Question

Enumerate the functions of the Supreme Court. 

What are the powers and functions of the Supreme Court of India?

State the powers of the apex judicial institution in India.

Answer 1

The Supreme Court is the uppermost and ultimate superior court of record and is authorized to exercise its powers, subject to the provisions of the Constitution. The court rulings take priority over all lower courts. Consisting of the Chief Justice of India and a maximum of 30 other judges, it has extensive powers in the form of unique decision-making and advice-giving control.

The functions of the Supreme Court are

1. It takes up petitions primarily against verdicts of the high courts of various states of the Union and other courts and tribunals. 
2. It protects the fundamental rights of citizens and settles an argument between various governments in the country.
3. It hears matters that may specifically be referred to it under the constitution by the President of India.
4. It can also handle issues independently, without any external input.
5. The law declared by the Supreme Court becomes compulsory for all courts within India and also for the union and state governments.

Answer 2

• The Supreme Court is the final court of justices.
• Its decisions are binding on all courts.
• It can transfer judges of the high courts.
• It can move cases from any court to itself.
• The Supreme Court can transfer cases from one high court to another.