The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to increase the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court from the current 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India. This will raise the effective strength of the apex court, including the CJI, from 34 to 38.
Government Aims to Expedite Justice
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that more than 92,000 cases are pending before the Supreme Court, and the increase in the number of judges will help speed up the delivery of justice. The judge strength was last increased from 30 to 33 (excluding the CJI) through an amendment to the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act in 2019.
SC Had Sought 10 Additional Judges
The Times of India has learned that the Supreme Court had requested 10 more judges, which would have taken the total strength to 43, excluding the CJI. This number was determined after an assessment by a three-judge committee set up by the Chief Justice of India. Currently, there are over 1,200 cases pending before three-judge benches, more than 160 before five-judge benches, around three dozen before seven-judge benches, and approximately 45 before nine-judge benches.
Financial Implications
The expansion is expected to cost the government Rs 15 crore per annum, which will be met from the Consolidated Fund of India. The government will introduce a bill in Parliament to amend the law and formally increase the strength of judges. This move is seen as a significant step to address the mounting backlog of cases in the country's highest court.
