Question

Discuss the organisation of the Supreme Court of India.

Answer 1

Organization of the Supreme Court:

1. Composition: The Supreme Court currently consists of one Chief Justice and up to 33 other judges, making a total of 34 judges.
2. Appointment: Judges are appointed by the President of India after consultation with judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts through the Collegium system.
3. Tenure: A judge holds office until the age of 65 and can be removed only through impeachment for proven misbehavior or incapacity.
4. Ad-hoc Judges: Article 127 allows for the appointment of ad-hoc judges when needed.
5. Chief Justice: Usually appointed based on seniority. The President makes the appointment.
6. Acting Chief Justice: Appointed under Article 126 if the Chief Justice is absent or the post is vacant.
7. Qualifications (Article 124(3)): 
   1. Citizen of India
   2. 5 years as High Court judge or 10 years as advocate or a distinguished jurist.
8. Term: Till the age of 65 years.
9. Removal: Judges can be removed by impeachment on grounds of misbehavior or incapacity (Article 124(4)).
10. Salary:
    1. Chief Justice: ₹ 2,80,000/month
    2. Other Judges: ₹ 2,50,000/month
    3. Paid from Consolidated Fund of India.
11. Seat: The Supreme Court is located in Delhi, but can meet elsewhere with the President’s approval.