The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial authority and the highest court of the land, established under the Constitution of India. It plays a pivotal role in the Indian judiciary as the final arbiter of legal and constitutional disputes. Here’s an overview of the Supreme Court’s structure, jurisdiction, and significance:

Key Features of the Supreme Court of India

  1. Establishment
    The Supreme Court was established on January 28, 1950, following the adoption of the Constitution of India. It replaced the Federal Court of India, which existed during British rule.

  2. Composition

    • The Court comprises the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and a sanctioned strength of 33 other judges, as per Article 124 of the Constitution.
    • Judges are appointed by the President of India based on recommendations from the Collegium System, which includes the CJI and senior judges.

  3. Jurisdiction
    The Supreme Court exercises jurisdiction under three primary categories:

    • Original Jurisdiction (Article 131): In cases involving disputes between the Government of India and one or more states, or between states.
    • Appellate Jurisdiction (Articles 132-134): As the highest appellate court, it hears appeals against judgments from High Courts or tribunals on constitutional, civil, or criminal matters.
    • Advisory Jurisdiction (Article 143): The President of India may seek the Supreme Court’s advice on legal or constitutional matters.

  4. Judicial Review
    The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review to ensure that laws and executive actions conform to the Constitution. It can strike down any law or action deemed unconstitutional.

  5. Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
    The Court allows citizens to directly approach it for matters of public importance through Public Interest Litigations, ensuring access to justice for all.

  6. Guardian of the Constitution
    As the custodian of the Constitution, the Supreme Court ensures the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights  under Part III of the Constitution.

  7. Binding Precedent
    Under Article 141, the decisions of the Supreme Court are binding on all lower courts in India.

  8. Significant Functions

    • Interpretation of constitutional provisions.
    • Resolution of disputes involving national importance.
    • Safeguarding democratic principles and the independence of the judiciary.

  9. Notable Judgments
    Over the years, the Supreme Court has delivered landmark judgments such as:

    • Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973): Established the “basic structure doctrine.”
    • Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978): Expanded the scope of the right to life and personal liberty.
    • Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018): Decriminalized consensual same-sex relationships.

  10. Access and Innovation
    The Supreme Court has embraced technology, providing e-filing, virtual hearings, and a digital repository of judgments to ensure wider accessibility.

Significance

The Supreme Court of India stands as a pillar of justice, upholding democratic values and safeguarding individual freedoms. It not only interprets the law but also shapes societal values and ensures the balance of power among the legislature, executive, and judiciary.