Cabinet Approves Increase in Supreme Court Judge Strength to 37

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved increasing the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India from 33 to 37 (excluding the Chief Justice).

About the Proposal

• To be enacted through the Supreme Court Number of Judges Amendment Bill 2026.
• Amends the Supreme Court Number of Judges Act 1956.
• Aims to improve efficiency and reduce case pendency.

Constitutional Basis

• Article 124 of the Constitution of India empowers Parliament to determine the number of judges.

Evolution of Judge Strength

• Initially: 8 judges (including CJI).
• 1956: 10 judges
• 1960: 13 judges
• 1977: 17 judges
• 1986: 25 judges
• 2008: 30 judges
• 2019: 33 judges
• Proposed (2026): 37 judges

Reasons for Increase

• Rising pendency of cases.
• Increasing workload on the judiciary.
• Need for faster disposal of cases and improved access to justice.

Appointment of Supreme Court Judges
A person must:

• Be a citizen of India, and
• Have been:
  • A High Court judge for at least 5 years, or
  • An advocate of a High Court for at least 10 years, or
  • A distinguished jurist (as per President’s opinion).

Other Provisions

• Provision for ad-hoc judges from High Courts.
• Retired SC/HC judges can be requested to sit and act as judges.
• Retirement age: 65 years.

Financial Aspect

• Expenses (salaries, infrastructure) will be met from the Consolidated Fund of India.