The Central Government has approved a proposal to increase the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court of India from 33 to 37 judges. This decision follows a review of the mounting pendency of cases and the administrative requirements of the apex court.

The expansion represents a significant administrative adjustment to the judiciary's top tier. Currently, the Supreme Court operates under a sanctioned strength that was last revised in 2019, when the number of judges was increased from 31 to 34, including the Chief Justice of India.

Government sources indicate that the additional posts are intended to facilitate the formation of more benches, thereby accelerating the disposal of long-pending litigations and constitutional matters. The move comes amid persistent calls from the legal community to address judicial delays.

Implementation of this increase will require an amendment to the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956. The government is expected to introduce the relevant amendment bill during the next session of Parliament.

Following legislative approval, the Supreme Court Collegium will initiate the process of recommending candidates to fill the newly created vacancies.