Correct Option (b):
Article 124(1) of the Constitution of India vests the power to determine the number of judges in the Supreme Court in the Parliament. The Constitution initially provided for a Chief Justice and seven other judges. Parliament, through legislation such as the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, has periodically increased this number to meet the evolving requirements of the judiciary.
Incorrect Options:
- The President of India (a) is responsible for appointing the judges of the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice, but does not have the authority to increase or decrease their sanctioned strength.
- The Chief Justice of India (c) is the head of the Indian judiciary and plays a crucial role in judicial administration and appointments, but lacks the legislative power to alter the number of judges.
- The Law Commission (d) is an advisory body constituted by the Government of India to recommend legal reforms. It can suggest changes to the judicial system, but it does not possess the power to enact legislation or directly modify the number of judges in the Supreme Court.