Supreme Court of India: Difference between revisions
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Latest revision as of 11:42, 8 July 2025
Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority and the apex court in the Republic of India. Established on 28 January 1950, it is the final court of appeal, the guardian of the Constitution of India, and the protector of fundamental rights.[1]
Composition
The Supreme Court consists of:
- One Chief Justice of India (CJI)
- Up to 33 other Judges
Judges are appointed by the President of India based on recommendations from the collegium system and retire at the age of 65.
Jurisdiction and Powers
The Supreme Court has wide-ranging powers under the Constitution:
- Original Jurisdiction – Disputes between Centre and states (Article 131)
- Appellate Jurisdiction – Civil and criminal appeals from lower courts
- Writ Jurisdiction – Can issue writs under Article 32 for enforcement of fundamental rights
- Advisory Jurisdiction – Advises the President on legal or constitutional matters (Article 143)
- Judicial Review – Can declare laws unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution
It is also the interpreter of the Constitution and has played a vital role in shaping Indian democracy.
Landmark Judgments
The Court has delivered several landmark rulings:
- Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala – Basic structure doctrine
- Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India – Expanded definition of personal liberty
- S.R. Bommai v. Union of India – Limits on misuse of President’s Rule
- Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India – Decriminalized Section 377
Access and Language
- Proceedings are conducted in English
- Litigants can file cases from anywhere in India
- Recent digital initiatives like **e-filing**, **virtual hearings**, and **live-streaming** (in constitutional benches) have increased accessibility
Role in Democracy
The Supreme Court acts as a guardian of:
- Fundamental Rights
- Federal Structure
- Democratic Values
It has the authority to check both legislative and executive actions to ensure they conform to the Constitution.
See Also
- High Courts of India
- Judiciary of India
- Chief Justice of India
- Constitution of India
- Fundamental Rights
- Judicial Review in India