What is Supreme Court?
Historical Background
Key Points
10 points- 1.
Comprises the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and a maximum of 33 other judges (total 34, including CJI).
- 2.
Judges are appointed by the President of India through the collegium system.
- 3.
Original Jurisdiction: Resolves disputes between the Centre and states, or between states.
- 4.
Appellate Jurisdiction: Hears appeals from High Courts in civil, criminal, and constitutional matters.
- 5.
Advisory Jurisdiction: President can refer questions of law or fact for its opinion (Article 143).
- 6.
Writ Jurisdiction: Can issue writs (Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo-Warranto) for the enforcement of fundamental rights (Article 32).
- 7.
Court of Record: Its judgments are recorded for perpetual memory and are binding on all other courts (Article 129).
- 8.
Power of Judicial Review: Can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution.
- 9.
Independence of Judiciary: Secured through provisions like security of tenure, fixed service conditions, charges on Consolidated Fund of India, and prohibition on discussion of judges' conduct in legislature.
- 10.
Power to punish for its contempt (Article 129).
Visual Insights
Understanding the Supreme Court of India
Mind map illustrating the key aspects of the Supreme Court of India, including its composition, jurisdiction, and role as the guardian of the Constitution.
Supreme Court of India
- ●Composition
- ●Jurisdiction
- ●Powers & Functions
- ●Constitutional Basis
Recent Developments
5 developmentsIncreased focus on judicial appointments and ongoing debates regarding the collegium system.
Adoption of technology for court proceedings, e-filing, and live streaming of hearings.
Landmark judgments on fundamental rights, federalism, and constitutional interpretation (e.g., Aadhaar, Sabarimala, electoral bonds).
Efforts to reduce the pendency of cases through various administrative and procedural reforms.
Debates surrounding judicial activism versus judicial restraint in policy matters.