Supreme Court Attains Full Strength Of 34 Judges With New Appointments
Source:Indian Express ↗
Why It Matters
The structure, organization, and functioning of the judiciary, especially the Supreme Court, is a core part of the GS-II syllabus. The evolution of the Collegium system, judicial appointments, and the sanctioned strength of the courts are frequent topics in both Prelims and Mains.
Summary
Justices Alok Aradhe and Vipul M Pancholi have been sworn in as judges of the Supreme Court of India, bringing the apex court to its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges. Chief Justice of India B R Gavai administered the oath of office following their recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium. The event highlights the ongoing functioning of the Collegium system in judicial appointments and underscores the importance of a fully staffed judiciary in addressing case pendency.
Key Points
- Justices Alok Aradhe and Vipul M Pancholi were sworn in as judges of the Supreme Court, bringing it to its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges.
- The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai.
- The appointments follow the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium.
- Under Article 124(1) of the Constitution, the power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court is vested in the Parliament, which has progressively increased it from the original 8 to 34.
- Operating at full strength is significant for the apex court to manage its heavy caseload and reduce pendency.
Important Terms
Supreme Court of India
The apex judicial body in India and final court of appeal, established under Article 124, tasked with upholding the Constitution and federal laws.
UPSC context
GS Paper-II/Polity; essential for understanding the separation of powers and the protection of fundamental rights.
Supreme Court Collegium
A non-constitutional system for judicial appointments and transfers consisting of the Chief Justice of India and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
UPSC context
GS Paper-II/Judiciary; tests knowledge of the 'Three Judges Cases' and judicial-executive dynamics in appointments.
Telangana High Court
The High Court for the state of Telangana, established in 2019 at Hyderabad following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
UPSC context
GS Paper-II/State Legislature & Judiciary; relevant for state reorganization and judicial administration topics.
Patna High Court
Established in 1916, this is the High Court of Bihar and serves as a significant source for judicial elevations to the apex court.
UPSC context
GS Paper-II/Polity; pertains to the historical evolution and hierarchical structure of the Indian judiciary.
Article 124
The constitutional provision governing the establishment, composition, and appointment of judges to the Supreme Court of India.
UPSC context
GS Paper-II/Polity; fundamental for questions on judicial qualifications, tenure, and the Parliament's power to increase court strength.
Prelims Trap
"The President of India holds the power to increase the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court."
Under Article 124(1), only Parliament can increase the number of Supreme Court judges via legislation. However, the President determines the strength of High Courts.
Static Concepts Connected
How is the sanctioned strength of SC vs HC determined?
- Supreme Court: Determined exclusively by Parliament through ordinary legislation (Article 124(1)). Currently set at 34 via the 2019 Amendment Act.
- High Courts: Determined by the President depending on the workload of the respective court. The Constitution fixes no maximum strength for High Courts (Article 216).
What is the constitutional basis of the Collegium system?
- Judicial Innovation: It is not mentioned in the Constitution. It evolved from Supreme Court judgments re-interpreting "consultation" in Article 124(2) as "concurrence".
- Second Judges Case (1993): Established that the CJI's advice is binding, forming a Collegium of the CJI and two senior-most judges.
- Third Judges Case (1998): Expanded the Supreme Court Collegium to a multi-member body comprising the CJI and four senior-most judges.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Judicial Pendency & Economic Growth
Economic Surveys frequently cite judicial pendency and contract enforcement delays as primary bottlenecks to India's Ease of Doing Business and foreign investment.
Basic Structure Doctrine & NJAC
The survival of the Collegium rests on the 2015 Supreme Court judgment striking down the 99th CAA (NJAC) to protect judicial independence under the basic structure doctrine.
Expect a Prelims multi-statement question contrasting SC vs HC judge strength determination, paired with Article 124 oath provisions.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2025MainsGS2
Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.
- 2017MainsGS2
Critically examine the Supreme Court's judgement on 'National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014' with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India.
- 2014PrelimsGS1
The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in
