Lok Sabha Passes Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill 2026

The Lok Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, aiming to increase the total sanctioned strength of judges in the apex court. The legislative move comes amid growing concerns over mounting case backlogs and delay in justice delivery across higher judiciary benches.

Historically, Article 124(1) of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to determine the number of Supreme Court judges. Originally set at eight in 1950, Parliament has periodically enhanced this limit through legislative amendments in 1956, 1960, 1977, 1986, 2008, and 2019 to keep pace with expanding litigation.

Key figures for examination include Article 124, which governs the establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court. The sanctioned strength previously stood at 34 judges (including the Chief Justice of India) following the 2019 amendment. Examiners frequently target parliamentary powers versus judicial appointments under the Collegium system.

This development is vital for polity prep regarding Judicial Reforms and Constitutional Provisions. It provides material for Prelims MCQs on Constitutional Articles and Mains answers addressing pendency, judicial infrastructure, and legislative authority over court composition.