In a significant move aimed at tackling judicial backlog and improving efficiency, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday approved a proposal to increase the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India from 34 to 38.

Currently, the apex court has an approved strength of 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India. The government now plans to introduce the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament to raise the number of judges by four.

According to the official statement, the amendment seeks to revise the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 by increasing the number of judges from 33 to 37 (excluding the Chief Justice of India), thereby taking the total strength to 38.

The government stated that this expansion is expected to enhance the Court’s capacity to handle cases more efficiently and ensure faster delivery of justice, especially in light of rising pendency.

Constitutional Backdrop

The strength of the Supreme Court is governed by Article 124(1) of the Constitution of India, which provides that the Court shall consist of a Chief Justice of India and such number of other judges as Parliament may prescribe by law.

Originally, the Court began with just eight judges, including the CJI. Over the decades, Parliament has periodically increased this number to meet growing judicial demands:

• 1956: Increased to 11 judges

• 1960: Increased to 14 judges

• 1977: Increased to 18 judges

• 1986: Increased to 26 judges

• 2009: Increased to 31 judges

• 2019: Increased to 34 judges

If passed by Parliament, the 2026 amendment will mark the latest step in expanding the Court’s strength to address increasing caseloads and ensure timely justice delivery.