SC to Constitute Seven-Judge Constitution Benches Soon, Says CJI Surya Kant

May 19, 2026 : Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Tuesday indicated that the Supreme Court will soon begin constituting seven-judge Constitution Benches to hear long-pending constitutional references awaiting adjudication before larger benches.

The observation came while the CJI was adjourning the hearing of a matter before the Court. He remarked that he may not have adequate time to continue with the present case as the Supreme Court was preparing to commence hearings before seven-judge benches shortly.

CJI Surya Kant stated that the constitution of such larger benches would not be delayed, signalling the apex court’s intent to take up several important constitutional matters that have remained pending for years.

The development assumes significance as the Supreme Court has recently intensified efforts to clear old Constitution Bench matters involving substantial questions of law and constitutional interpretation.

Earlier this year, the Court concluded hearings in two major matters pending before nine-judge benches. In March, a nine-judge bench completed hearings in the reference concerning the interpretation of the term “industry” under labour laws. More recently, the Court also concluded hearings in the Sabarimala reference case, which concerns the interplay between religious freedom and constitutional rights.

With the completion of these proceedings, attention is now expected to shift towards matters pending before seven-judge Constitution Benches.

According to data available on the National Judicial Data Grid, five matters involving a total of 34 appeals are presently awaiting adjudication before seven-judge benches of the Supreme Court. Constitution Benches comprising seven or more judges are generally constituted in cases involving substantial questions relating to constitutional interpretation or where earlier judgments delivered by smaller benches require reconsideration.

The proposed move is expected to help address long-pending constitutional issues and streamline the backlog of larger bench references pending before the apex court.