Lok Sabha Passes Bill Raising Supreme Court Judge Strength to 38 Amid Opposition Protests

NEW DELHI, Aug 3: The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, increasing the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India, amid continuous protests by Opposition members. Courts& Judiciary The bill, which replaces an ordinance issued earlier, was passed without a debate as Opposition MPs raised slogans over the alleged NEET paper leak and the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple. A statutory resolution moved by the Opposition seeking to disapprove the ordinance was rejected by a voice vote. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal briefly introduced the legislation. However, with disruptions continuing in the House, the Chair proceeded with the voting, and the bill was passed without discussion. Following the passage of the bill, the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day. The House had similarly cleared the Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill without a debate during the previous week amid repeated disruptions.