Bill to increase Supreme Court judges introduced in Lok Sabha

A bill to replace an ordinance which increased the number of Supreme Court judges by four was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday, with the government asserting that an enhanced strength is one of the most exigent and viable solutions for tackling pendency in the top court.

Law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the bill amid slogan-shouting by opposition members over NEET paper leak and



alleged Ram temple donation theft. In May, the Union Cabinet had cleared the bill to increase the sanctioned strength of the top court, but soon thereafter the government brought an ordinance.

After the ordinance, five judges were appointed to the apex court based on the upgraded sanctioned strength. The bill does not require an amendment to the Constitution and requires a simple majority for passage.