CJI Surya Kant Welcomes Union Cabinet's Move Expanding Supreme Court Strength From 33 To 37 Judges

The Chief Justice of India has wholeheartedly welcomed the Union government’s decision to increase the strength of the Supreme Court of India from 33 to 37 judges.

“The total volume of pending cases and the rate at which new matters are being filed have increased significantly,” the CJI said appreciating the move.

Noting that several crucial matters requiring a Constitutional Bench are currently pending, CJI Kant said, “there is indeed a need for additional judges to ensure timely disposal of these cases."

The Union cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to increase the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court from 33 to 37, excluding the CJI, to address mounting pendency and strengthen the court’s functioning.

"The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi today has approved the proposal for introducing The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament to amend The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 for increasing the number of Judges of the Supreme Court of India by 4 from the present 33 to 37 (excluding the Chief Justice of India)," the government said in a statement.

Centre has said that the increase in the number of judges will allow the Supreme Court to function more efficiently and effectively, ensuring speedy justice. "The expenditure on salary of Judges and supporting staff and other facilities will be met from the Consolidated Fund of India," the government has added.

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, to increase the strength of the court by four.

The last time the strength of the court was increased was in 2019, when an amendment raised it from 30 to 33, excluding the CJI. Originally, the Act had provided for a maximum of 10 judges, excluding the CJI, which was increased to 13 in 1960 and then 17 in 1977.

The Supreme Court currently has a strength of 32 judges, with at least four judges expected to retire in 2026. While Justice Rajesh Bindal retired in April, Justices J K Maheshwari and Pankaj Mithal are set to retire in June. Justice Sanjay Karol will retire in August, and Justice Satish Sharma will retire in November this year.

Notably, the Constitution of India does not prescribe a fixed number of judges in the Supreme Court. Under Article 124(1), it provides for a Chief Justice of India and leaves it to Parliament to determine the strength of the court through legislation, allowing periodic revisions in response to rising caseloads.