The record
Written from the 1 report below. Nothing here is unsourced.
- The Lok Sabha has passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, raising the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.
- The Bill, passed by voice vote, replaces an ordinance promulgated in May and is aimed at tackling the court's mounting case backlog, with over 96,000 cases currently pending.
- The government argues that four additional judges will allow more Benches to be formed, speeding up the disposal of both fresh and long-pending cases, including 22 undecided five-judge Constitution Bench matters.
- Critics, including some legal experts and the 18th Law Commission, note that adding judges alone may not resolve pendency, pointing instead to appointment delays and alternative structures like regional benches.
What to watch next
- Passage of the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, where it is yet to be introduced
- Appointment of the four additional judges once the law takes effect
- Impact on pendency figures, including long-pending Constitution Bench matters
Who said what1
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Arjun Ram Meghwal
1 quote · 1 outlet
“The additional judges will help the Supreme Court function more efficiently and ensure speedier justice.”
In the article
…among the most effective ways to cut this backlog. The Bill was first introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 20, before being taken up for consideration and passage on Monday. Piloting the Bill, Meghwal told the House, “ The additional judges will help the Supreme Court function more efficiently and ensure speedier justice. ” He added that the expansion was necessitated by a rising backlog of cases before the court. The government has pointed to data showing that Supreme Court disposals outpaced fresh filings in three months this year,…
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Named India · Rajya Sabha · Supreme Court · Arjun Ram Meghwal · Law Commission · Lok Sabha
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