The Lok Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, on August 3, replacing an earlier ordinance that raised the court’s sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice. The measure passed by voice vote without discussion due to opposition protests and now goes to the Rajya Sabha. The legislation updates the 1956 Act, lifting the number of regular judges from 33 to 37. This marks the first expansion since 2019. Officials pointed to a growing case backlog, with 92,101 matters pending as of January 2026. In 2025 the court received 75,410 new filings yet cleared only 65,615. The government stated that extra judges will allow more simultaneous hearings and easier formation of Constitution Benches. Legal analysts view the step as useful but insufficient without faster appointments, fewer vacancies, and better case management across lower courts. The cabinet approved the change via ordinance in May while Parliament was not sitting; five new judges have already been named under the temporary measure.
