Law Minister Introduces Bill to Increase Supreme Court Judges

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on July 20 during the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session. The legislation seeks to replace a May ordinance and increase the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 33 to 37 judges, excluding the Chief Justice, bringing the total to 38. Meghwal stated the expansion is necessary to address a backlog of 92,101 pending cases as of January 1, 2026, and ensure speedier justice.

The introduction occurred amid significant disruptions in both houses of Parliament. Opposition members, led by the Indian National Congress, protested alleged NEET-UG paper leaks and the embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the government's handling of student protests at Jantar Mantar and alleged the use of force against students.

These protests led to adjournments in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, ending the first day of the session. The government's broader legislative agenda for the session includes tax reforms, foreign funding bills, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Both houses are scheduled to reconvene on July 21.