Supreme Court of India Notes: Articles, Powers, Jurisdiction, Judges and PIL for SSC, UPSC & Railway Exams

Supreme Court of India Notes: Articles, Powers, Jurisdiction, Judges and PIL for SSC, UPSC & Railway Exams

The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority in the country. Questions related to the Supreme Court, Articles, Judges, Jurisdiction and Public Interest Litigation (PIL) are frequently asked in SSC, UPSC, Railway, Banking and State Government examinations.

Supreme Court Overview

Particulars Details
Established 28 January 1950
Articles 124 to 147
Highest Court Yes
Location New Delhi
Chief Justice Head of Judiciary

Constitutional Provisions

Article Description
124 Establishment of Supreme Court
129 Court of Record
131 Original Jurisdiction
132 Constitutional Appeals
136 Special Leave Petition (SLP)
137 Review Power
141 Law Declared by Supreme Court
143 Presidential Reference

Composition of Supreme Court

The Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and other judges as determined by Parliament.

Appointment of Judges

  • Judges are appointed by the President of India.
  • The Collegium System plays an important role.
  • The Chief Justice is generally the senior-most judge.

Qualifications of a Supreme Court Judge

  • Must be a citizen of India.
  • Must have served as a High Court Judge for at least 5 years.
  • Or must have practiced as an advocate in a High Court for at least 10 years.
  • Or be a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President.

Jurisdiction of Supreme Court

1. Original Jurisdiction

Disputes between:

  • Centre and State
  • State and State
  • Centre and Multiple States

2. Appellate Jurisdiction

The Supreme Court hears appeals from High Courts.

3. Advisory Jurisdiction

Under Article 143, the President may seek advice from the Supreme Court.

4. Review Jurisdiction

The Supreme Court can review its own judgments under Article 137.

Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

PIL allows any public-spirited person to approach the court for the protection of public interest.

Importance of PIL

  • Protects Fundamental Rights.
  • Provides access to justice.
  • Helps weaker sections of society.

Court of Record

Under Article 129, the Supreme Court is a Court of Record.

  • Its records are preserved permanently.
  • Can punish for contempt of court.

Judicial Review

The Supreme Court has the power of Judicial Review. It can declare laws unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution.

Important Facts for Exams

Question Answer
Highest Court in India Supreme Court
Article for Supreme Court 124
Article for Original Jurisdiction 131
Article for Review Power 137
Article for Presidential Reference 143

Previous Year Questions

  1. Which Article deals with the establishment of the Supreme Court?
    Answer: Article 124
  2. Under which Article does the Supreme Court exercise original jurisdiction?
    Answer: Article 131
  3. Which Article provides Presidential Reference?
    Answer: Article 143
  4. Which court is known as the Court of Record?
    Answer: Supreme Court
  5. What is the highest court of India?
    Answer: Supreme Court

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Article establishes the Supreme Court?

Article 124 establishes the Supreme Court of India.

Who appoints Supreme Court judges?

The President of India appoints Supreme Court judges.

What is PIL?

PIL stands for Public Interest Litigation.

What is Judicial Review?

The power of the Supreme Court to examine the constitutionality of laws.

Which Article deals with Presidential Reference?

Article 143.

Related Study Material

  • President of India Notes
  • Prime Minister of India Notes
  • Parliament of India Notes
  • Emergency Provisions Notes
  • Writs of Indian Constitution Notes

Conclusion

The Supreme Court is the guardian of the Constitution and protector of Fundamental Rights. Understanding its powers, jurisdiction and constitutional provisions is essential for all competitive examinations.

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