The Union Government has appointed five new judges to the Supreme Court of India, taking the court’s working strength to 37 judges, just one short of its newly enhanced sanctioned strength of 38 judges.
The appointments were notified by the Department of Justice under the Union Law Ministry.
The following judges have been elevated to the Supreme Court:

Supreme Court Strength Increased

The appointments come shortly after the Government promulgated an ordinance amending the law governing the Supreme Court’s strength.

Earlier sanctioned strength: 34 judges (including the Chief Justice of India)
Revised sanctioned strength: 38 judges (including the Chief Justice of India)

The increase was aimed at improving judicial efficiency and addressing the growing backlog of cases.

Current Vacancy Position

Before the increase in sanctioned strength, the Supreme Court already had two vacant positions.

With the sanctioned strength being raised from 34 to 38, a total of six vacancies became available.

After the appointment of five judges:

Article 124 of the Constitution deals with the establishment and composition of the Supreme Court.
The number of Supreme Court judges is determined by Parliament through legislation.
Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President of India.
The Supreme Court Collegium consists of the Chief Justice of India and the four senior-most Supreme Court judges.

Five new judges appointed to the Supreme Court on 1 June 2026.
Supreme Court’s working strength rises to 37 judges.
Sanctioned strength recently increased from 34 to 38.
Only one vacancy remains in the apex court.
Appointments were recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium on 27 May 2026.
The five appointees include four High Court Chief Justices and one Senior Advocate.
Aim is to strengthen judicial capacity and reduce case backlog.