Increasing the Judge Strength of the Supreme Court of India

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News: The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the proposal to introduce the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, in Parliament, increasing the Judge Strength of the Supreme Court of India.

About Increasing the Judge Strength of the Supreme Court of India

Increasing the Judge Strength of the Supreme Court of India
Source: Bar & Bench
  •  The government has recently approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
    • It will increase the strength from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.
  • The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, was enacted under Article 124(1) of the Indian Constitution, which empowers Parliament to increase the number of judges.
  • Past amendments: The Act has been amended several times to increase the maximum number of judges in the Supreme Court.
    • The strength was increased to 13 in 1960, to 17 in 1977, to 25 in 1986, to 30 in 2008, and to 33 in 2019.
  • Constitutional Provision:
    • Article 124 (1): It states that there shall be a Supreme Court consisting of the Chief Justice of India and other judges, with the number of judges decided by Parliament through law.
    • Article 124 (2): It states that the President appoints Supreme Court judges by warrant under their hand and seal, following consultation with designated Supreme Court and High Court judges.
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