The Union law minister, Arjun Ram Meghwal, introduced the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.This move aims to replace an ordinance issued in May and address the growing backlog of cases.Meghwal emphasized that additional judges will enhance efficiency and expedite justice delivery.

The bill, tabled on the first day of the Monsoon Session, faces procedural challenges as the Opposition has moved a statutory resolution disapproving the ordinance.

Under Article 124 of the Constitution, Parliament alone can determine the number of Supreme Court judges, unlike high courts where the President can act via executive orders.

The 1956 Act initially set the strength at 10 judges, which has been revised multiple times, including the 2026 amendment that would bring the total to 38.

Legal experts caution that merely adding judges may not resolve case pendency, citing the 18th Law Commission's report recommending regional benches instead of just increasing numbers.The Collegium system, which recommends judge appointments, remains unchanged.This reform highlights ongoing debates about judicial efficiency and systemic reforms in India's legal framework.