New Delhi: Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The legislative move took place amidst intense sloganeering by Opposition members during the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Meghwal formally moved for leave to introduce the Bill, which aims to further amend the original Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act of 1956. The proposed legislation seeks to replace a prior ordinance promulgated by the Centre to increase the total sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court from 33 to 37. The introduction proceeded despite continuous disruptions in the House, with Opposition MPs raising slogans over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak scandal and alleged donation embezzlement involving the Ram Mandir trust. Because of the persistent uproar, the Lok Sabha faced early disruptions and was adjourned until 12:30 p.m..
Similar scenes of unrest unfolded in the Rajya Sabha, where proceedings were disrupted after Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge raised concerns over the NEET examination controversy and ongoing student demonstrations. Kharge highlighted the plight of thousands of students gathered at Jantar Mantar, condemning a police lathi-charge and accusing the government of using force to suppress the voices of youth. Following his address, Rajya Sabha Speaker CP Radhakrishnan adjourned the Upper House until 12 noon. The Monsoon Session, which is scheduled to run until August 13, is anticipated to see continued friction between the government and the Opposition benches over various public issues.
Beyond the judicial structural changes, the government has scheduled the introduction of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha. This proposed legislation aims to amend the original 1971 Act, officially making any intentional obstruction or insult to the national song Vande Mataram a punishable criminal offence. The Opposition has firmly indicated that it will continue to demand formal discussions on the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, the financial allegations surrounding the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya, and other key matters throughout the session.
