President Droupadi Murmu has approved an increase in the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India, through the promulgation of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026. According to the gazette notification, published by the Law and Justice Ministry, the ordinance amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956. With this amendment, the total strength of the apex court, including the Chief Justice of India, will rise to 38 judges.