Parliament Highlights: SC To Now Have 38 Judges As Rajya Sabha Clears Bill To Increase Total Strength

The Rajya Sabha proceedings have been temporarily adjourned and will resume at 11 am. 

The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 has been approved by both Houses of Parliament. The bill seeks to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 to increase the sanctioned strength of judges in the apex court from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India. After the amendment, the number of Supreme Court judges excluding the CJI will rise from 33 to 37.

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari criticised the opposition, accusing the SP, Congress, and the Communist Party of disrupting Parliament instead of participating in debates. He alleged that their actions undermine democracy and called for their suspension, saying it would allow the remaining MPs to function effectively. 

TMC Rajya Sabha MP Menaka Guruswamy criticised the government over the functioning of Parliament, saying the opposition's biggest concern is the state of parliamentary democracy. She called for discussions on issues including statehood, the proposed increase in the number of judges, and the judiciary. Guruswamy also alleged that judicial appointments lack diversity, claiming that Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are overlooked in favor of those who align with the government's ideology.

Amid opposition uproar, Lok Sabha passed the bill to recognise digital bank records as admissible evidence in courts.

Opposition MPs staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha during discussions on the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026. 

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned for the day after continued protests by the Opposition, and is scheduled to reconvene tomorrow, Thursday at 11:00 am.

Speaking to ANI, outside Parliament premises, BJP MP Arun Govil said, "The opposition's attitude is very unfortunate. They come to Parliament only with placards and create a ruckus. They do not want to hold a discussion. This is not right."

According to news agency ANI, citing Congress sources, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju discussed the Delimitation Bill with Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and sought to understand the party's position on the matter.

The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned until 2:00 pm on Wednesday, after opposition protests forced a second quick disruption within minutes of reconvening at noon.

 Rajya Sabha proceedings have resumed following a brief adjournment on Wednesday.

Rajya Sabha has been adjourned until 12 pm.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is holding a meeting with Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi over deadlock in Parliament. 

While the Lok Sabha witnessed continued protests by the Opposition on Wednesday, proceedings are underway in Rajya Sabha.

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned until 2 pm amid opposition uproar.

Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament premises, Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on the government over various issues, including Ram Mandir donations embezzlement and police action on protesters. Kharge said, "Mr. Rijiju, someone like you will only listen to what Modi ji or the Home Minister says; do you even have the authority to take an independent decision? Why would we be opposed to Ram? We are simply asking: Where are the donations collected in Ram's name?"

He added, "Where are the silver, gold, and other offerings? We are raising questions about the alleged irregularities involving the Trust's 70 acres of land. If we point out your mistakes, we are labeled "anti-Ram." If we expose corruption, we are called "anti-national", as if you alone have the right to define nationalism. You have always been against the interests of the nation, going back to the time of the British era. You did not participate in the country's freedom struggle. What right do you have to speak to us in this manner?"

Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others are set to march from the Gandhi statue at Prerna Sthal to Makar Dwar in protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over 'police action' against CJP protestors and Ayodhya Ram Mandir donations embezzlement issue.

Congress MP Manish Tewari has submitted an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha, seeking to suspend the day's listed business to discuss the need for a new anti-defection law aimed at preventing large-scale political defection.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will move the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, the Income-tax Act, 2025, and the Finance Act, 2026, for consideration and passing.

According to the Revised List of Business, the Lok Sabha will take up The Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026 and The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 for consideration and passing.