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Parliament Monsoon Session 2026: Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Increase Supreme Court Judges’ Strength

Chandani — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:11:03 +0000

The Lok Sabha approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 through a voice vote, while Opposition protests over the NEET paper leak and Ram Temple donation issue continued to disrupt Parliament.

The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, replacing an ordinance that increases the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.

The Bill was approved through a voice vote without a debate as Opposition members continued raising slogans over the alleged NEET paper leak and the alleged Ram Temple donation theft issue. Following the passage of the legislation, the House was adjourned for the day.

Supreme Court Judges’ Strength Increased

The newly passed legislation replaces an earlier ordinance and raises the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 judges to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.

The Bill was cleared amid disruptions in the Lok Sabha and was passed without any discussion.

Rajya Sabha Adjourned Amid Opposition Protest

Proceedings in the Rajya Sabha were repeatedly disrupted as Opposition members demanded the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah to respond to questions regarding police action against students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak.

Due to the continued protests, the Upper House was adjourned until 2 PM.

Government Pushes Pending Bills

As Parliament entered the third week of the Monsoon Session 2026, the Centre continued with its legislative agenda despite repeated disruptions.

Among the key Bills scheduled for introduction and consideration were:

The Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026, introduced by Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh in the Lok Sabha.
The Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introduced in the Rajya Sabha by Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi.

Opposition Continues Protest

The Monsoon Session has witnessed frequent disruptions over several issues raised by Opposition parties, including:

Alleged NEET examination paper leak.
Police action against protesters during demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
Alleged theft of Ram Temple donations.

The protests have resulted in repeated adjournments and heated exchanges between the treasury and Opposition benches during the first two weeks of the session.

Key Highlights

Lok Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026.
Supreme Court judges’ strength increased from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.
Bill cleared through a voice vote without debate.
Rajya Sabha adjourned amid Opposition protests.
Opposition demanded Home Minister Amit Shah’s presence over the NEET protest issue.
Government continued introducing key Bills despite disruptions.

FAQs

What Bill did the Lok Sabha pass during the Monsoon Session 2026?

The Lok Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, increasing the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges.

How many Supreme Court judges will there now be?

The sanctioned strength has been increased from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.

Why was Parliament disrupted?

Opposition parties protested over the alleged NEET paper leak, police action against student protesters and the alleged Ram Temple donation theft issue.

Why was the Rajya Sabha adjourned?

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned after Opposition members demanded that Home Minister Amit Shah answer questions regarding police action against student protesters.

Which other Bills were scheduled during the session?

The government also introduced the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026, Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, and the MSME Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

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8th Pay Commission: When Can Central Government Employees Expect a Salary Hike? Here’s the Latest Update

Chandani — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:54:13 +0000

Lakhs of central government employees and pensioners continue to await clarity on salary revisions under the 8th Central Pay Commission (8th CPC). While expectations remain high regarding the new pay structure and fitment factor, the government has now provided an update on when the Commission is expected to complete its work.

Responding to a query in the Rajya Sabha, the Finance Ministry said that the 8th Pay Commission is expected to submit its recommendations within 18 months of its constitution on November 3, 2025, placing the likely submission timeline around May 2027.

Report expected by May 2027

According to the Finance Ministry, the Commission is working within the timeframe specified in the government resolution issued on November 3, 2025.

If the schedule remains unchanged, the Commission’s recommendations are expected to be submitted by around May 2027.

However, submission of the report does not automatically mean salary revisions will take effect immediately.

When will employees actually receive higher salaries?

At present, there is no official date for the implementation of revised pay.

Once the Commission submits its report, the process will involve:

Submission of recommendations to the Central Government.
Examination of the recommendations by the government.
Approval of the report, either fully or with modifications.
Formal notification and implementation of revised salaries and pensions.

Only after the government completes this process will employees begin receiving revised pay.

Government says the Commission works independently

The Finance Ministry also clarified that the 8th Pay Commission functions independently and has been allowed to determine its own working procedure.

The government stated that the Commission’s Terms of Reference do not require it to regularly update the Centre about:

Meetings held.
Employee unions consulted.
Progress of discussions.
Draft recommendations.

As a result, the government said it does not have detailed information regarding the Commission’s ongoing deliberations.

Stakeholder consultations continue

Even as the Commission works independently, it has continued to schedule consultations with employee organisations across the country.

Delhi consultations

Meetings with Central Government and Union Territory employee associations are scheduled for:

August 7
August 10

These interactions are intended for organisations that have already submitted their memorandums but are yet to present their views before the Commission.

Southern India consultations

The consultation process will continue with meetings in:

Chennai: September 7 and 8
Puducherry: September 9

More consultation rounds are expected to be announced for other states and Union Territories in the coming months.

Key issues under discussion

Employee organisations have submitted recommendations on several important matters, including:

Fitment factor.
Minimum basic pay.
Pension revision.
Dearness Allowance (DA).
House Rent Allowance (HRA).
Other service-related allowances.
Working conditions and service benefits.

The consultations provide employee associations an opportunity to explain the reasoning behind their demands before the Commission finalises its report.

Has the fitment factor been decided?

No.

The government has not announced:

Any fitment factor.
Revised salary structure.
New minimum basic pay.
Revised pension formula.
Changes in allowances.

Similarly, the Commission has not released any official recommendations regarding salary revisions.

Any figures circulating on social media or in unofficial reports regarding likely salary hikes or fitment factors remain speculative until the Commission submits its final report and the government announces its decision.

What employees can expect next

For now, the Commission’s immediate priority remains stakeholder consultations across the country.

After completing these interactions, it will prepare recommendations covering:

Pay revision.
Pension reforms.
Allowances.
Other service-related matters.

While the Finance Ministry expects the report to be submitted by around May 2027, employees will have to wait for the government’s approval before revised salaries come into effect.

FAQ

When will the 8th Pay Commission submit its report?

The Finance Ministry has informed Parliament that the Commission is expected to submit its report around May 2027, which is within 18 months of its constitution.

Will salaries increase immediately after the report is submitted?

No. The government must first examine and approve the recommendations before revised salaries can be implemented.

Has the fitment factor been announced?

No. The government and the 8th Pay Commission have not officially announced any fitment factor or revised salary structure.

What issues are being discussed by the Commission?

The Commission is consulting stakeholders on matters including the fitment factor, minimum basic pay, pensions, Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), other allowances and service conditions.

Rajya Sabha Passes Bill Prescribing Punishment for Insulting ‘Vande Mataram’

Chandani — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:25:06 +0000

The legislation was approved amid repeated disruptions and an Opposition walkout over demands for a discussion on the police action against NEET protestors.

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to strengthen legal provisions against acts considered insulting to ‘Vande Mataram’, India’s national song.

The Bill was passed during a stormy session marked by repeated disruptions and the absence of Opposition members, who walked out while demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the alleged police action against protesters in the NEET paper leak agitation.

FAQ

What is the Vande Mataram Bill?

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to strengthen legal provisions against acts considered insulting to ‘Vande Mataram’, India’s national song.

Why did Opposition parties walk out?

Opposition members protested over the alleged police action against NEET protestors and demanded a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah before staging a walkout.

Has the Bill been passed?

Yes. The Rajya Sabha has passed the Bill. It must complete the remaining constitutional process before becoming law.

Why is the Bill significant?

The legislation is aimed at strengthening legal protection for ‘Vande Mataram’ and reinforcing respect for India’s national honour.

New Criminal Law Bills: Three new criminal law bills passed by Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha

Pravesh Maurya — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 05:46:58 +0000

Parliament has approved three bills that will usher in a new era of the Indian justice system by replacing the colonial criminal justice system. After the Lok Sabha, all three bills were also passed in the Rajya Sabha.

The law made by the Indian Parliament will rule: Shah

Responding to the discussion on the bills related to the Indian Judicial Code, the Indian Civil Defense Code and the Indian Evidence Act, Home Minister Amit Shah said that instead of the laws made by the British Parliament, the country now has laws made by Indians, for Indians and by the Indian Parliament. There will be rule of law.

Giving details of the radical changes that will take place in the criminal justice system of the country after the three bills become law, Amit Shah said that these laws also have the flavor of the country’s soil and their soul is completely Indian.

According to him, while making these laws, on one hand thousands of years of justice philosophy in India have been kept in mind, on the other hand, efforts have also been made to make them scientific and state-of-the-art by giving place to digital and forensics. He said that with the implementation of these laws, the Indian criminal justice system will take a leap of two centuries and directly enter the 21st century from the 19th century.

The soul of the laws is Indian, the body is also Indian: Shah

According to him, the soul of these laws is Indian, the body is also Indian and the thinking is also Indian. In the absence of opposition MPs, Amit Shah fiercely attacked Congress in the Rajya Sabha for not changing the colonial laws and continuing to use them against the people.

He said that after independence, Congress never tried to change the sedition law under which freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Veer Savarkar had to go to jail. Instead it was used extensively during the emergency.

Abolish treason law completely

He said that Congress kept using the sedition law while in power and opposed it when it sat in opposition. But under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government worked to completely abolish the sedition law. Justifying the introduction of treason law in its place, he said that there is a difference between an individual and a country.

He made it clear that those who harm the sovereignty, unity, integrity and economic interests of the country must be punished severely. Amit Shah took Congress to task over its opposition to the new laws and said that this is in line with BJP’s resolve. According to him, Congress releases its election manifesto and forgets about it, but BJP has a history that Prime Minister Modi does what he says. We fulfilled the promise made in our manifesto by building Ram temple in Ayodhya, abolishing Article 370 and giving 33 percent reservation to women. Bringing laws based on justice instead of punishment is also a part of this.

जो पूछते हैं इन क़ानूनों से क्या होगा?

…अब गरीबों के लिए न्याय ना महँगा होगा ना ही लंबा।#NayeBharatKeNayeKanoon pic.twitter.com/2OCoNw860W

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 21, 2023

Shah explained the meaning of Swaraj

He said that Congress does not know the real meaning of Swaraj. Swaraj is not just rule of the self. Rather, it includes self-governance as well as promoting one’s own religion, own language and own culture. Accusing Congress of mob lynching against BJP, Shah said that for the first time the Modi government has made a provision of making a strict law against it and giving 10 years of punishment to the culprits.

Shah claimed that after independence, the least number of incidents of mob lynching occurred during the Modi government. He said that through these laws, the way will be paved for the victims to get justice within three years.

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Indian Railway: Senior citizens will get exemption in sleeper and 3rd AC, Railway Minister gave statement

Pravesh Maurya — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 14:06:53 +0000

There is good news for the passengers traveling by train. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has given a lot of information regarding the exemption given to senior citizens. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha that the Indian Railways may soon restore the senior citizen concession, which was discontinued due to Covid.

The Ministry of Railways said in the Rajya Sabha that the Standing Committee has advised to review and consider the concession to senior citizens at least in sleeper and 3 AC. Parliamentary panel has recommended that concession on railway tickets to senior citizens should be restored.

The Railway Minister told the Rajya Sabha on Friday that the Indian Railways subsidized Rs 59,837 crore on passenger tickets in 2019-20, which is an average concession of about 53% for each person traveling.

There may be a change in the rules, the Railway Board said that it is planning to give concessions to senior citizens, in which the idea is to reduce the cost of these concessions while maintaining the subsidy for senior citizens. As of now, no terms and conditions have been decided yet.

53 percent discount is available

According to the information received from the Ministry of Railways, all the citizens traveling in the train get an average discount of 53 percent on the fare. Along with this, Divyangjans, students and patients get many types of concessions apart from this exemption.

In which class will the discount be given?

In the Rajya Sabha, the Railway Minister was asked about the Railway Concession, whether the Railways will again give the facility of discount on train tickets. On this, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has said that in 2019-20, Railways has given a subsidy of Rs 59,837 crore on passenger tickets. Apart from this, the Standing Committee attached to the Parliament has suggested giving concession in train tickets to senior citizens traveling in sleeper and third AC.

In response to another question by BJP MP Sushil Modi on waiver of Rs 670 crore subsidy , the minister informed that the revenue on account of concession in passenger fares to senior citizens during 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 is around Rs 1,491 crore. , was Rs 1,636 crore and Rs 1,667. In 2017-18, a subsidy of Rs 670 crore was waived off for senior citizens in non-AC class trains, while Rs 820 crore was spent for subsidy in AC class.

In 2018-19, Rs 714 crore was spent on these concessions in non-AC classes and Rs 921 crore in AC classes. In 2019-20, there was a discount of Rs 701 crore for non AC class, while it was Rs 965 crore for AC class.

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7th Pay Commission DA Increased: Big update from the government regarding increasing DA, know here latest update

Pravesh Maurya — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 18:28:07 +0000

7th Pay Commission DA Hike Big Update : A big update has come from the Modi government about the meaning of government employees / pensioners. The government has made a big deal in the Rajya Sabha on the increase in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief for central employees and pensioners. Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary has answered a question related to this in the Rajya Sabha.

Question and Answer in Rajya Sabha

Naranbhai Rathwa in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday 2nd August in written question number 1806 on the increase in DA / DR – Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state whether it is true that wholesale inflation has reached a 30 year high of 15.8 percent , which has resulted in a jump in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) as well and there are likely indications that the inflation factor will continue to be an upward pressure.

In response to this, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Choudhary in the Ministry of Finance said – Yes. According to the Wholesale Price Index, the inflation for the month of May 2022 has been recorded at 15.88 percent which is the highest in the last 30 years (since April, 1992). However, the above rate of inflation has now come down to 15.18 percent in the month of June, 2022. Its details are given in Annexure-I.

Only three percent increase

Rajya Sabha MP Naranbhai Rathwa’s second question was whether despite rising WPI, dearness allowance for central government employees and dearness relief for pensioners has increased by only three per cent, and if so, the reasons therefor; And whether the Government will sanction DA/DR at higher rates while sanctioning the next installment of DA/DR to Government servants/pensioners considering the increased WPI and if not, the reasons therefor?

Computation of Dearness Allowance Dearness Relief

In response to this, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said- No. Dearness Allowance (DA) Dearness Relief (DR) for Central Government Employees/Pensioners is not computed on the basis of Inflation Related Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Computation of Dearness Allowance/Dearness Relief for Central Government Employees/Pensioners on the basis of inflation rate as per All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW) issued by Labor Bureau (Shimla), Ministry of Labor and Employment is done on.

What is Dearness Allowance?

Dearness Allowance means that the government pays its pensioners, employees, as a percentage of the basic salary of the employee to balance the effect of inflation. It is calculated twice a year, i.e. in January and July. DA varies according to urban, semi-urban and rural areas. It has to be increased due to rising inflation.

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