Cabinet Approves Supreme Court Judges Expansion To 37, Says Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026.

The proposal seeks to increase the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.

The amendment aims to enhance the efficiency of the judicial system by addressing rising case pendency.

The government intends to accelerate the resolution of constitutional matters and improve overall judicial productivity.

The expansion also focuses on strengthening access to justice, particularly for economically disadvantaged and remote litigants who face prolonged delays.

The proposed change will amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, reflecting the evolving demands on the country’s highest judicial institution.

The increase in judicial capacity is expected to reduce backlog pressure and ensure the timely adjudication of critical cases.

Officials emphasised that the move aligns with broader efforts to modernise the legal infrastructure and improve service delivery within the justice system.

The decision also highlights the government’s focus on institutional strengthening and legal reforms.

The announcement, dated May 5, 2026, included an official graphic featuring the Supreme Court building and confirmed the Cabinet’s approval of the amendment proposal.

Legal experts believe the enhanced bench strength will improve case management and reduce delays in hearings.

The measure aims to deliver faster, more efficient justice while reinforcing public confidence in the judicial process.

Also Read: PM Narendra Modi To Visit Gujarat On May 11: What All Is On The Agenda?