{"id":6675,"date":"2024-03-23T11:27:12","date_gmt":"2024-03-23T11:27:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/?p=6675"},"modified":"2024-11-27T12:03:53","modified_gmt":"2024-11-27T12:03:53","slug":"supreme-court","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/","title":{"rendered":"Supreme Court of India: Composition, Appointment, Jurisdiction &amp; More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>The <strong>Supreme Court of India<\/strong>, <strong>the apex judicial body<\/strong>, is a federal court, the highest court of appeal, and the guardian of the constitution. Established as the highest judicial authority under the Indian Constitution, the Supreme Court plays a pivotal role in interpreting the law, safeguarding fundamental rights, and ensuring the rule of law prevails across the nation. This<strong> article of NEXT IAS <\/strong>aims to study in detail the Supreme Court, including its history, constitutional provisions, composition, powers, jurisdiction, and other related aspects.<\/em><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_56_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#About_Supreme_Court_SC_of_India\" title=\"About Supreme Court (SC) of India\">About Supreme Court (SC) of India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#About_Indian_Judiciary\" title=\"About Indian Judiciary\">About Indian Judiciary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Constitutional_Provisions_Related_to_Supreme_Court_of_India\" title=\"Constitutional Provisions Related to Supreme Court of India\">Constitutional Provisions Related to Supreme Court of India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Composition_of_Judges\" title=\"Composition of Judges\">Composition of Judges<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Appointment_of_Judges_of_the_Supreme_Court\" title=\"Appointment of Judges of the Supreme Court\">Appointment of Judges of the Supreme Court<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Appointment_of_the_Chief_Justice\" title=\"Appointment of the Chief Justice\">Appointment of the Chief Justice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Appointment_of_Other_Judges\" title=\"Appointment of Other Judges\">Appointment of Other Judges<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Qualifications_of_Judges_of_the_Supreme_Court\" title=\"Qualifications of Judges of the Supreme Court\">Qualifications of Judges of the Supreme Court<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Oath_and_Affirmations_of_Judges_of_Supreme_Court\" title=\"Oath and Affirmations of Judges of Supreme Court\">Oath and Affirmations of Judges of Supreme Court<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Salaries_Allowances_of_Judges_of_Supreme_Court\" title=\"Salaries &amp; Allowances of Judges of Supreme Court\">Salaries &amp; Allowances of Judges of Supreme Court<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Tenure_of_Judges_of_Supreme_Court\" title=\"Tenure of Judges of Supreme Court\">Tenure of Judges of Supreme Court<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Removal_of_Judges_of_Supreme_Court\" title=\"Removal of Judges of Supreme Court\">Removal of Judges of Supreme Court<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Acting_Adhoc_and_Retired_Judges_of_Supreme_Court\" title=\"Acting, Adhoc and Retired Judges of Supreme Court\">Acting, Adhoc and Retired Judges of Supreme Court<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Acting_Chief_Justice\" title=\"Acting Chief Justice\">Acting Chief Justice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Ad_Hoc_Judge\" title=\"Ad Hoc Judge\">Ad Hoc Judge<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Retired_Judges\" title=\"Retired Judges\">Retired Judges<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Procedure_of_Supreme_Court\" title=\"Procedure of Supreme Court\">Procedure of Supreme Court<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Jurisdiction_and_Powers_of_Supreme_Court\" title=\"Jurisdiction and Powers of Supreme Court\">Jurisdiction and Powers of Supreme Court<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Original_Jurisdiction\" title=\"Original Jurisdiction\">Original Jurisdiction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Writ_Jurisdiction\" title=\"Writ Jurisdiction\">Writ Jurisdiction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Appellate_Jurisdiction\" title=\"Appellate Jurisdiction\">Appellate Jurisdiction<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Appeals_in_Constitutional_Matters\" title=\"Appeals in Constitutional Matters\">Appeals in Constitutional Matters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Appeals_in_Civil_Matters\" title=\"Appeals in Civil Matters\">Appeals in Civil Matters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Appeals_in_Criminal_Matters\" title=\"Appeals in Criminal Matters\">Appeals in Criminal Matters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Appeal_by_Special_Leave\" title=\"Appeal by Special Leave\">Appeal by Special Leave<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Advisory_Jurisdiction\" title=\"Advisory Jurisdiction\">Advisory Jurisdiction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#A_Court_of_Record\" title=\"A Court of Record\">A Court of Record<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Power_of_Judicial_Review\" title=\"Power of Judicial Review\">Power of Judicial Review<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Review_Jurisdiction\" title=\"Review Jurisdiction\">Review Jurisdiction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Constitutional_Interpretation\" title=\"Constitutional Interpretation\">Constitutional Interpretation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Other_Powers\" title=\"Other Powers\">Other Powers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Independence_of_Supreme_Court\" title=\"Independence of Supreme Court\">Independence of Supreme Court<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Comparing_Indian_and_American_Supreme_Court\" title=\"Comparing Indian and American Supreme Court\">Comparing Indian and American Supreme Court<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Contempt_of_Courts\" title=\"Contempt of Courts\">Contempt of Courts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#How_many_judges_are_there_in_the_Supreme_Court\" title=\"How many judges are there in the Supreme Court?\">How many judges are there in the Supreme Court?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#When_was_the_Supreme_Court_of_India_established\" title=\"When was the Supreme Court of India established?\">When was the Supreme Court of India established?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Who_can_remove_the_Judges_of_the_Supreme_Court_in_India\" title=\"Who can remove the Judges of the Supreme Court in India?\">Who can remove the Judges of the Supreme Court in India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/supreme-court\/#Where_is_the_Supreme_Court_of_India_located\" title=\"Where is the Supreme Court of India located?\">Where is the Supreme Court of India located?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f80761310964614e3eb10466628edf6e\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_Supreme_Court_SC_of_India\"><\/span><strong>About Supreme Court (SC) of India<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Supreme Court<\/strong> of India is the <strong>apex court of India<\/strong> under the integrated judicial system established by the Constitution of India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It has been envisaged as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a Federal Court<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The highest court of appeal in India<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The guarantor of Fundamental Rights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The guardian of the Constitution of India and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The final interpreter of the Constitution of India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"808\" height=\"440\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/03\/dsdsd.png\" alt=\"Supreme Court of India\" class=\"wp-image-6693\" style=\"width:704px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/03\/dsdsd.png 808w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/03\/dsdsd-460x250.png 460w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/03\/dsdsd-768x418.png 768w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/03\/dsdsd-696x379.png 696w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/03\/dsdsd-771x420.png 771w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/03\/dsdsd-150x82.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 808px) 100vw, 808px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f531e068ddb84eb53de898004d27e820\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_Indian_Judiciary\"><\/span><strong>About Indian Judiciary<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Inspired by the <strong>Government of India Act of 1935, <\/strong>the Indian Constitution has established an <strong>integrated judicial system<\/strong> with a <strong>three-tier structure:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Supreme Court<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/high-court\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/high-court\/\"><strong>The High Courts<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Subordinate Courts (District Courts, and other Lower Courts)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This single system of courts enforces both <strong>Central <\/strong>and <strong>State Laws<\/strong> across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b3aad57e4caa458cc041b5ad972c2098\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Constitutional_Provisions_Related_to_Supreme_Court_of_India\"><\/span><strong>Constitutional Provisions Related to Supreme Court of India<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Articles 124 to 147<\/strong> in <strong>Part V<\/strong> of the <strong>Indian Constitution<\/strong> deal with the provisions related to the Supreme Court of India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The constitutional provisions mentioned under these articles deal with the <strong>organization, independence, jurisdiction, powers, and procedures<\/strong> of the SC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Parliament is also authorized<\/strong> to regulate these provisions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c3d87b9dcb5bf138a298b9ade4267c2c\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Composition_of_Judges\"><\/span><strong>Composition of Judges<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Originally<\/strong>, the <strong>strength <\/strong>of the Supreme Court was fixed at <strong>8 (1 Chief Justice and 7 other judges).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Constitution of India empowers the<strong> Parliament to increase or decrease<\/strong> the number of judges of the SC.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Accordingly, the Parliament passes several Acts subsequently to increase the number of other judges of the SC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>At present,<\/strong> the SC consists of <strong>34 judges (1 Chief Justice and 33 other judges).<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cf004331e9c1c26904d0dd120b9bbe7f\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Appointment_of_Judges_of_the_Supreme_Court\"><\/span><strong>Appointment of Judges of the Supreme Court<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court are <strong>appointed by the President<\/strong> as can be seen in the following sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-98bf3090ca9f922ba9ff9a0b2d99c378\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Appointment_of_the_Chief_Justice\"><\/span><strong>Appointment of the Chief Justice<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Chief Justice is appointed by the President after <strong>consultation with<\/strong> such <strong>judges of<\/strong> the <strong>Supreme Court<\/strong> and <strong>High Courts<\/strong> as he deems necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As per the <strong>Second Judges Case (1993)<\/strong>, the <strong>senior-most judge of the Supreme Court<\/strong> should alone be <strong>appointed as<\/strong> the<strong> Chief Justice<\/strong> of India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c932d65247206aec3ee046b1d94359d0\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Appointment_of_Other_Judges\"><\/span><strong>Appointment of Other Judges<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The other judges are appointed by the President after <strong>consultation with<\/strong> the <strong>Chief Justice<\/strong> and such <strong>other judges<\/strong> of the Supreme Court and the High Courts as he deems necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The consultation with the Chief Justice is obligatory in the case of the appointment of a judge other than the Chief Justice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As per the <strong>Second Judges Case (1993), consultation <\/strong>with the Chief Justice <strong>means concurrence<\/strong> and <strong>advice tendered by the Chief Justice is binding on the President.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As per the <strong>Third Judges Case (1998),<\/strong> the <strong>Chief Justice should consult a collegium of 4 senior-most judges of the Supreme Court<\/strong> before recommending the name to the President.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>recommendations <\/strong>made by the Chief Justice,<strong> without consulting the collegium, are not binding on the President.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-96d4f46a3f7030da3361b6fa23fbfb9d\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Qualifications_of_Judges_of_the_Supreme_Court\"><\/span><strong>Qualifications of Judges of the Supreme Court<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A person to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court should have the following qualifications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>He\/she should be a <strong>citizen of India.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she should:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>have been a <strong>judge of a High Court<\/strong> (or High Courts in succession) for 5 years; OR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>have been an <strong>advocate of a High Court<\/strong> (or High Courts in succession) for 10 years, OR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>be a <strong>distinguished jurist<\/strong> in the opinion of the President of India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Note:<\/strong> The Constitution has <strong>not prescribed a minimum age<\/strong> for appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2b26dc02a56b33e59f3c4cd32207296e\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Oath_and_Affirmations_of_Judges_of_Supreme_Court\"><\/span><strong>Oath and Affirmations of Judges of Supreme Court<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Chief Justice of India and the Judges make and subscribe to an oath or affirmation <strong>before the President<\/strong> or some person appointed by him for this purpose.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In his\/her oath, he\/she swears:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>to duly and faithfully and to the best of his ability, knowledge, and judgment perform the duties of the office without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>to uphold the Constitution and the laws.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6c66abe0e827f91d885eb80b9b635b2b\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Salaries_Allowances_of_Judges_of_Supreme_Court\"><\/span><strong>Salaries &amp; Allowances of Judges of Supreme Court<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The salaries, allowances, privileges, leave, and pension of the judges of the Supreme Court are <strong>determined by the Parliament.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>They <strong>cannot be varied<\/strong> to their disadvantage after their appointment <strong>except during a Financial Emergency.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f1a0e8bfe3bc2b49ed0d5751237c609c\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tenure_of_Judges_of_Supreme_Court\"><\/span><strong>Tenure of Judges of Supreme Court<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Constitution has not fixed the tenure<\/strong> of a judge of the Supreme Court. However, the Constitution contains the<strong> following three provisions<\/strong> in this regard:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>He\/she holds office until he attains the <strong>age of 65 years.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Any question regarding his\/her age is to be determined by such authority and in such manner as provided by Parliament.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she <strong>can resign<\/strong> from his office <strong>by writing to the President.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she <strong>can be removed<\/strong> from his office <strong>by the President on<\/strong> the<strong> recommendation of the Parliament.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91fd5cc47c438dbe3979077ccff1200a\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Removal_of_Judges_of_Supreme_Court\"><\/span><strong>Removal of Judges of Supreme Court<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A judge of the Supreme Court can be removed from his\/her office <strong>by an order of the President.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They can be removed on the following<strong> two grounds:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>proved misbehaviour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>incapacity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The procedure relating to the removal of a judge of the SC is regulated by the <strong>Judges Enquiry Act (1968).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As per the Act, the <strong>process of removal<\/strong> goes as follows:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A removal <strong>motion signed by 100 members<\/strong> in the case of <strong>Lok Sabha<\/strong> or <strong>50 members<\/strong> in the case of <strong>Rajya Sabha<\/strong> is to be given to the Speaker\/Chairman.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Speaker\/Chairman may admit the motion or refuse to admit it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the motion is admitted, then the <strong>Speaker\/Chairman constitutes a three-member committee to investigate <\/strong>the charges. The Committee consists of:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the SC,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a Chief Justice of a High Court, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a distinguished jurist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the committee finds the judge guilty of the charges, then <strong>both the Houses<\/strong> of Parliament can <strong>take up the motion for consideration.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The motion must be <strong>passed by<\/strong> both Houses of Parliament with a <strong>Special Majority<\/strong> (50% of the total membership of the House + two-thirds of the members present and voting).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once passed by both Houses of Parliament, an <strong>address is presented to the President.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finally, the <strong>President passes an order,<\/strong> removing the judge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Note:<\/strong> No judge of the Supreme Court has been impeached so far.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-958e4b69895323497db4367504d0140f\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Acting_Adhoc_and_Retired_Judges_of_Supreme_Court\"><\/span><strong>Acting, Adhoc and Retired Judges of Supreme Court<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5f707a60e6a72a1d89e3e48e7d289779\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Acting_Chief_Justice\"><\/span><strong>Acting Chief Justice<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/president-of-india\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/president-of-india\/\">President of India<\/a> can appoint<\/strong> a judge of the Supreme Court as <strong>acting Chief Justice of India<\/strong> when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the office of Chief Justice of India is vacant, or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the Chief Justice of India is temporarily absent, or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the Chief Justice of India is unable to perform the duties of his office.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-867fdbf3d1503dd919c3eb00912c6f28\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ad_Hoc_Judge\"><\/span><strong>Ad Hoc Judge<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>When <\/strong>there is a <strong>lack of quorum<\/strong> of permanent judges to hold or continue any session of the Supreme Court, the <strong>Chief Justice of India can appoint a judge of the High Court <\/strong>(who is duly qualified for appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court) as an <strong>Ad Hoc judge <\/strong>of the SC <strong>for a temporary period.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Chief Justice of India can do so only <strong>after consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned<\/strong> and with the previous <strong>consent of the President.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>While performing the duties, the Ad Hoc Judge <strong>enjoys all<\/strong> the <strong>jurisdictions, powers,<\/strong> and <strong>privileges <\/strong>of the <strong>judge of the <\/strong>SC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a93006b997f625d0aee4de2d9ff834a4\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Retired_Judges\"><\/span><strong>Retired Judges<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Chief Justice of India<\/strong> can request a <strong>retired judge of the Supreme Court<\/strong> or a retired judge of a <strong>High Court<\/strong> (who is duly qualified for appointment as a judge of the SC) <strong>to act as a judge<\/strong> of the SC for a<strong> temporary period<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Chief Justice of India can do so <strong>with <\/strong>the previous <strong>consent <\/strong>of the <strong>President <\/strong>and of the <strong>person <\/strong>to be appointed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Such a judge is entitled to such <strong>allowances <\/strong>as <strong>determined by<\/strong> the <strong>President<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also, he\/she <strong>enjoys all<\/strong> the<strong> jurisdiction, powers<\/strong>, and <strong>privileges of a judge<\/strong> of the <strong>SC.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>But<\/strong>, he will <strong>not be deemed <\/strong>to be a<strong> judge of<\/strong> the <strong>SC.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8822909fd35c3ad158542e4a1962393a\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Procedure_of_Supreme_Court\"><\/span><strong>Procedure of Supreme Court<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Supreme Court can make rules <\/strong>for regulating the practice and procedure of the Court <strong>with the approval of the President.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As per the current procedure of the Supreme Court:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Constitutional cases<\/strong> or <strong>references made by the President under Article 143<\/strong> are decided by a <strong>Bench <\/strong>consisting of <strong>at least 5 judges.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All other cases are decided by <strong>single judges<\/strong> and <strong>division benches<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The SC delivers its judgments <strong>by the open court<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>All judgments<\/strong> delivered by the SC are done <strong>by the majority vote.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>However, if differing<\/strong>, then judges can give <strong>dissenting judgments or opinions.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5768428f764f67a34835e5612e50d103\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jurisdiction_and_Powers_of_Supreme_Court\"><\/span><strong>Jurisdiction and Powers of Supreme Court<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The extensive jurisdiction and powers of the Supreme Court, as conferred by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/constitution-of-india\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/constitution-of-india\/\"><strong>Constitution of India<\/strong><\/a>, can be classified into the following categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-219586547723f627e5e4c331954b9cba\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Original_Jurisdiction\"><\/span><strong>Original Jurisdiction<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As a federal court, the Supreme Court decides <strong>disputes between different units of the Indian Federation,<\/strong> including any dispute:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Between the Center and one or more states; or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Between the Center and one or more states on one side and one or more other states on the other side; or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Between two or more states<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>This jurisdiction<\/strong> of the SC is <strong>exclusive <\/strong>and <strong>original<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Exclusive<\/strong>: means no other court can decide such disputes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Original<\/strong>: means the SC has the power to hear such disputes in the first instance, not by way of appeal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5ed6569075a91aa7315e957c108a16cc\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Writ_Jurisdiction\"><\/span><strong>Writ Jurisdiction<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Supreme Court is <strong>empowered to issue writs for the enforcement of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/fundamental-rights\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/fundamental-rights\/\">Fundamental Rights<\/a><\/strong> of an aggrieved citizen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>This jurisdiction<\/strong> of the SC is <strong>original <\/strong>but not <strong>exclusive<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Original<\/strong>: because an <strong>aggrieved citizen can directly go<\/strong> to the SC, not necessarily by way of appeal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Not Exclusive<\/strong>: because the <strong>High Courts are also empowered to issue writs<\/strong> for enforcement of Fundamental Rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Read our Detailed article on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/right-to-constitutional-remedies\/#Writ_Jurisdiction_of_Supreme_Court_and_High_Court\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/right-to-constitutional-remedies\/#Writ_Jurisdiction_of_Supreme_Court_and_High_Court\">Writ Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court<\/a>.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d2c13bfe94d0d91b8f25ea3e8fcdedc6\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Appellate_Jurisdiction\"><\/span><strong>Appellate Jurisdiction<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Supreme Court is primarily a court of appeal and <strong>hears appeals against the judgments of High Courts.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Appellate Jurisdiction of the SC can be <strong>classified under<\/strong> the following <strong>four heads<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Appeals_in_Constitutional_Matters\"><\/span><strong>Appeals in Constitutional Matters<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>An appeal can be made to the Supreme Court against the judgment of the High Court <strong>if the High Court certifies <\/strong>that the case involves a substantial question of law that <strong>requires interpretation of the Constitution<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Appeals_in_Civil_Matters\"><\/span><strong>Appeals in Civil Matters<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An appeal lies to the Supreme Court from any judgment of a High Court <strong>if the High Court certifies that:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the case involves a substantial question of <strong>law of general importance.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the question <strong>needs to be decided by the SC<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Appeals_in_Criminal_Matters\"><\/span><strong>Appeals in Criminal Matters<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An appeal can be made to the Supreme Court against the judgment of the High Court in the following <strong>three situations:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>if the High Court<\/strong> has <strong>on appeal<\/strong>, reversed an order of <strong>acquittal <\/strong>of an accused person and <strong>sentenced <\/strong>him\/her to<strong> imprisonment of life<\/strong> or for <strong>10 years.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>if the High Court <\/strong>has <strong>taken before itself <\/strong>any case <strong>from any subordinate court, convicted<\/strong> the accused person, and <strong>sentenced <\/strong>him to <strong>imprisonment for life<\/strong> or for <strong>10 years<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>if the High Court certifies<\/strong> that the case is <strong>fit for appeal<\/strong> to the SC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The following two points are to be noted w.r.t. the above provisions:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In the <strong>first two cases<\/strong>, an <strong>appeal <\/strong>lies to the SC as a <strong>matter of right <\/strong>i.e. <strong>without any certificate of the High Court.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If the High Court<\/strong> has <strong>reversed the order of conviction <\/strong>and has <strong>ordered the acquittal <\/strong>of the accused, there is <strong>no right to appeal<\/strong> to the SC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Appeal_by_Special_Leave\"><\/span><strong>Appeal by Special Leave<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Supreme Court is authorized to <strong>grant <\/strong>in its discretion <strong>Special Leave to Appeal from any judgment<\/strong> in <strong>any matter<\/strong> passed by <strong>any court or tribunal<\/strong> in the country, <strong>except <\/strong>the <strong>military tribunal<\/strong> or the <strong>martial court.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This provision contains <strong>4 aspects:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is a<strong> discretionary power<\/strong> and hence <strong>cannot be claimed as<\/strong> a matter of <strong>right<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It can be granted in <strong>any judgment<\/strong> whether <strong>final <\/strong>or <strong>interlocutory<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It may be related to <strong>any matter<\/strong> &#8211; constitutional, civil, criminal, income-tax, labor, revenue, advocates, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It can be granted <strong>against any court <\/strong>or <strong>tribunal (except a military court)<\/strong> and <strong>not necessarily<\/strong> against a <strong>High Court.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thus, the <strong>scope <\/strong>of this provision is <strong>very wide<\/strong> and it <strong>vests <\/strong>the <strong>Supreme Court <\/strong>with a <strong>plenary jurisdiction to hear appeals.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6a56a9fa4515ed7d2d84ffecbb6294cb\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Advisory_Jurisdiction\"><\/span><strong>Advisory Jurisdiction<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Article 143<\/strong> authorizes the <strong>President <\/strong>of India to <strong>seek the opinion of the Supreme Court<\/strong> in the following <strong>2 categories of matters:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On any <strong>question <\/strong>of law or fact of <strong>public importance<\/strong> that has arisen or is likely to arise.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In this case, the <strong>SC may tender or may refuse to tender its opinion<\/strong> to the President.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On any <strong>dispute <\/strong>arising out of any<strong> pre-Constitution treaty<\/strong>, agreements, etc.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In this case, the <strong>SC must tender<\/strong> <strong>its opinion<\/strong> to the President.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In both cases, <strong>the opinion<\/strong> tendered by the SC is <strong>only advisory<\/strong> and not a judicial pronouncement.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hence, they are <strong>not binding on the President.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a4ff53cd04878d7560b9e56f8316ff25\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Court_of_Record\"><\/span><strong>A Court of Record<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a Court of Record, the Supreme Court has the following 2 powers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the <strong>judgments, proceedings,<\/strong> and <strong>acts <\/strong>of the Supreme Court are <strong>recorded for perpetual memory and testimony.<\/strong> These records are admitted to be of evidentiary value and cannot be questioned when produced before any court.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Thus, these judgments are <strong>recognized as legal precedents <\/strong>and <strong>legal references.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>it has the <strong>power to punish for contempt<\/strong> not only of itself but also of High Courts, Subordinate Courts, and Tribunals functioning in the entire country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151da7dc81565018f1123295a364211c\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Power_of_Judicial_Review\"><\/span><strong>Power of Judicial Review<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It refers to the power of the Supreme Court <strong>to examine the constitutionality of legislative acts<\/strong> and <strong>executive orders<\/strong> of both the <strong>Central <\/strong>and the State <strong>Governments<\/strong>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If, on examination, they are found to be violative of the Constitution, they will be declared illegal, unconstitutional, null, and void by the Supreme Court.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c94a80af5861015c62f65fa794f58d49\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Review_Jurisdiction\"><\/span><strong>Review Jurisdiction<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Supreme Court has the power to <strong>review any judgment<\/strong> pronounced or <strong>order <\/strong>made by it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c95ff36e2a1cf85ef0820098f2e70758\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Constitutional_Interpretation\"><\/span><strong>Constitutional Interpretation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Supreme Court is the <strong>ultimate interpreter of the Constitution of India<\/strong>. In this capacity, it has the power to give final interpretation to the spirit and content of the provisions of the constitution and the verbiage used therein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cdc58575b270ef21825224fcff23e828\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_Powers\"><\/span><strong>Other Powers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The numerous other powers of the Supreme Court can be seen as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It decides the <strong>disputes regarding<\/strong> the <strong>election of President <\/strong>and <strong>Vice-President.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In this regard, it has the <strong>original, exclusive, and final authority.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It <strong>enquires <\/strong>into the <strong>conduct <\/strong>and <strong>behavior <\/strong>of the <strong>Chairman <\/strong>and <strong>members of UPSC, SPSC, or JSPSC<\/strong> on a reference made by the President.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is authorized to <strong>withdraw the cases pending before the High Courts and dispose them by itself.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It can <strong>transfer a case or appeal<\/strong> pending before <strong>one High Court<\/strong> to <strong>another <\/strong>High Court.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its law is binding on all courts in India<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its decree or order is enforceable throughout the country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has the <strong>power of judicial superintendence <\/strong>and <strong>control <\/strong>over <strong>all the courts<\/strong> and <strong>tribunals <\/strong>functioning in the entire country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Key Facts about Supreme Court\u2019s Jurisdiction and Powers<\/strong><br><strong><br><\/strong>&#8211; The Supreme Court&#8217;s jurisdiction and powers <strong>with respect to<\/strong> matters in the <strong>Union List can be enlarged<\/strong> by the <strong>Parliament<\/strong>.<br><br>&#8211; The Supreme Court\u2019s jurisdiction and powers <strong>with respect to other matters can be enlarged <\/strong>by a <strong>special agreement <\/strong>between the <strong>Centre <\/strong>and the <strong>States<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-83f7c895082fd121ef02abf3a8307264\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Independence_of_Supreme_Court\"><\/span><strong>Independence of Supreme Court<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Constitution has made the following provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the Supreme Court:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mode of Appointment<\/strong> &#8211; The judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President in consultation with the members of the judiciary itself. This ensures that the judicial appointments are not based on any political or practical considerations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Security of Tenure<\/strong> &#8211; The judges of the Supreme Court have been given security of tenure. They can be removed by the President only in the manner and on the grounds mentioned in the Constitution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fixed Service Conditions<\/strong> &#8211; The service conditions of the judges of the Supreme Court cannot be changed to their disadvantage after their appointment, except during a Financial Emergency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expenses Charged on Consolidated Fund<\/strong> &#8211; The salaries, allowances, pensions of judges, and all other expenses of the Supreme Court are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India, and hence are non-votable by the Parliament.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bar on Parliamentary Interference<\/strong> &#8211; The conduct of judges of the Supreme Court in the discharge of their duties cannot be discussed in Parliament or State Legislature, except when an impeachment motion is under consideration by the Parliament.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ban on Post-Retirement Practice<\/strong> &#8211; The retired judges of the Supreme Court are prohibited from pleading or acting in any court or before any authority within the territory of India. This ensures that they do not favor anyone in the hope of future favor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Power to Punish for its Contempt<\/strong> &#8211; The Supreme Court can punish any person for its contempt. Thus, its actions and decisions cannot be criticized and opposed by anybody.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Freedom to Appoint its Staff<\/strong> &#8211; The Chief Justice of India can appoint officers and servants of the Supreme Court and prescribe their service conditions, without any interference from the Executive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Protection of Jurisdiction<\/strong> &#8211; The Parliament is not authorized to curtail the jurisdiction and powers of the Supreme Court. However, the Parliament can extend the same.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-809ccda4aeea85549a1eaf3215ba9b2c\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Comparing_Indian_and_American_Supreme_Court\"><\/span><strong>Comparing Indian and American Supreme Court<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><thead><tr><th>Indian Supreme Court<\/th><th>American Supreme Court<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; Its original jurisdiction is confined to federal cases.<\/td><td>&#8211; Its original jurisdiction covers not only federal cases but also cases relating to naval forces, maritime activities, etc.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&#8211; Its appellate jurisdiction covers constitutional, civil, and criminal cases.<\/td><td>&#8211; Its appellate jurisdiction is confined to constitutional cases only.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&#8211; It has a very wide discretion to grant special leave to appeal in any matter against the judgment of any court or tribunal (except the military).<\/td><td>&#8211; It has no such plenary power.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&#8211; It has advisory jurisdiction.<\/td><td>&#8211; It has no advisory jurisdiction.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&#8211; Its scope of judicial review is limited.<\/td><td>&#8211; Its scope of judicial review is very wide.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&#8211; It defends the rights of the citizen according to the \u2018Procedure Established by Law\u2019.<\/td><td>&#8211; It defends the rights of the citizen according to the \u2018Due Process of Law\u2019.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&#8211; Its jurisdiction and powers can be enlarged by Parliament.<\/td><td>&#8211; Its jurisdiction and powers are limited to that conferred by the Constitution.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>&#8211; It has the power of judicial superintendence and control over the State High Courts due to the integrated judicial system.<\/td><td>&#8211; It has no such power due to a double (or separated) judicial system.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d0adc4bd9eb2e9b9b187dc32f0e06642\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Supreme Court of India stands as the pinnacle of India\u2019s judicial system, embodying the essence of justice, independence, and constitutional supremacy. It serves as the ultimate guardian of the Constitution, ensuring the rule of law and upholding the rights of all citizens. As India continues to evolve, the Supreme Court\u2019s role will continue to remain critical in navigating the legal landscape and shaping the nation&#8217;s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0400d1b17dde5b323a34fb685e4f1de0\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Contempt_of_Courts\"><\/span><strong>Contempt of Courts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; <strong>Contempt of Court<\/strong> refers to any acts or omissions that <strong>impede the functioning<\/strong> of a court of law in any manner.<br><br>&#8211; In India, the procedures and punishments related to contempt of courts are regulated by the <strong>Contempt of Courts Act of 1971.<\/strong><br><br>&#8211; As per the Act, <strong>contempt of courts <\/strong>can be of <strong>2 types:<\/strong><br><br>a. <strong>Civil Contempt:<\/strong> It refers to:<br>1. Wilful disobedience to any judgment, order, writ, or other process of a court; or<br>2. Wilful breach of an undertaking given to a court<br><br>b. <strong>Criminal Contempt<\/strong>: It refers to the publication of any matter or doing an act that:<br>a. scandalizes or lowers the authority of a court; or<br>b. prejudices or interferes with the due course of a judicial proceeding; or<br>c. interferes or obstructs the administration of justice in any other manner.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-618812723183593a2c916a1fd5800128\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1711192680962\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_judges_are_there_in_the_Supreme_Court\"><\/span><strong>How many judges are there in the Supreme Court?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>At present, the Supreme Court consists of <strong>34 judges (1 Chief Justice and 33 other judges).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1711193088518\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_was_the_Supreme_Court_of_India_established\"><\/span><strong>When was the Supreme Court of India established?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Supreme Court of India was established on <strong>January 28, 1950<\/strong>, two days after India became a republic with the adoption of its Constitution on <strong>January 26, 1950<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1711193118440\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_can_remove_the_Judges_of_the_Supreme_Court_in_India\"><\/span><strong>Who can remove the Judges of the Supreme Court in India?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The <strong>President of India<\/strong> can remove the Judges of the Supreme Court in India.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1711193132547\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_is_the_Supreme_Court_of_India_located\"><\/span><strong>Where is the Supreme Court of India located?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Supreme Court of India is located in <strong>New Delhi<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Supreme Court of India, the apex judicial body, is a federal court, the highest court of appeal, and the guardian of the constitution. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":14121,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[71],"class_list":["post-6675","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-polity","tag-gs-2"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6675","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6675"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6675\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7570,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6675\/revisions\/7570"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14121"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6675"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6675"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6675"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}