1960 | Amendment Act, 1960 | 13 | 14 |
| 1977 | Amendment Act, 1977 | 17 | 18 |
| 1986 | Amendment Act, 1986 | 25 | 26 |
| 2009 | Amendment Act, 2008 (Enacted 2009) | 30 | 31 |
| 2019 | Amendment Act, 2019 | 33 | 34 |
| 2026 | Amendment Bill, 2026* | 37 | 38 |
Reason for Increase
- Rising pendency of cases
- Current backlog: over 92,000 cases
- Increased filings after:
- Expansion of e filing system
- Post pandemic litigation growth
Appointment Process
- After amendment, Supreme Court Collegium recommends names
- Collegium System: System where senior Supreme Court judges recommend judicial appointments and transfers
- Appointments made by the President of India
| [2024] The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in? (a) The President of India (b) The Parliament (c) The Chief Justice of India (d) The Law Commission |
