India Appoints 5 Supreme Court Judges, Reaches 37 Strength, June 02

India’s government appointed five judges to the Supreme Court on June 1, 2026, raising the court’s working strength to 37 judges. The appointments follow a May 5 ordinance that increased the sanctioned strength from 34 to 38. Four High Court chief justices and one senior advocate were elevated. The move addresses a backlog of cases pending in India’s highest court.

Who Got Appointed and When

The President approved five appointments under Article 124(2) of India’s Constitution. Four chief justices from high courts were elevated: Justice Sheel Nagu from Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Shree Chandrashekhar from Bombay High Court, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva from Madhya Pradesh High Court, and Justice Arun Palli from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. Senior advocate V. Mohana also received appointment. The oath ceremony is scheduled for June 2, 2026. The Supreme Court Collegium recommended all five names on May 27, and the government approved them within four days.

How the Court Expanded

The government increased the Supreme Court’s sanctioned strength through an ordinance on May 5, 2026. The maximum strength rose from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India. This expansion created six vacancies, including two pre-existing gaps. With the five new appointments, only one position remains unfilled. The move brings the court closer to full capacity after years of operating below sanctioned strength.

Why This Matters for Case Resolution

India’s Supreme Court faces a massive backlog of pending cases. More judges allow the court to hear more cases and issue decisions faster. The expansion and appointments directly address delays that affect citizens waiting for justice. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced the appointments on social media, emphasizing the President’s role in the process. The court now operates with 37 judges, the highest number in recent years.

What Comes Next

The five appointees will take oath on June 2, formally assuming their positions. One vacancy remains in the 38-judge structure. The Supreme Court’s cause list will reflect the expanded bench once all judges are sworn in. The appointments mark the first major judicial expansion since 2021, when nine judges were appointed simultaneously.

Final Thoughts

India’s Supreme Court now has 37 of 38 sanctioned judges after five appointments on June 1, 2026. More judges should accelerate case resolution and reduce backlog pressure on the highest court.

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