UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Centre clears five new judges for SC; strength rises to 37

Q1. Following the appointments approved by the President in early June 2026 under the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, how many new judges were sworn in to the Supreme Court of India in that batch?

  • A. Three
  • B. Four
  • C. Five
  • D. Seven

Q2. Which of the following is the nodal authority of the Union Government that processes and notifies the appointment of judges of the Supreme Court of India?

  • A. Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice
  • B. Ministry of Home Affairs
  • C. Cabinet Secretariat
  • D. Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs

Q3. With reference to the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, consider the following statements: 1. It was promulgated by the President under Article 123 of the Constitution. 2. It amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956. 3. It raises the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court to 38, including the Chief Justice of India. 4. It was promulgated by the Chief Justice of India in consultation with the Union Cabinet. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. It was promulgated by the President under Article 123 of the Constitution.
  2. It amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
  3. It raises the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.
  4. It was promulgated by the Chief Justice of India in consultation with the Union Cabinet.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 and 3
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 1 and 4

Q4. In the context of the promulgation of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, what does an 'Ordinance' under Article 123 of the Constitution precisely mean?

  • A. An executive order issued by the Union Cabinet that takes effect immediately upon Gazette notification
  • B. A legislative instrument promulgated by the President when either House of Parliament is not in session, having the same force and effect as an Act of Parliament
  • C. A judicial directive issued by the Supreme Court that binds the executive until Parliament legislates
  • D. A delegated legislation framed by a Union Ministry under powers conferred by a parent Act

Q5. Under Article 124(2) of the Constitution of India, which single authority is constitutionally empowered to appoint the judges of the Supreme Court of India, as exercised in the June 2026 appointments?

  • A. The Chief Justice of India
  • B. The Prime Minister of India
  • C. The President of India
  • D. The Union Minister of Law and Justice