Question

Explain the various jurisdictions of the Supreme Court of India.

Answer 1

• Original jurisdiction in disputes:
  • Between the Central Government and one or more States.
  • Between two or more states.
  • Between the Centre and States on one side and other States on the other.
• Appellate Jurisdiction: The Court hears appeals against judgements from High Courts and certain tribunals under Articles 132 to 136. It includes:
  
  • Constitutional appeals (Article 132)
  • Civil appeals (Article 133)
  • Criminal appeals (Article 134)
  • Special Leave Petitions (SLP) under Article 136, allowing the Court to hear appeals from any judgement in any court or tribunal in the country (except military tribunals).
• Advisory Jurisdiction:
  • Under Article 143, the President of India may refer questions of public importance or law to the Supreme Court for its opinion.
  • The Court’s advice is not binding, but is highly respected.
• Writ jurisdiction: Under Article 32, the Supreme Court can issue writs (like Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto) to enforce Fundamental Rights.
• Review Jurisdiction: Under Article 137, the Supreme Court can review its own judgements or orders if there is an error apparent on the face of the record.
• Curative Jurisdiction: Introduced by the Court itself, this allows reconsideration of final judgements to prevent miscarriage of justice, even after a review petition is dismissed.