Here’s a clear and concise description of the Supreme Court:
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Supreme Court – Description
The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in a country. It serves as the final court of appeal and has the ultimate power to interpret the Constitution and laws. Its primary role is to ensu...
Here’s a clear and concise description of the Supreme Court:
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Supreme Court – Description
The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in a country. It serves as the final court of appeal and has the ultimate power to interpret the Constitution and laws. Its primary role is to ensure justice, protect fundamental rights, and maintain the rule of law.
In India, the Supreme Court of India was established on January 28, 1950, and is located in New Delhi. It consists of the Chief Justice of India and other judges appointed by the President. The Court has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdictions. It hears important constitutional cases, settles disputes between the central and state governments, and safeguards citizens’ rights.
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Here’s the plan: I’ll provide a formal 3000-word essay on “The Supreme Court of India” organized under clear, numbered headings and subheadings. It will read like a professional academic report — factual, detailed, and well-structured.
This is quite long, so I’ll deliver it in multiple parts (to avoid truncation).
Let’s begin with Part 1 (Introduction & Historical Background) below.
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The Supreme Court of India – A Comprehensive Study
1. Introduction
The Supreme Court of India stands as the apex institution in the Indian judicial hierarchy. It is the final court of appeal, the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution, and the guardian of the fundamental rights of citizens. Established under Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the Court began functioning on January 28, 1950, two days after India became a Republic. Located in New Delhi, it serves as a symbol of justice, equality, and constitutional supremacy.
The Supreme Court not only ensures that justice is delivered without bias or delay but also acts as the protector of the basic structure of the Constitution. Through its verdicts, the Court has significantly influenced India’s political, social, and economic life. Its judgments have shaped the contours of democracy, upheld civil liberties, and strengthened the rule of law.
The Indian judiciary, with the Supreme Court at its helm, operates independently of the executive and the legislature. This independence is one of the key features of the Indian democratic system, ensuring that the judiciary remains impartial and free from political influence. The Supreme Court’s authority extends across the entire nation, and its decisions are binding on all courts within India.
The motto of the Supreme Court — “Yato Dharmastato Jayah” meaning “Where there is righteousness, there is victory” — reflects its mission to uphold justice based on moral and legal principles. Over the years, the Supreme Court has emerged as a powerful institution that not only interprets laws but also sets standards for governance, accountabi
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Added: Oct 26, 2025
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Slide Content
SUPREME COURT : THE APEX JU D I C I A L A U T H O RITY The Supreme Court is the highest court in India.It hears appeals, protects fundamental rights, settles disputes between governments, and ensures laws follow the Constitution. It is at the top of the Indian judicial system, which is a single, unified, and integrated system. The Supreme Court of India is dealt with in Part V, Chapter IV of the Indian Constitution (Articles 124 to 147).
COMPOSITION ES T A B L I S H M E N T Headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Presently, the strength is Chief Justice + 33 other judges Parliament can increase the number of judges when required. Originally, in 1950, it had the CJI + 7 judges. A P P R O V A L O F J U D G E S Judges are appointed by the President of India. For the Chief Justice of India, the President consults other judges (especially the outgoing Chief Justice). By convention (not constitutional requirement), the senior-most judge is appointed as CJI. For other judges, the President consults the Chief Justice and some senior judges.
C O L L E G I U M S Y S T E M( S I N C E 1993,STRENGTHENED IN 1999) When a vacancy arises, the Chief Justice + 4 senior-most judges recommend names. This group is called the Collegium. Although the Constitution gives the President the power of appointment, the President is bound by the Collegium’s recommendation. The Law Ministry then forwards these names, and the President formally appoints them. QUALIFICATIONS A citizen of India Must have either: Served as a High Court Judge for 5 years OR Been an advocate in a High Court for 10 years OR Be a distinguished jurist in the President’s opinion. RESTRICTIONS AND SALARY Once retired, a Supreme Court judge cannot practice as an advocate in any court in India. Their salaries and allowances are decided by Parliament.
T E N U R E Judges hold office until the age of 65 years. They may resign voluntarily. Judges enjoy security of tenure – they cannot be arbitrarily removed by the executive. R E M O V A L O F J U D GES A judge of the Supreme Court may be removed only on grounds of: Proved misbehavior or Incapacity. The procedure for removal is: An address must be passed by each House of Parliament. The address must be supported by: A majority of the total membership of the House and At least two-thirds of the members present and voting. 3. Both Houses must pass the resolution in the same session. 4. The President issues the removal order once the resolution is passed. So far, removal proceedings were initiated only once against a Supreme Court judge, but the resolution failed in Parliament.
Jurisdiction Original Jurisdiction (cases that s t a t e directly i n s u p r e m e c o u r t ) : Article 131 Some disputes can only be started in the Supreme Court . Disputes between Government of India vs one or more States. Disputes between Government of India + some States vs other States. Disputes between States. Enforcement of Fundamental Rights (special powers). Public Interest Litigation (PIL) – though not directly mentioned in the Constitution, it is allowed in practice. Jurisdiction means the power of the Supreme Court to hear and decide cases. It has 3 main types: Original, Appellate, and Advisory.
Appellate Jurisdiction (Appeals from lower courts) : Article 132 -136 The Supreme Court hears appeals against judgments of High Courts. It is the highest court of appeal in India. It covers three areas: Civil cases: cases about property, money, contracts, etc. Earlier, only cases with more than ₹20,000 could be appealed, but now any important law/constitutional question can be appealed. Criminal cases:If a High Court overturns a lower court’s decision and gives a death sentence.If the High Court itself hears a case and punishes the accused.If the High Court certifies that the case is fit for Supreme Court. Constitutional cases: disputes about interpretation of the Constitution or fundamental rights. Appeals can go to the Supreme Court if the High Court certifies it is important. Even without certification, the Supreme Court can allow it in special cases.
Advisory Jurisdiction : The President of India can ask the Supreme Court for advice on matters of law or importance. The Court’s advice is not binding (the President may or may not follow it). Example: In the Babri Masjid case, the President asked the Supreme Court for advice.
RECENT ACTS IN SIGNIFICANCE Om Prakash v. Union of India (2025) A man said he was under 18 when the crime happened. The system ignored his claim earlier. Court said: Children must get a chance for reform and a better future, not just punishment. S. Rajaseekaran v. Union of India (2025) A man was denied timely medical treatment after an accident. Court said: The State must ensure quick treatment in the golden hour (first hour after accident). Why it matters: Right to life means immediate medical care. Dharmendra Kumar Singh v. High Court of Jharkhand (2025) Issue: Promotions under 65% quota for judicial officers. Court said: These promotions are not competitive exams; balance needed between merit and seniority. Why it matters: Keeps promotions fair and equal in judiciary.
All India Judges Association v. Union of India (2025) Court said: To appear for Civil Judge exam, candidates must have 3 years’ bar practice. Why it matters: Ensures judges have practical legal experience. In Re: Pension for Judges (2025) Question: Should earlier service affect a High Court judge’s pension? Court said: Once someone becomes a judge, old service history doesn’t matter. Why it matters: Clear pension rules for judges. Pinky Meena v. Rajasthan High Court (2025) A young tribal woman judge was removed during probation. Court reinstated her and spoke about more women in judiciary. Why it matters: Pushes for gender equality in courts
Kamla Nehru Memorial Trust v. UP SIDC (2025) Govt. cancelled land allotted to a trust.Court upheld cancellation, applying Public Trust Doctrine. Why it matters: Govt. land must be used for public good, not private gain. Delhi Pollution Control Committee v. Lodhi Property Co. (2025) Question: Can Pollution Boards impose compensatory environmental damages? Court said: Yes, they can. Why it matters: Stronger powers to fight pollution. Ravindra Pratap Shahi v. State of UP (2025) Problem: Courts taking too long to give judgments after hearings. Court directed High Courts to avoid delays. Why it matters: Speeds up justice delivery.