Union Cabinet approves Bill to increase Supreme Court judges strength from 34 to 38
The Union Cabinet approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, to increase the strength of Supreme Court judges from the current 34 (including the CJI) to 38. This move, recommended by CJI Surya Kant, aims to enhance the court's efficiency, ensure speedy justice, and facilitate the establishment of a permanent constitution bench. The expenditure for the additional judges and staff will be met from the Consolidated Fund of India. The last increase in strength was in 2019, raising it from 30 to 33 judges.
Key Points
- The Union Cabinet approved a Bill to increase the Supreme Court's judicial strength.
- The number of judges will rise from 34 (including CJI) to 38 (including CJI).
- The Chief Justice of India Surya Kant recommended this increase to improve efficiency and facilitate a permanent constitution bench.
- The additional costs will be borne by the Consolidated Fund of India.
- The last increase in the Supreme Court's strength occurred in 2019.
Exam Facts
- Bill Name: The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026
- Current strength: 34 judges (including CJI)
- Proposed strength: 38 judges (including CJI)
- Last increase: 2019 (from 30 to 33 judges)
- Act being amended: Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956
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