Indian Polity
Supreme Court of India
Definition
The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial body and the highest court of appeal in the country, established under the Constitution of India. It serves as the guardian of the Constitution and has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdictions with the power of judicial review.
Overview
## Supreme Court of India
The Supreme Court of India stands as the apex judicial institution, serving as the final court of appeal and guardian of constitutional values. Established on January 26, 1950, it represents the pinnacle of India's three-tier judicial system.
### Structure and Composition
The court comprises the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and up to 33 other judges, totaling 34 judges as per the 2019 amendment. Judges are appointed by the President following the collegium system, where the CJI and senior judges recommend appointments. The mandatory retirement age is 65 years.
### Jurisdiction Powers
The Supreme Court exercises three types of jurisdiction:
• Original Jurisdiction: Direct hearing of disputes between Union and States, inter-state conflicts, and fundamental rights enforcement
• Appellate Jurisdiction: Appeals from High Courts in civil, criminal, and constitutional matters
• Advisory Jurisdiction: Providing opinions to the President on legal matters of public importance
### Judicial Review and Landmark Cases
The court's power of judicial review allows it to examine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions. The landmark Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) established the Basic Structure doctrine, preventing Parliament from altering the Constitution's fundamental framework.
### Contemporary Significance
The Supreme Court continues to shape India's legal landscape through progressive judgments on privacy rights, environmental protection, and social justice. Its role in maintaining constitutional balance between different branches of government remains crucial for India's democratic framework, making it a vital institution for governance and rule of law.
The Supreme Court of India stands as the apex judicial institution, serving as the final court of appeal and guardian of constitutional values. Established on January 26, 1950, it represents the pinnacle of India's three-tier judicial system.
### Structure and Composition
The court comprises the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and up to 33 other judges, totaling 34 judges as per the 2019 amendment. Judges are appointed by the President following the collegium system, where the CJI and senior judges recommend appointments. The mandatory retirement age is 65 years.
### Jurisdiction Powers
The Supreme Court exercises three types of jurisdiction:
• Original Jurisdiction: Direct hearing of disputes between Union and States, inter-state conflicts, and fundamental rights enforcement
• Appellate Jurisdiction: Appeals from High Courts in civil, criminal, and constitutional matters
• Advisory Jurisdiction: Providing opinions to the President on legal matters of public importance
### Judicial Review and Landmark Cases
The court's power of judicial review allows it to examine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions. The landmark Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) established the Basic Structure doctrine, preventing Parliament from altering the Constitution's fundamental framework.
### Contemporary Significance
The Supreme Court continues to shape India's legal landscape through progressive judgments on privacy rights, environmental protection, and social justice. Its role in maintaining constitutional balance between different branches of government remains crucial for India's democratic framework, making it a vital institution for governance and rule of law.