Lok Sabha Passes SC Judges Bill: Strength Up to 37

Lok Sabha Passes Supreme Court Judges Strength Amendment Bill

Why in the News ?

The Lok Sabha has passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, increasing the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38. The legislation aims to reduce judicial pendency and improve the efficiency of the apex court.

Key Highlights of the Supreme Court Judges Amendment Bill:

• The Lok Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 through a voice vote, amid disruptions in the House.
• The Bill replaces an earlier Ordinance and increases the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
• The Government stated that the increase is necessary to address the rising backlog of cases and improve the timely delivery of justice.
• A statutory resolution moved by Opposition members seeking to disapprove the Ordinance was defeated by voice vote.
•     During the same sitting, the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026 and the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026 were also introduced.

Significance and Other Legislative Developments

• Increasing the number of Supreme Court judges is expected to:

○   Reduce pendency of cases.

○   Improve speedy disposal of appeals.

○   Enhance access to justice.

○   Strengthen judicial efficiency.

• The Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026 seeks to replace the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891, recognizing electronic, digital, virtual, and cloud-based banking records as admissible evidence in courts.
• The Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026 aims to replace the 1959 Act, establishing the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) as a statutory body corporate with:

○   The President of India as its Visitor.

○   A Board of Governors as its principal executive authority.

•     Parliamentary proceedings witnessed repeated disruptions due to Opposition protests on unrelated issues, resulting in limited legislative debate.