The Lok Sabha approved a bill raising the number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38 without discussion, while opposition members shouted slogans over NEET paper leaks and alleged misuse of Ram temple donations. The House was adjourned immediately after the vote.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lok Sabha passed a bill increasing Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38 without debate.
  • Opposition MPs raised slogans against NEET paper leaks and alleged Ram temple donation theft.
  • The House was adjourned for the day immediately after the bill cleared.

Core Provisions of the Bill

After a brief introductory remark by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Speaker invited discussion on the statutory resolution, but continued sloganeering led to an immediate vote, clearing the bill without debate.

Historical Background

In 2023, an ordinance temporarily increased the number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38. The current amendment seeks to cement that increase through legislation, a pattern that reflects the government's preference for swift procedural changes via ordinance.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that expanding the bench could ease the court’s backlog, yet passing the bill without debate raises concerns about transparency and parliamentary scrutiny.

"Implementing constitutional reforms without public debate can jeopardize judicial independence," says legal scholar Dr. Sujata Sharma.
Did You Know?: The Supreme Court’s judge count was last increased in 1990, making this the first expansion in over three decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Will the bill affect the tenure of existing judges?

Answer: No, it merely creates four additional seats while existing judges retain their positions.

Question 2: Is the opposition likely to challenge the bill?

Answer: The opposition rejected the statutory resolution and may seek judicial review in the future.