Lok Sabha passes Bill to raise Supreme Court judges to 38 amid opposition uproar

The Lok Sabha on Monday passed a Bill to replace an ordinance increasing the number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India, without any debate. The House was adjourned for the day soon after the passage of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026.

The Bill was cleared amid continued sloganeering by Opposition members over the NEET paper leaks and allegations concerning donations to the Ram temple. A statutory resolution moved by Opposition members disapproving the promulgation of the ordinance was also rejected by a voice vote.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal made brief introductory remarks before the Chair requested members to speak on the statutory resolution. However, as the din continued, the Bill was put to vote and subsequently passed.

The passage of the Bill marks the latest instance of legislation being cleared without substantive discussion during the Monsoon Session. Last week, the House had also cleared a Bill to amend the Births and Deaths Registration Act without debate.

The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, seeks to formalise the increase in the sanctioned strength of the apex court. The ordinance was promulgated earlier this year, and the Bill replaces it with parliamentary approval.

Opposition members have contended that the government has not been allowing adequate discussion on key issues, including the NEET paper leak controversy and the alleged misappropriation of funds donated to the Ram temple. They have also criticised the manner in which the ordinance route was used for the judicial expansion, arguing that such significant decisions should be brought before Parliament as primary legislation with proper consultation.

Government sources, on the other hand, maintained that the Bill was procedural and required expedited passage to ensure the smooth functioning of the judiciary. The increase in judges is seen as a step to address the mounting pendency of cases in the Supreme Court.

The decision to increase the strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges was initially taken by the Union Cabinet, following which the ordinance was promulgated. The Bill now awaits consideration in the Rajya Sabha, where it is expected to be taken up in the coming days.

With the Monsoon Session set to continue, several other legislative items remain pending. The manner in which the government has expedited certain Bills while facing criticism from the Opposition has become a recurring theme of the session.

The adjournment of the House for the day underscores the continuing friction between the ruling dispensation and Opposition parties. Parliamentary affairs experts note that the lack of debate on significant legislation diminishes the deliberative role of Parliament, though the government maintains that its business is carried out despite obstruction.

The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill is expected to be passed by the Rajya Sabha as well, making way for the formal appointment of additional judges to the apex court.