New Delhi, May 2026:
In a significant move aimed at addressing the growing pendency of cases, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a proposal to increase the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India from 34 to 37.
Decision Aimed at Tackling Case Backlog
The decision comes amid mounting concerns over the massive backlog of cases in the apex court. As of recent data, tens of thousands of cases remain pending, placing considerable pressure on the existing bench strength. Legal experts and policymakers have long argued that increasing the number of judges is essential to ensure timely justice delivery.
The proposed expansion will require an amendment to the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, which currently caps the number of judges at 34, including the Chief Justice of India.
Context: Rising Judicial Burden
The Supreme Court of India has witnessed a steady rise in litigation over the past decade, driven by factors such as increased awareness of legal rights, expansion of constitutional litigation, and more appeals from lower courts.
Currently headed by Chief Justice D. Y. Chandrachud the court has been functioning under heavy workload conditions, with judges often handling extensive daily cause lists.
Government’s Rationale
According to government sources, the expansion is part of a broader effort to strengthen the judicial system and improve access to justice. The move is also expected to reduce delays in hearing critical constitutional, civil, and criminal matters.
Officials indicated that the increase in strength was carefully considered, taking into account infrastructure, budgetary provisions, and administrative capacity.
Legal Community Reacts
Members of the legal fraternity have largely welcomed the Cabinet’s decision, calling it a “step in the right direction.” However, some experts caution that merely increasing the number of judges may not be sufficient unless accompanied by systemic reforms, including better case management, digitization, and filling vacancies in lower courts.
Next Steps
The proposal will now be introduced in Parliament as an amendment bill. Once passed, it will pave the way for the appointment of three additional judges to the Supreme Court of India.
Broader Implications
The move signals the government’s recognition of judicial capacity constraints and its willingness to intervene structurally. If implemented effectively, the expansion could help accelerate case disposal rates and strengthen public confidence in the judicial system.
Conclusion:
The Cabinet’s approval to expand the Supreme Court bench marks a notable development in India’s judicial administration. While it offers hope for reducing case backlogs, its success will depend on complementary reforms and efficient implementation in the coming months.
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