Four More Judges for the Supreme Court: President’s Ordinance Responds to India’s Mounting Case Backlog

On 16 May 2026, the President promulgated the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026 in exercise of her powers under Article 123 of the Constitution of India.

Key Points of Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026:

1. The Ordinance amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, altering the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court.

2. The number of Judges (excluding the Chief Justice of India) has been increased from 33 to 37.

3. As a result, the total strength of the Supreme Court (including the Chief Justice of India) has increased from 34 to 38 judges.

4. The amendment aims to address the growing backlog of cases and the rising workload of the apex court.

5. The Ordinance came into force immediately upon its promulgation.

Also Read: Cabinet Clears Proposal to Add Four More Supreme Court Judges, Taking Total Strength to 38

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[Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, published on 16-5-2026]