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 address the increasing workload and reduce case pendency within the apex court.
The proposal involves amending the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1950. The increased strength will be implemented in phases, with the initial increase to 34 judges being prioritized. Further increases to the full 38 will depend on future needs and case flow assessments.
Currently, the Supreme Court operates with 31 judges, including the Chief Justice. The rising number of cases filed each year, coupled with the time required for complex legal proceedings, has created a significant backlog. As of January 1, 2024, over 60,000 cases were pending before the Supreme Court.
The government believes that a larger bench will enable faster disposal of cases, improve access to justice, and reduce the burden on individual judges. This move is also seen as a response to concerns raised by the judiciary regarding the need for more judges to effectively handle the growing caseload.
The legislative changes required for this increase will be introduced in Parliament. Once approved, the process of appointing new judges will begin, following the established procedure involving the Collegium system – a body of senior judges that recommends appointments.
The decision follows discussions between the government and the Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, who had advocated for an increase in the number of judges. The government has stated its commitment to supporting the judiciary and ensuring its efficient functioning. The increased strength is expected to significantly contribute to reducing the pendency of cases and improving the overall administration of justice in the country.
