What is Judiciary (Supreme Court's Role)?
Historical Background
Key Points
10 points- 1.
Article 124: Provides for the establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court.
- 2.
Article 129: Declares the Supreme Court to be a court of record its proceedings and decisions are recorded and serve as precedents.
- 3.
Article 131: Grants Original Jurisdiction exclusive power to hear disputes between the Centre and states, or between states.
- 4.
Articles 132-136: Define its Appellate Jurisdiction power to hear appeals from High Courts in constitutional, civil, and criminal matters.
- 5.
Article 137: Confers Review Jurisdiction power to review its own judgments or orders.
- 6.
Article 141: States that the law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all other courts in India.
- 7.
Article 142: Empowers the Supreme Court to pass any decree or order necessary for complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it.
- 8.
Article 143: Grants Advisory Jurisdiction President can seek the Court's opinion on questions of law or fact of public importance.
- 9.
Judges are appointed by the President (Article 124(2)) and can be removed by Parliament through a special procedure (Article 124(4)).
- 10.
Acts as the ultimate interpreter and guardian of the Constitution and fundamental rights.
Visual Insights
Supreme Court of India: Guardian of the Constitution
This mind map illustrates the multifaceted role and powers of the Supreme Court, highlighting its constitutional foundations, various jurisdictions, and its critical function as the protector of fundamental rights and the Constitution.
Supreme Court of India
- ●Establishment & Structure
- ●Jurisdictions & Powers
- ●Core Role & Functions
- ●Recent Trends & Debates
Key Milestones in Supreme Court's Journey (1950-2025)
This timeline highlights significant events, landmark judgments, and reforms that have shaped the Supreme Court's role and influence in India's governance and constitutional framework.
From its inception as the final court of appeal, the Supreme Court has evolved significantly, particularly through landmark judgments that have shaped constitutional law and expanded its role in governance. The rise of PIL and debates around judicial appointments mark its dynamic journey.
- 1950Establishment of the Supreme Court of India (Jan 28).
- 1973Kesavananda Bharati case: Basic Structure Doctrine propounded, limiting Parliament's amending power.
- 1980sEmergence of Public Interest Litigation (PIL), expanding access to justice.
- 1993Second Judges Case: Collegium system for judicial appointments formalized.
- 2015SC strikes down National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, upholding Collegium.
- 2017Puttaswamy judgment: Right to Privacy declared a Fundamental Right.
- 2020-2023Increased focus on judicial efficiency, use of technology, and reducing case pendency.
- 2024Landmark judgments on electoral bonds, reservation policies, and environmental protection.
- 2025Ongoing debates on judicial accountability and transparency, interventions in governance issues (e.g., Puri Temple).
Recent Developments
5 developmentsIncreased use of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to address social and environmental issues.
Ongoing debates regarding judicial appointments, particularly the Collegium system vs. a proposed National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC).
Intervention in matters of governance, human rights, and environmental protection, often leading to judicial activism.
Focus on judicial efficiency, use of technology, and reducing the pendency of cases.
Pronouncements on fundamental rights, including privacy, free speech, and personal liberty.