New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has approved a proposal to increase the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice of India, from 34 judges to 38.
The move is aimed at improving the court’s capacity to handle a large backlog of cases and to reduce delays in hearings and disposal, an issue the Union government has repeatedly highlighted.
The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had cleared the proposal on May 5 during a meeting held in Parliament.
An ordinance to amend the Supreme Court judges’ strength was subsequently proposed, and the President has now given her assent. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal confirmed the development.
In 2019, the Supreme Court’s strength had earlier been increased from 31 to 34 through an amendment law.
