The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to increase the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from the current 31 to 34, plus the Chief Justice of India, bringing the total to 38. This decision aims to reduce the workload on the Justices and address the increasing number of pending cases.
The proposal stems from recommendations made by the Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, considering the rising case load and the need for quicker disposal of matters. Currently, the Supreme Court faces a significant backlog of over 60,000 cases.
The increase will be implemented in phases. Initially, three additional judges will be appointed, followed by another, eventually reaching the total of 34 judges excluding the Chief Justice.
The government highlighted that this increase doesn’t necessitate immediate infrastructural changes as existing space within the Supreme Court complex can accommodate the additional judges. However, long-term planning for expanded facilities is anticipated.
The move has been welcomed by legal experts who believe it is a necessary step to improve the efficiency of the apex court and ensure timely justice delivery. Concerns regarding judicial delays have been persistent, and this increase is seen as a positive response.
The legislative process for enacting this change will involve amendments to the Supreme Court Judges (Number of Judges) Act, 1958. The government intends to introduce these amendments in Parliament during the upcoming session.
The decision reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary and addressing the challenges it faces in managing the growing volume of litigation. It is expected to contribute to a more accessible and efficient justice system for citizens. The financial implications of the increased number of judges, including salaries and allowances, will be borne by the government.
