Parliament on 5 August 2026 passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, paving the way for an increase in the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India. The legislation received Parliament’s approval after the Rajya Sabha returned the Bill to the Lok Sabha following a discussion. The Lok Sabha had passed the Bill on 3 August 2026. The amendment revises the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, to enhance the apex court’s judicial capacity.

• The move follows an ordinance promulgated by President Droupadi Murmu in May this year, which had increased the number of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37.