Supreme Court of India: Difference between revisions

Supreme Court of India
Established	28 January 1950
Location	New Delhi
Type	Presidential with confirmation of the collegium
Authority	Constitution of India – Article 124
Appeals to	—
Judges	—
Website	www.sci.gov.in Official website

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Revision as of 10:02, 22 July 2025

The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial authority and the highest constitutional court in the Republic of India. Established on 28 January 1950, just two days after India became a republic, the Supreme Court succeeded the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council and the Federal Court of India as the final court of appeal.

The Court is empowered to protect the Constitution, settle disputes between the Union and States, and interpret laws passed by Parliament. It acts as a guardian of the Indian Constitution and is often described as the "custodian of fundamental rights" of citizens.

History

The roots of India's Supreme Court can be traced back to the British colonial period. The first law court in India was established in Calcutta in 1774 by the British East India Company. Later, the Government of India Act 1935 provided for the establishment of the Federal Court of India in 1937.

With the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950, the Supreme Court was formally inaugurated on 28 January 1950 in the Chamber of Princes at the Parliament House in New Delhi. In 1958, it moved to its current building at Tilak Marg.

Jurisdiction

The Supreme Court has broad jurisdiction which includes:

Original jurisdiction – Disputes between the Centre and one or more States, or between States.
Appellate jurisdiction – Appeals from High Courts, Tribunals, and other bodies.
Advisory jurisdiction – The President of India may seek the Court's opinion under Article 143.
Writ jurisdiction – Enforcement of fundamental rights through writs such as habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari.

Composition

The Supreme Court consists of:

One Chief Justice of India (CJI)
Up to 33 other Judges

Judges are appointed by the President of India based on recommendations from the collegium system and retire at the age of 65.^[1]^[2]

Chief Justice of India

As of July 2025, the Chief Justice of India is Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, who took office on 9 November 2022. The CJI is the head of the judiciary and the Supreme Court and is responsible for administrative functions and case allocation.

Notable Decisions

Over the years, the Supreme Court has delivered several landmark judgments that shaped the Indian republic:

**Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)** – Established the Basic Structure Doctrine.
**Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)** – Expanded the scope of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).
**S. R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)** – Restricted misuse of President's Rule.
**Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)** – Decriminalized homosexuality by reading down Section 377.
**Ayodhya Verdict (2019)** – Settled the long-standing Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute.

Architecture

The Supreme Court building is an iconic structure located on Tilak Marg, New Delhi. Designed by Ganesh Bhikaji Deolalikar, it has a central dome and three wings symbolizing the three pillars of justice – liberty, equality, and fraternity. A bronze sculpture of the Lady of Justice adorns the front lawn.

Controversies and Criticisms

Although respected as a vital institution, the Court has faced criticism on various issues:

**Delay in Justice** – Due to backlog of over 70,000 cases.
**Opaque Collegium System** – No formal records of deliberations.
**Allegations of Judicial Overreach** – In certain PIL matters.
**Judicial Appointments** – Standoff with the executive over NJAC.

Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

India's Supreme Court has pioneered the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) mechanism, allowing citizens and organizations to file petitions on behalf of the disadvantaged. This has expanded access to justice and brought attention to social issues, environmental matters, and corruption.

Role During COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Court functioned via video conferencing. It passed several important orders, including:

Free testing and treatment guidelines.
Monitoring migrant workers' rights.
Directing oxygen supply management during the second wave.

Current Composition (As of July 2025)

Total Judges: 34 (including Chief Justice)
Female Judges: 4
Representation from various states and backgrounds

A complete list of sitting judges is available on the Supreme Court website.

Independence and Accountability

The Supreme Court is independent under the Constitution and cannot be influenced by the executive. Judges enjoy security of tenure, and their conduct cannot be discussed in Parliament except in the process of impeachment under Article 124(4).

However, accountability remains an ongoing concern, with calls for a transparent system for:

Disciplinary action
Financial disclosure
Case listing reforms

Recent Developments

Introduction of e-courts and AI-powered tools
Plans to expand regional benches
Push for diversity in appointments
Reforms in digital filing and case tracking

References

↑ Judges of the Supreme Court . In Supreme Court of India . Retrieved 19 July 2025
↑ Collegium System of Appointment . In LiveLaw . Retrieved 19 July 2025

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 {{Infobox court
-| name         = Supreme Court of India
+| court_name        = Supreme Court of India
-| established  = 28 January 1950
+| native_name       = भारत का उच्चतम न्यायालय
-| location     = Tilak Marg, New Delhi, India
+| image             = [[File:Supreme_Court_of_India_01.jpg|250px]]
-| type         = Constitutional Court
+| established       = 28 January 1950
-| authority    = [[Constitution of India]]
+| country           = India
-| appeals_to   = None (Highest Court)
+| location          = New Delhi
-| judges       = 34 (as sanctioned)
+| coordinates       = {{coord|28.6143|N|77.1995|E|type:landmark}}
-| website      = https://main.sci.gov.in
+| type              = Presidential with confirmation of the collegium
+| authority         = [[Constitution of India|Constitution of India – Article 124]]
+| appeals_from      = High Courts of States and Union territories
+| terms             = Mandatory retirement at age 65
+| positions         = 34 (1 Chief Justice + 33 Judges)
+| chief_judge_title = Chief Justice of India
+| chief_judge_name  = [[Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud]]
+| term_start        = 9 November 2022
+| website           = https://www.sci.gov.in/ www.sci.gov.in
 }}
+__NOTOC__
+The '''Supreme Court of India''' is the apex judicial authority and the highest constitutional court in the Republic of India. Established on 28 January 1950, just two days after India became a republic, the Supreme Court succeeded the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council and the Federal Court of India as the final court of appeal.
-'''Supreme Court of India''' is the '''highest judicial authority''' and the '''apex court''' in the [[Republic of India]]. Established on 28 January 1950, it is the final court of appeal, the guardian of the [[Constitution of India]], and the protector of fundamental rights.<ref>https://main.sci.gov.in/</ref>
+The Court is empowered to protect the Constitution, settle disputes between the Union and States, and interpret laws passed by Parliament. It acts as a guardian of the Indian Constitution and is often described as the "custodian of fundamental rights" of citizens.
+== History ==
+The roots of India's Supreme Court can be traced back to the British colonial period. The first law court in India was established in Calcutta in 1774 by the British East India Company. Later, the Government of India Act 1935 provided for the establishment of the Federal Court of India in 1937.
+With the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950, the Supreme Court was formally inaugurated on 28 January 1950 in the Chamber of Princes at the Parliament House in New Delhi. In 1958, it moved to its current building at Tilak Marg.
+== Jurisdiction ==
+The Supreme Court has broad jurisdiction which includes:
+* Original jurisdiction – Disputes between the Centre and one or more States, or between States.
+* Appellate jurisdiction – Appeals from High Courts, Tribunals, and other bodies.
+* Advisory jurisdiction – The President of India may seek the Court's opinion under Article 143.
+* Writ jurisdiction – Enforcement of fundamental rights through writs such as habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari.
 == Composition ==
-The Supreme Court of India consists of:
+The Supreme Court consists of:
 * One '''Chief Justice of India (CJI)'''
-* Up to 33 other Judges<ref name="SCComposition">{{cite web |title=Composition of the Supreme Court |url=https://main.sci.gov.in/about-sc |website=Supreme Court of India |access-date=19 July 2025}}</ref>
+* Up to 33 other Judges
+Judges are appointed by the President of India based on recommendations from the collegium system and retire at the age of 65.<ref name="appointment1">{{Cite web |title=Judges of the Supreme Court |url=https://main.sci.gov.in/judges/sitting-judges |website=Supreme Court of India |access-date=19 July 2025}}</ref><ref name="collegium1">{{Cite web |title=Collegium System of Appointment |url=https://www.livelaw.in/know-the-law/explained-what-is-collegium-system-of-appointment-of-judges-in-india-204140 |website=LiveLaw |access-date=19 July 2025}}</ref>
+=== Chief Justice of India ===
+As of July 2025, the Chief Justice of India is '''Justice D. Y. Chandrachud''', who took office on 9 November 2022. The CJI is the head of the judiciary and the Supreme Court and is responsible for administrative functions and case allocation.
+== Notable Decisions ==
+Over the years, the Supreme Court has delivered several landmark judgments that shaped the Indian republic:
+* **Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)** – Established the '''Basic Structure Doctrine'''.
+* **Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)** – Expanded the scope of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).
+* **S. R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)** – Restricted misuse of President's Rule.
+* **Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)** – Decriminalized homosexuality by reading down Section 377.
+* **Ayodhya Verdict (2019)** – Settled the long-standing Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute.
+== Architecture ==
+The Supreme Court building is an iconic structure located on Tilak Marg, New Delhi. Designed by Ganesh Bhikaji Deolalikar, it has a central dome and three wings symbolizing the three pillars of justice – liberty, equality, and fraternity. A bronze sculpture of the Lady of Justice adorns the front lawn.
+== Controversies and Criticisms ==
+Although respected as a vital institution, the Court has faced criticism on various issues:
-Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of the [[Collegium system]]<ref name="Collegium">{{cite news |title=Explained: What is the Collegium system? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-the-collegium-system-7221112/ |work=The Indian Express |date=6 March 2021 |access-date=19 July 2025}}</ref>. As per Article 124 of the [[Constitution of India]], judges hold office until they attain the age of 65 years<ref>{{cite web |title=Article 124 – Establishment and Constitution of Supreme Court |url=https://legislative.gov.in/constitution-of-india/constitution-india-part-v |website=Ministry of Law and Justice |access-date=19 July 2025}}</ref>.
+* **Delay in Justice** – Due to backlog of over 70,000 cases.
+* **Opaque Collegium System** – No formal records of deliberations.
+* **Allegations of Judicial Overreach** – In certain PIL matters.
+* **Judicial Appointments** – Standoff with the executive over NJAC.
-== Jurisdiction and Powers ==
+== Public Interest Litigation (PIL) ==
-The Supreme Court has wide-ranging powers under the Constitution:
-* '''Original Jurisdiction''' – Disputes between Centre and states (Article 131)
-* '''Appellate Jurisdiction''' – Civil and criminal appeals from lower courts
-* '''Writ Jurisdiction''' – Can issue writs under Article 32 for enforcement of fundamental rights
-* '''Advisory Jurisdiction''' – Advises the President on legal or constitutional matters (Article 143)
-* '''Judicial Review''' – Can declare laws unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution
-It is also the interpreter of the Constitution and has played a vital role in shaping Indian democracy.
+India's Supreme Court has pioneered the '''Public Interest Litigation (PIL)''' mechanism, allowing citizens and organizations to file petitions on behalf of the disadvantaged. This has expanded access to justice and brought attention to social issues, environmental matters, and corruption.
-== Landmark Judgments ==
+== Role During COVID-19 ==
-The Court has delivered several landmark rulings:
-* [[Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala]] – Basic structure doctrine
-* [[Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India]] – Expanded definition of personal liberty
-* [[S.R. Bommai v. Union of India]] – Limits on misuse of President’s Rule
-* [[Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India]] – Decriminalized Section 377
-== Access and Language ==
+During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Court functioned via video conferencing. It passed several important orders, including:
-* Proceedings are conducted in English
-* Litigants can file cases from anywhere in India
-* Recent digital initiatives like **e-filing**, **virtual hearings**, and **live-streaming** (in constitutional benches) have increased accessibility
-== Role in Democracy ==
+* Free testing and treatment guidelines.
-The Supreme Court acts as a guardian of:
+* Monitoring migrant workers' rights.
-* '''Fundamental Rights'''
+* Directing oxygen supply management during the second wave.
-* '''Federal Structure'''
-* '''Democratic Values'''
-It has the authority to check both legislative and executive actions to ensure they conform to the Constitution.
+== Current Composition (As of July 2025) ==
-== See Also ==
+* Total Judges: 34 (including Chief Justice)
-* [[High Courts of India]]
+* Female Judges: 4
-* [[Judiciary of India]]
+* Representation from various states and backgrounds
-* [[Chief Justice of India]]
+A complete list of sitting judges is available on the [https://main.sci.gov.in/judges/sitting-judges Supreme Court website].
+== Independence and Accountability ==
+The Supreme Court is independent under the Constitution and cannot be influenced by the executive. Judges enjoy security of tenure, and their conduct cannot be discussed in Parliament except in the process of impeachment under Article 124(4).
+However, accountability remains an ongoing concern, with calls for a transparent system for:
+* Disciplinary action
+* Financial disclosure
+* Case listing reforms
+== Recent Developments ==
+* Introduction of '''e-courts''' and AI-powered tools
+* Plans to expand regional benches
+* Push for diversity in appointments
+* Reforms in digital filing and case tracking
+== See also ==
+* [[High Court of Delhi]]
 * [[Constitution of India]]
-* [[Fundamental Rights]]
+* [[Law Commission of India]]
-* [[Judicial Review in India]]
+* [[National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)]]
 == References ==
-<references/>
+<references />
+== External Links ==
+* [https://www.sci.gov.in/ Official Website of the Supreme Court of India]
+* [https://indiankanoon.org/ Indian Kanoon – Judgments Database]
+* [https://lawmin.gov.in/ Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India]
+== Categories ==
+[[Category:Judiciary of India]]
+[[Category:Supreme Court of India]]
+[[Category:Indian law]]
+[[Category:Indian Constitution]]
+[[Category:1950 establishments in India]]
+[[Category:Courts and tribunals established in 1950]]
+[[Category:National institutions of India]]