India, May 5 -- The Union Cabinet, on Tuesday, approved a proposal to introduce the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament. The bill seeks to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 to increase the strength of the Supreme Court of India by four judges-from the present 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.

According to the government, the move is aimed at improving the efficiency and functioning of the apex court. With a higher number of judges, the SC is expected to handle cases more effectively and help reduce pendency, ensuring quicker delivery of justice, said a PIB release.

The additional expenditure on salaries of judges, support staff, and related infrastructure will be met from ...