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
- Which Article deals with the establishment of the Supreme Court?
Answer: Article 124 - Under which Article does the Supreme Court exercise original jurisdiction?
Answer: Article 131 - Which Article provides Presidential Reference?
Answer: Article 143 - Which court is known as the Court of Record?
Answer: Supreme Court - 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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