India's Parliament Passes Bill to Increase Supreme Court Judges Amid Rising Pending Cases

Lok Sabha has passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026. The bill aims to further amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, for increasing the number of Judges of the Apex Court from the present 33 to 37 (excluding the Chief Justice of India). In May this year, President Droupadi Murmu had promulgated an ordinance to increase the number of Supreme Court Judges from 33 to 37. The House adjoured till 11 AM tomorrow.When the House met after the second adjournment at 2:00 PM, Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal moved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026. He said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the mantra of Reform, Perform and Transform is being effectively implemented. The Minister said that the Bill is an important step in that ongoing reform process within the judicial sector. Mr Meghwal said, the bill has been brought in view of the rising number of pending cases in the Supreme Court and to make the judicial system more efficient and effective. He said, this step will further strengthen judicial capacity, expedite the effective disposal of cases, and mark an important milestone in ensuring timely justice for citizens.Our correspondent reports the volume of litigation in the Supreme Court has constantly been on the rise due to a persistent gap between institution and final disposal of cases in the Court. As on 1st of January this year, over 92 thousand cases are pending in the Supreme Court. Even while working at near-full sanctioned capacity of 34 Judges since 2019, the Supreme Court recorded institution of 75 thousand 410 fresh matters last year against a disposal of more than 65 thousand cases. A persistent gap between the institution and final disposal of cases underscores the continuing challenge of docket management, particularly with respect to older pending matters and cases requiring adjudication by larger Benches. The increase in judge-strength of the Court is one of the most exigent and viable solutions for tackling the pending backlog of cases in the Supreme Court.Earlier, when the Lok Sabha met after the first adjournment at 12 noon, presiding officer Krishna Prasad Tenneti tried to take up the legislative business, amid opposition uproar.Minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Rao Inderjit Singh introduced the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026. The Bill seeks to provide for a comprehensive statutory framework to the Indian Statistical Institute, to excel as a globally recognised centre in Statistical Sciences and allied fields.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026. It aims to provide for law relating to evidence with respect to bankers’ books and align it with contemporary digital banking practices.The opposition members came to the well demanding, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reply over the alleged police action during students’ protest over the NEET issue. The presiding officer urged the members to go back to their seats. He said, bringing placards and banners inside the House is not appropriate, and members should respect parliamentary decorum. As the pandemonium continued, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 2:00 PM.When the Lok Sabha began its proceedings at 11 AM, Speaker Om Birla congratulated athletes for their outstanding performance at the 23rd Commonwealth Games at Glasgow. He said, overall, Indian athletes delivered an outstanding performance, winning a total of 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver, and 9 bronze, securing the fourth position in the medal tally. Mr Birla said that India’s women athletes showcased exceptional talent and capability, winning eight gold medals and a total of 16 medals. He said, this remarkable performance will inspire millions of youth and athletes across the country.The Speaker said that the next edition of the Commonwealth Games will be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in 2030. Mr Birla said, following the closing ceremony held yesterday, the Commonwealth Games baton was officially handed over to India.After that, Mr Birla tried to take up the Question Hour, but the opposition members raised the issue of alleged police action during students’ protest. Mr Birla expressed concern over the deliberate disruptions by some opposition members. He urged all Members to return to their seats and allow the proceedings to continue. As the uproar continued, the Speaker adjourned the House till 12 noon.