The Rajya Sabha advanced several key legislative measures during its July 2026 Monsoon Session, including a bill to increase Supreme Court judges [4].
These proceedings mark a critical juncture for the Indian government as it attempts to implement sweeping structural changes to the judiciary and electoral system while facing intense scrutiny from opposition parties over civil liberties and financial transparency.
On day 13 of the session, the upper house passed the bill to increase the number of Supreme Court judges before adjourning [4]. The legislative agenda continued into day 14 with further debates and protests [5]. Among the primary measures under consideration is the Women Quota Bill, which proposes a 33 percent reservation for women in legislatures starting in 2029 [1].
Additionally, the government is pursuing the Delimitation Bill, which seeks to expand the strength of the Lok Sabha to 816 seats [2]. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also presented the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill to introduce changes to income tax laws [3].
Despite the legislative progress, the session has been marked by significant friction. Opposition leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, have led protests demanding discussions on the alleged embezzlement of Ram Mandir donations [3]. The opposition also sought a government statement regarding police actions taken against students during a protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20 [3].
Kharge addressed the volatility of the proceedings during the session. "Disruption is part of democracy," Kharge said.
While some reports indicated the house adjourned following the judicial bill's passage, other accounts noted that opposition members walked out to demand specific statements from government officials, reflecting the high tension within the chamber [4].
“"Disruption is part of democracy."”
The simultaneous push for judicial expansion and electoral delimitation suggests a strategic effort by the government to reshape the legal and political landscape of India. By increasing the number of judges and legislative seats, the state aims to address judicial backlog and population shifts, though the opposition views the timing and the accompanying crackdowns on dissent as a challenge to democratic checks and balances.
