SC Judges’ Strength to rise from 33 to 37 as Cabinet Approves Proposal

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a proposal to introduce the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament. The bill seeks to amend the existing Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India. 

As per the proposal, the sanctioned strength of judges will be increased by four, raising the number from the current 33 to 37. This figure excludes the Chief Justice of India. Hence, the total number of Judges including the Chief Justice of India is proposed to be increased to 38.  

Total Number of Judges in Supreme Court  

The judge strength of the Supreme Court has been revised multiple times through amendments: 

• The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1986 increased the number of judges (excluding the Chief Justice of India) from 17 to 25.
• The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 2008 further raised the strength from 25 to 30.
• The most recent increase prior to this proposal raised the number from 30 to 33 through another amendment to the same Act. 

Key Provision of the 2026 Bill 

The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 specifically provides for: 

• Increasing the total number of Supreme Court judges by four
• Raising the sanctioned strength from 33 to 37 (excluding the Chief Justice of India) 

Legislative Process Ahead 

Following Cabinet approval, the bill is to be introduced in Parliament. Any change in the number of judges will take effect after the bill is passed by Parliament and receives the necessary approvals.