india ποΈ SC judge count raised to tackle case backlog
The Lok Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 on Monday, August 3, 2026. This bill increased the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges, including the CJI. The legislation amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, raising puisne judges from 33 to 37. The government stated this move was necessary to manage the increasing backlog of cases currently pending. The bill now needs to be considered by the Rajya Sabha.