Supreme Court Collegium Recommends 19 Judges for Madras HC to Fill 23 Vacancies Against Sanctioned Strength of 75

Rajya Sabha Passes Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill 2026, Raising Judge Strength to 38

The Rajya Sabha has cleared the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, raising the apex court's sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India. The Bill replaces a May ordinance, but Opposition MPs questioned the ordinance route and highlighted the persistent diversity deficit in judicial appointments. This is a high-yield Polity topic for Prelims and Mains, with concrete data on SC/ST/OBC/minority/women representation and judiciary infrastructure.

Supreme Court Collegium to Fill 4 Vacancies; Gender and CJI Succession Criteria Examined

The Supreme Court Collegium, after completing appointments of regular Chief Justices to all 25 High Courts, now focuses on filling 4 vacancies in the Supreme Court. The selection will consider gender representation (only 3 women HC Chief Justices) and potential CJI succession. Aspirants must note the current strength (34 judges) and upcoming retirements of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma (Nov 29, 2026) and CJI Surya Kant (Feb 9, 2027).

Supreme Court Expands to 38 Judges: Diversity Deficit Exposed as Women Only 4.15%

Parliament passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, adding 4 judges to the apex court (strength now 38). However, the article underscores a glaring lack of diversity: women constitute only 4.15% of all SC judges ever appointed, and caste representation in High Courts remains abysmally low. For exam aspirants, this links directly to the collegium system, judicial appointments, social justice, and pendency crisis.

SC Collegium Elevates 4 Judges as Chief Justices: Justice V. Kameswar Rao to Patna HC

The Supreme Court Collegium, led by CJI Surya Kant, has recommended the elevation of four High Court judges as Chief Justices of different high courts and the transfer of two judges. This highlights the Collegium's role in judicial appointments and transfers, a key topic for UPSC Polity and Governance.

SC Collegium Divided on Acting Chief Justice's Power to Appoint HC Judges - 2026 Case

The Supreme Court Collegium faces a recurring question: can Acting Chief Justices of High Courts recommend names for judicial appointments? The controversy over Rajasthan HC's Acting CJ Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma's recommendations has revived the debate, with the Collegium divided on whether to accept such names or insist on a permanent Chief Justice. This has implications for the independence and efficiency of judicial appointments.

Madras High Court: Physical Features Cannot Determine Scheduled Caste Status

The Madras High Court has ruled that physical appearance, skin colour, height, and language cannot be used to determine Scheduled Caste status, setting aside a denial based on such 'look tests'. This judgment reinforces the legal principle that caste status is determined by birth, conversion, and community acceptance, not by subjective physical characteristics. It is a significant affirmation of constitutional safeguards against discrimination.

Parliament Increases Supreme Court Judges Strength from 34 to 38 via Amendment Bill, 2026

Parliament has increased the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges (including CJI) for the first time since 2019. The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, was passed by Lok Sabha on August 3, 2026, replacing an ordinance. The move aims to address the growing backlog of cases in the apex court.

SC Collegium Opacity: 30% Judges with Familial Links, Demand for Transparency in Appointments

The article argues that the collegium system for judicial appointments lacks transparency, citing nepotism (30% SC judges with familial links) and the recent withdrawal of reasoned resolutions. It calls for reforms like publishing vacancies, criteria, and reasoned recommendations, while preserving confidentiality on integrity.