History And Salient Features Of Supreme Court of India | ProAdvocate | New Delhi |
The Supreme Court of India is the pinnacle of the Indian judiciary, established on January 28, 1950, after India became a sovereign democratic republic . As the highest court in the land, it serves as the final court of appeal for all civil and criminal cases, possessing the power of judicial review . The Supreme Court's extensive jurisdiction includes original, appellate, and advisory powers, making it a vital institution in ensuring justice and upholding the Constitution.
History and Evolution
The Supreme Court replaced the Federal Court of India and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which previously held the highest authority in the Indian court system . Initially, the Court had a Chief Justice and seven judges, but Parliament has since increased the number of judges to 34, including the Chief Justice . The Court's early years saw a full bench hearing cases together, but as the workload increased, Parliament expanded the bench strength.
Constitutional Provisions
The Supreme Court is constituted under Chapter IV of Part V of the Indian Constitution, which deals with the Union Judiciary . Articles 124 to 147 outline the Court's structure, powers, and jurisdiction.
Key provisions include:
*Article 124: Establishment of the Supreme Court.
*Article 129: Supreme Court as a Court of Record.
*Article 131: Original Jurisdiction.
*Articles 132-134: Appellate Jurisdiction.
*Article 136: Special leave to Appeal.
*Article 137: Review Power.
Jurisdiction and Powers
The Supreme Court has extensive powers, including:
Original Jurisdiction: Hearing cases involving constitutional interpretation and federal disputes.
Appellate Jurisdiction: Hearing appeals from High Courts and tribunals.
Advisory Jurisdiction: Providing advice to the President on constitutional matters.
Judicial Review: Reviewing laws and government actions for constitutionality.
The Court's Structure
The Supreme Court building, designed by Ganesh Bhikaji Deolalikar, symbolizes the scales of justice . The Court has 15 courtrooms, with the Chief Justice's court being the largest. The registry is headed by the Secretary-General, assisted by registrars and deputy registrars.
Impact And Significant
The Supreme Court has played a crucial role in shaping India's legal landscape, delivering landmark judgments on fundamental rights, constitutional interpretation, and social justice. Its decisions are binding on all courts and governments, ensuring the rule of law and protecting the rights of citizens.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court of India is a vital institution, safeguarding the Constitution, upholding justice, and protecting the rights of citizens. Its rich history, constitutional provisions, and extensive jurisdiction make it a powerful and respected body in the Indian judiciary.
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