Overview
The is the highest judicial authority in the country. It is the final interpreter of the Constitution and the ultimate court of appeal in civil, criminal, and constitutional matters. The Supreme Court is established under Part V, Chapter IV (Articles 124–147) of the Constitution of India.
Composition
- Consists of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and other judges as prescribed by Parliament
- Judges are appointed by the President of India
- Current sanctioned strength: 34 judges (1 CJI + 33 judges)
Qualifications of Judges
A person must:
- Be a citizen of India
- Have been a judge of a High Court for at least 5 years, or
- Have been an advocate of a High Court for at least 10 years, or
- Be a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President
Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court exercises multiple types of jurisdiction:
Original Jurisdiction
- Disputes between the Union and States
- Disputes between two or more States
Appellate Jurisdiction
- Appeals in constitutional, civil, and criminal cases from High Courts
Advisory Jurisdiction
- President may seek the Court’s opinion under Article 143
Review Jurisdiction
- Power to review its own judgments under Article 137
Curative Jurisdiction
- Judicially evolved power to prevent gross miscarriage of justice
Powers and Functions
- Guardian of the Constitution
- Protector of Fundamental Rights
- Interpreter of constitutional provisions
- Ensures uniformity in legal interpretation
- Acts as a court of record
- Has the power of judicial review
Independence of the Supreme Court
Independence is ensured through:
- Security of tenure
- Fixed service conditions
- Difficult removal process (impeachment)
- Power to punish for contempt
Seat and Benches
- Permanent seat: New Delhi
- Can hold sittings at other places with Presidential approval
Removal of Judges
- Judges can be removed only through impeachment by Parliament on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity
- Requires a special majority in both Houses
Significance
The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in:
- Maintaining constitutional supremacy
- Protecting democratic values
- Balancing federal relations
- Upholding rule of law
The Supreme Court of India is the final guardian of constitutional morality and justice, combining judicial authority with constitutional responsibility to preserve democracy and fundamental rights.
