Rajya Sabha Passes Bill Raising Supreme Court Judges' Strength to 38
Rajya Sabha Passes Bill Raising Supreme Court Judges' Strength to 38
Summary
The Rajya Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, raising the Supreme Court's sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges (including the Chief Justice of India), replacing an Ordinance issued in May 2026.
Background
The sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges has been periodically revised through legislation as the Court's caseload has grown; this Bill formalises an increase that was first implemented via Ordinance.
Previous Developments
An Ordinance raising the judges' strength was issued in May 2026; the Rajya Sabha's passage of the Bill now gives this change permanent legislative backing.
TNPSC Relevance
The structure and strength of the Supreme Court, along with recent amendments, are important topics under Indian Polity for TNPSC exams.
Constitutional / Economic / Scientific Relevance
Constitutionally, Article 124 provides for the Supreme Court's composition, and Parliament can by law increase the number of judges beyond the number specified.
Key Highlights
- The Rajya Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill.
- The Supreme Court's sanctioned strength was raised from 34 to 38 judges, including the CJI.
- The Bill replaces an Ordinance issued in May 2026.
Important Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Old sanctioned strength | 34 judges (incl. CJI) |
| New sanctioned strength | 38 judges (incl. CJI) |
| Preceding instrument | Ordinance, May 2026 |
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2026-05 | Ordinance raising SC judges' strength issued |
| 2026-08-06 | Rajya Sabha passes the Amendment Bill |
Static GK Links
- Article 124 - Establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court
- Original SC strength in 1950: 8 judges (including CJI)
Exam Notes & Memorization Points
New SC sanctioned strength: 38 judges (incl. CJI), up from 34.
Bill replaces a May 2026 Ordinance.
Practice MCQs
Q1. As per the new Amendment Bill, what is the Supreme Court's sanctioned strength of judges (including the CJI)?
- (A) 34
- (B) 36
- (C) 38
- (D) 40
Answer: C — The strength was raised to 38 judges including the CJI.
Q2. The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill replaces which prior instrument?
- (A) An Ordinance issued in May 2026
- (B) A Presidential Order
- (C) A Supreme Court judgment
- (D) A Cabinet resolution
Answer: A — It replaces the Ordinance issued in May 2026.
Q3. Which Article of the Constitution provides for the establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court?
- (A) Article 74
- (B) Article 124
- (C) Article 143
- (D) Article 226
Answer: B — Article 124 provides for the Supreme Court's establishment and constitution.
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