Supreme Court Expansion: A Timely Step to Address Pendency

The Union Cabinet has approved a measure to increase the number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38 to address rising litigation. While welcomed by legal experts, they also urge broader reforms to effectively manage pendency and enhance judicial efficiency.

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned a proposal to boost the number of judges in the Supreme Court from 34 to 38, a decision that aligns with long-standing demands due to increased case volumes.

Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, emphasized the necessity of this measure, recognizing the Court's need to manage a growing backlog. While Singh lauded the high disposal rate, he advocated for further infrastructure expansions to accommodate more judges.

However, legal experts like Advocate Sumit Gehlot and PK Malhotra caution that an increase in judges alone won't eliminate pendency issues. They propose additional reforms such as structural advancements and establishing regional Courts of Appeal to ensure sustainable judicial improvements.