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 |
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]
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
See also
- High Court of Delhi
- Constitution of India
- Law Commission of India
- National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)
References
- ↑ Collegium System of Appointment . In LiveLaw . Retrieved 19 July 2025