Current Affairs Questions for CLAT | QB Set 5

The President of India has issued an Ordinance increasing the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 judges to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India. With this amendment, the number of judges apart from the CJI has been increased from 33 to 37.

The change has been brought through the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, which amends Section 2 of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 by replacing the existing figure “33” with “37”. At present, the Supreme Court is functioning with 32 judges, including the CJI, despite the newly increased sanctioned strength of 38 judges.

Under Article 124 of the Constitution, the strength of the Supreme Court is determined by Parliament through legislation. The move comes shortly after the Union Cabinet approved the proposal on May 5, 2026. The last revision in the Supreme Court’s strength took place in 2019, when the number of judges was increased from 30 to 33, excluding the Chief Justice of India.

Question 1

Which of the following correctly states the present sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court after the promulgation of the 2026 Ordinance?

A. 38 judges including the Chief Justice of India
B. 37 judges including the Chief Justice of India
C. 36 judges excluding the Chief Justice of India
D. 35 judges excluding the Chief Justice of India

Question 2

Under which Article of the Constitution is the composition of the Supreme Court of India provided?

A. Article 124
B. Article 123
C. Article 214
D. Article 136

Question 3

Which of the following statements regarding the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026 is correct?

A. It reduced the strength of Supreme Court judges from 37 to 33.
B. It amended Article 136 of the Constitution.
C. It replaced the word “33” with “37” in the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
D. It abolished the post of additional judges in the Supreme Court.

Question 4

The power of the President of India to promulgate an Ordinance when Parliament is not in session is provided under which Article of the Constitution?

A. Article 356
B. Article 352
C. Article 72
D. Article 123

Question 5

In which year was the strength of Supreme Court judges last increased before the 2026 amendment?

A. 2014
B. 2019
C. 2021
D. 2016

Answers with Explanations

1. Answer: A

The Ordinance increased the number of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37 excluding the CJI. Therefore, including the Chief Justice of India, the total sanctioned strength became 38 judges.

2. Answer: A

Article 124 of the Constitution of India deals with the establishment and composition of the Supreme Court and empowers Parliament to determine the number of judges through legislation.

3. Answer: C

The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026 amended Section 2 of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 by replacing the existing figure “33” with “37”.

4. Answer: D

Article 123 of the Constitution of India grants the President the power to promulgate Ordinances when Parliament is not in session and immediate action is necessary.

5. Answer: B

Before the 2026 amendment, the Supreme Court’s strength was last increased in 2019, when the number of judges was raised from 30 to 33 excluding the CJI.