The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to increase the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India, without any debate as the House remained disrupted by Opposition protests before being adjourned for the day.

The Bill replaces the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, promulgated in May this year after receiving the President’s assent. Once enacted, the total strength of the apex court, including the Chief Justice of India, will rise from 34 to 38 judges.

The amendment modifies the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, by providing for four additional puisne judges. The proposal was approved by the Union Cabinet in May following a request from the judiciary. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, while introducing the Bill earlier during the Monsoon Session, had said the additional judicial strength would enable the Supreme Court to function more effectively and ensure speedier delivery of justice.

The Bill will now be taken up by the Rajya Sabha before being sent for Presidential assent.