RS Clears Bill To Increase Supreme Court Judges; Opposition Seeks Diversity

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, increasing the sanctioned strength of judges in the country’s top court from 34 to 38. The Bill was approved through a voice vote and was sent back to the Lok Sabha as it is classified as a Money Bill.

The legislation seeks to replace an Ordinance that had earlier increased the number of judges in the Supreme Court. Speaking during the debate, Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal said the move was part of the government’s judicial reforms and would help improve judicial efficiency and reduce the backlog of cases.

Meghwal said the government was also focusing on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including arbitration, mediation and conciliation, to reduce pressure on courts. He added that the Centre was committed to working in coordination with the judiciary to improve the justice delivery system.

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During the discussion, Opposition MPs supported the need for more judges but raised concerns over diversity and representation in the higher judiciary. Leaders demanded greater representation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and women among judges, while also calling for an increase in judicial strength at the lower court and High Court levels.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh sought details about representation from disadvantaged communities in the judiciary, while RJD MP Sanjay Yadav criticised the existing collegium system and demanded greater transparency in judicial appointments. He argued that representation of marginalised communities in the higher judiciary remained extremely low and called for reforms in the appointment process.

Responding to the concerns, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said judicial appointments are recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium, while the government’s role is limited to issuing appointment notifications. Several Opposition members also demanded measures such as an All India Judicial Service Commission and questioned the transparency of the current system.

The debate also witnessed political exchanges after Congress MP Vivek K Tankha questioned the timing of the Ordinance that preceded the Bill. Some Opposition members attempted to raise issues beyond the legislation, including Jammu and Kashmir-related matters and other political concerns, leading to a brief disruption and a walkout by INDIA bloc members.

Several MPs across parties highlighted the need to increase the number of judges in lower courts and regional benches of the Supreme Court to address delays in justice delivery. Members also raised concerns over rising case pendency, with calls for expanding judicial infrastructure and ensuring wider access to justice for citizens across the country.

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