New Delhi, August 5: The Rajya Sabha discussed the Supreme Court (Judges Number) Amendment Bill, 2026, on Wednesday. This bill has already been passed by the Lok Sabha. Following the discussion, the proceedings for returning the bill were completed in the house. During the debate, Congress and its allied parties staged a walkout, while several non-NDA parties participated in the discussion. Central Minister of State Arjun Ram Meghwal stated that the country will soon witness its first female Chief Justice.
In response to the discussion, Meghwal emphasized that the government’s goal is to make justice more accessible. He highlighted the need for expedited resolution of pending cases to reduce the burden on courts. The government is working with the judiciary to strengthen the judicial system. Both digital and physical aspects of the judicial framework are being modernized for quicker case resolutions.
Meghwal noted that when the Supreme Court was established on January 28, 1950, it had only eight judges, including one Chief Justice and seven others. After the passage of this bill, the court will have a total of 38 judges, including one Chief Justice. He mentioned that the number of judges has been increased periodically as needed, and the current increase is also deemed necessary. On May 5, 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal to raise the number of judges in the Supreme Court from 34 to 38. This arrangement was implemented through an ordinance under Article 123 of the Constitution due to immediate necessity.
Following the ordinance’s implementation, a notification for the appointment of five new judges in the Supreme Court was issued on June 1, 2026, with the President’s approval. Subsequently, the court formed four special benches to hear only the oldest civil and criminal cases, freeing them from regular case hearings to ensure timely resolution of these older matters. The amendment bill to the Supreme Court (Judges Number) Act, 1956, was introduced to make the provisions established by the ordinance permanent.
In response to opposition comments regarding the representation of female judges, Meghwal reiterated that the country will soon see its first female Chief Justice. He also noted that female Chief Justices are currently serving in the High Courts of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Meghalaya, and Patna. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized the empowerment of women.
Discussing judicial infrastructure, Meghwal mentioned that during Prime Minister Modi’s tenure, the expansion of the Supreme Court building is being carried out by the Central Public Works Department at a cost of ₹795.53 crore in two phases. This expansion will enhance the court’s efficiency and strengthen the justice delivery system.
Meghwal explained that the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary follows a continuous, coordinated, and collaborative process between the judiciary and the executive. This process involves consultations and approvals from various constitutional authorities at both the central and state levels. Appointments to the Supreme Court are made under Article 124, while appointments to High Courts are made under Articles 217 and 224 of the Constitution.
He emphasized that discussions regarding judicial appointments must consider this constitutional framework, as established by the Supreme Court’s judgments in the Second Judges Case of 1993 and the Third Judges Case of 1998.
Leave a Comment