WhatsApp Channel Join Now
Telegram Group Join Now

Relevance: GS-II (Indian Constitution, Judiciary, Parliament, Statutory Bodies) Source: Parliamentary & Legal Updates, 2026

1 · What is the core issue in simple words?

The ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament saw a lot of noise and protests. Amidst this chaos, the Lok Sabha quickly passed a very important law without any debate: a bill to increase the number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38. This is desperately needed to clear a mountain of 96,000 pending cases.
On the same day, the government also introduced two other game-changing bills. The first aims to scrap a 135-year-old British-era banking law so that your digital and cloud-based bank records are legally accepted in courts. The second bill will upgrade the famous Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) into a powerful statutory body. For UPSC students, these three bills represent crucial updates to India’s polity and governance.

2 · Why Do We Need More SC Judges?

Step 1: The Massive Backlog
The Supreme Court is heavily overburdened. Over 96,000 cases are currently pending, and shockingly, 26 of these cases have been stuck for over 30 years!
▼
Step 2: The Emergency Ordinance (May 2026)
To provide immediate relief, the President issued an Ordinance earlier this year to increase the judge count. Five new judges were quickly appointed.
▼
Step 3: Parliamentary Approval
Now, the Lok Sabha has officially passed the Bill, legally raising the maximum sanctioned strength of the Court to 38 judges (including the Chief Justice).
▼
Step 4: The Ultimate Goal
With 38 judges, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) can easily set up larger Constitution Benches more frequently to decide complex, pending matters faster.

3 · Key Legislative Concepts

Article 124(1)
The Constitutional Power
The Constitution originally gave India 1 CJI and 7 judges. It strictly gave the Parliament the exclusive power to increase this number by making a law.
Bankers’ Books Bill, 2026
Going Digital
Replacing an 1891 colonial law, this Bill finally makes modern digital, virtual, and cloud-based banking records fully acceptable as legal proof in Indian courts.
ISI Bill, 2026
Upgrading the Institute
The Indian Statistical Institute will no longer just be a ‘registered society’. It will become a ‘statutory body corporate’ with the President of India serving as its Visitor.
18th Law Commission
The Expert Advice
Experts argue that just adding judges isn’t enough. The Commission previously suggested creating regional branches (Cassation Benches) across India to truly fix the delays.

UPSC Prelims Quick Facts: Laws & History
Original SC Strength In 1950, the Supreme Court of India started with an initial strength of just 8 judges (1 Chief Justice + 7 other judges).
Zero Debate Passage The SC Judges Bill was passed via a “voice vote” amidst loud protests. Passing laws without debate limits democratic scrutiny and expert feedback.
Expanded Banking Scope The new Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill doesn’t just apply to traditional banks; the Central government can now apply these rules to all new-age financial entities.
Subpoena Clarity The banking bill clearly defines “special cause”, making strict rules on when a court can force a bank officer to appear as a witness in a case.

MCQ Practice Question
Q. With reference to the recent legislative bills and the Supreme Court of India, consider the following statements:

  1. Under Article 124(1) of the Constitution, the power to increase the number of Supreme Court judges lies exclusively with the Parliament.
  2. The Supreme Court of India began its journey in 1950 with an initial sanctioned strength of exactly 34 judges.
  3. The Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026 seeks to legally recognize cloud-based banking records as admissible evidence in Indian courts.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only    (b) 1 and 3 only    (c) 2 and 3 only    (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

  • Statement 1 — Correct: Article 124(1) empowers Parliament to prescribe a larger number of Supreme Court judges by law.
  • Statement 2 — Incorrect (the trap): The Supreme Court started with only 8 judges in 1950. The number 34 was the sanctioned strength just before the recent 2026 amendment.
  • Statement 3 — Correct: The new bill modernizes the 1891 colonial act by allowing digital, electronic, and cloud-based records to be used as legal evidence.
Ajmal IAS APSC Foundation Course

Recent Posts

Ajmal IAS APSC Foundation BATCH
Ajmal IAS APSC Foundation Course

Start Yours at Ajmal IAS – with Mentorship StrategyDisciplineClarityResults that Drives Success

Your dream deserves this moment — begin it here.