During the 2026 monsoon session, the Lok Sabha approved a bill to raise the number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38 without debate. The Rajya Sabha saw fierce opposition, with members shouting and creating chaos. The amendment aims to ease the court’s mounting workload.

Key Takeaways

  • Lok Sabha passed the Supreme Court judges increase bill without debate.
  • Rajya Sabha opposition erupted, leading to a chaotic session.
  • The new total will be 38 judges, up from 34.

Bill Overview

On day 11 of the monsoon session, the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 cleared the Lok Sabha. The legislation proposes expanding the bench from 34 to 38 judges, a move intended to manage the growing caseload more efficiently.

Rajya Sabha Reaction

In the upper house, opposition parties launched a vocal protest. Several members labeled the bill an "undemocratic maneuver" and accused the ruling party of using the amendment for political gain. The heated exchanges resulted in temporary adjournments of the session.

Historical Background

The Supreme Court’s judge count was first raised from 22 to 31 in 1950 and later to 34 in 1995. The 2026 proposal responds to a sustained increase in pending cases, aiming to improve both the speed and quality of judicial decisions.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that increasing the bench size can reduce case backlog by up to 15% within two years, strengthening public confidence in the judiciary and aligning India’s legal framework with global standards.

"Adding more judges will not only lighten the workload but also bolster judicial independence," noted senior jurist Dr. Anjali Singh.
Did You Know?: Since the 1995 increase to 34 judges, India’s Supreme Court has seen a steady rise in case filings, often resulting in multi‑year delays for many matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many judges will the Supreme Court have after the amendment?
A: A total of 38 judges, including the Chief Justice and 37 other judges.

Q2: Will the bill become law without Rajya Sabha approval?
A: No, it requires passage in both houses and the President’s assent before it can be enacted.