Centre notifies ordinance to add four judges to Supreme Court

In a significant move to tackle the mounting backlog of cases, the Indian government has promulgated an ordinance to increase the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court. The apex court will now have 37 judges, an increase of four, excluding the Chief Justice of India. This decision, approved by President Droupadi Murmu, is a direct response to the persistent calls for swifter justice and the growing number of cases pending before the court, which currently stands at over 92,000.

The ordinance, issued under Article 123 of the Constitution as Parliament is not in session, follows a formal request made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant earlier this year. The government's statement highlights the intention to ensure "speedier justice," acknowledging the strain on the existing judicial strength. This expansion marks the first increase in the Supreme Court's capacity since 2019, when the strength was raised from 30 to 33 judges. The timing is crucial, as the court has faced challenges in regularly constituting larger constitution benches due to a shortage of judges.

From India's perspective, this enhancement of judicial capacity is a vital step towards strengthening the rule of law and ensuring timely access to justice for its citizens. The Hindustan Times, reporting on this development, underscores the urgency of augmenting judicial strength to address the significant pendency. While Western media might focus on the legal intricacies or the political process, the Indian media and public discourse often emphasize the direct impact on citizens' lives – the long waits for resolutions, the burden on individuals and businesses, and the overall faith in the judicial system. This increase is seen not just as an administrative adjustment but as a necessary measure to uphold the principle of justice being accessible and delivered efficiently within a democratic framework. The appointment of these new judges will be a key focus in the coming months, reflecting the nation's commitment to a robust and responsive judiciary.

“

speedier justice