Increasing the Number of Supreme Court Judges and Other Legal Updates

May 6, 2026, 17:04
IndiaPolitics

Introduction

The Union Cabinet has agreed to increase the number of official Supreme Court judges to help reduce the large number of pending legal cases.

Main Body

The government decided to increase the number of judges from 33 to 37 (not including the Chief Justice of India) after a formal request from CJI Surya Kant in February. This change aims to make it easier for Constitution benches to meet regularly and solve important legal issues. To achieve this, the government will introduce the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, to update the 1956 Act. This step is necessary because there are currently over 92,000 pending cases. Historically, the court has increased its size several times since 1950 to keep up with the growing workload. Consequently, the current CJI will appoint about ten new judges before he retires in February 2027. At the same time, the judiciary is discussing the limits of its power over the government's law-making process. In a case regarding the appointment of Election Commissioners, a Supreme Court bench questioned whether it is appropriate for the court to tell Parliament to create specific laws. The bench emphasized that making laws is the responsibility of Parliament, referring to the 2023 Act. Furthermore, there are still problems with judicial infrastructure. For example, the construction of the ₹4,217 crore Bombay High Court complex in Bandra East has stopped. Although the project started in November 2025, it is still in the planning stage due to disagreements over the design and criticisms that the style looks too colonial.

Conclusion

The Indian judiciary is currently expanding its capacity while reviewing its relationship with the legislature and improving its infrastructure.

Learning

🚀 The 'Logical Bridge' Technique

An A2 student says: "There are many cases. The government adds judges."

A B2 speaker connects these ideas to show cause and effect. To move to B2, you must stop using only "and" or "because" and start using Transition Markers.

🧩 The Magic Words from the Text

Look at how the article links complex ideas:

  1. "To achieve this..." →\rightarrow Used to explain the goal of an action.
  2. "Consequently..." →\rightarrow A professional way to say "so" or "as a result."
  3. "Furthermore..." →\rightarrow A stronger way to say "also" when adding a new problem or point.

🛠️ Applying the B2 Logic

A2 Style (Simple)B2 Style (Advanced Connection)
The court is too small, so they add judges.The court is too small; consequently, the government is increasing the number of judges.
They want to solve cases. They will pass a bill.To achieve this, the government will introduce an Amendment Bill.
The building is slow. There are design problems.The project is stalled; furthermore, there are disagreements over the colonial style.

💡 Coach's Tip: The 'Flow' Secret

Don't just add these words to the start of a sentence. Use them to build a chain of logic.

Step 1 (The Problem) →\rightarrow Step 2 (The Goal: "To achieve this...") →\rightarrow Step 3 (The Result: "Consequently...")

By mastering these three markers, you stop speaking in "broken pieces" and start speaking in "connected flows," which is the hallmark of the B2 level.

Vocabulary Learning

increase (v.)
to make something larger or greater in size, amount, or number
Example:The government decided to increase the number of judges.
pending (adj.)
not yet finished or decided
Example:There are over 92,000 pending cases.
judicial (adj.)
relating to judges, courts, or the administration of justice
Example:The judicial infrastructure is still problematic.
bench (n.)
a group of judges who sit together to hear a case
Example:A Supreme Court bench questioned the law‑making process.
constitutional (adj.)
relating to a constitution or the fundamental principles of a state
Example:Constitution benches meet regularly.
amendment (n.)
a change or addition made to a law or document
Example:The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill.
law‑making (adj.)
relating to the process of creating laws
Example:The judiciary is discussing limits of its power over the government’s law‑making process.
infrastructure (n.)
the basic physical and organisational structures needed for a society
Example:Problems with judicial infrastructure.
complex (n.)
a large building or group of buildings with many rooms
Example:The Bombay High Court complex.
disagreements (n.)
differences of opinion or conflict
Example:Disagreements over the design.
colonial (adj.)
relating to a colony or colonial period
Example:The style looks too colonial.
capacity (n.)
the maximum amount that something can hold or accommodate
Example:Expanding its capacity.
legislature (n.)
the body that makes laws
Example:Relationship with the legislature.
expanding (adj.)
growing or increasing in size or scope
Example:The judiciary is expanding its capacity.