BackLAW
Cabinet clears bill to add four more Supreme Court judges, raising strength to 37
On May 5, 2026, the Union cabinet approved increasing the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37 (excluding the CJI), enabling the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026. The move follows a 2019 revision and aims to reduce a growing backlog of cases, with over 92,000 pending before the court. This timeline traces the court's historical capacity changes since its inception in 1950.
Why It Matters
If enacted, the bill would expand the court’s capacity to handle its growing docket, potentially expediting justice delivery.
Timeline
9 Events
Cabinet approves expansion to 37 judges
May 5, 2026
The Union cabinet approved increasing the sanctioned strength of judges from 33 to 37 (excluding the CJI), paving the way for the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament. The move aims to address mounting caseloads, with more than 92,000 cases pending.
Most recent revision before 2026
2019
The most recent revision prior to the present proposal was in 2019.
Sanctioned strength rises to 30 judges
2008
Sanctioned strength increased to 30 judges (excluding the CJI).
Sanctioned strength rises to 25 judges
1986
Sanctioned strength increased to 25 judges (excluding the CJI).
Effective strength constrained until 1979
1979
Effective strength remained capped at 15 judges until 1979, when the restriction was lifted following a request from the then CJI.
Sanctioned strength rises to 17 judges
1977
Sanctioned strength increased to 17 judges (excluding the CJI).
Sanctioned strength rises to 13 judges
1960
Sanctioned strength increased to 13 judges (excluding the CJI).
10-judge structure under the 1956 Act
1956
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 governed a modest sanctioned strength of 10 judges (excluding the CJI).
Inception of the Supreme Court with eight judges
January 28, 1950
The Supreme Court of India officially began with a sanctioned strength of eight judges—one Chief Justice of India and seven puisne judges.