Parliament on 5 August 2026 passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, increasing the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
- The amendment revises the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
- The increase had already been provided through an Ordinance promulgated by President Droupadi Murmu in May 2026.
- The government said the move aims to improve the efficiency of the Supreme Court and ensure timely justice.
- Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal defended the measure as part of broader judicial reforms.
- On the same day, the Lok Sabha passed the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, aimed at modernising rules concerning banking records and digital banking evidence.
Key Exam Fact: Supreme Court judges (excluding CJI) → 37.
