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The Supreme Court of India stands as the highest judicial authority in the country, holding a pivotal role in maintaining the rule of law and protecting the Constitution. Established under Article 124 of the Indian Constitution, it serves as the apex court with the ultimate authority on legal matters, ensuring justice and safeguarding fundamental rights. This blog explores the structure, functions, and significance of the Supreme Court of India.
Structure of the Supreme Court
1. Composition
The Supreme Court is composed of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and a maximum of 34 other judges. The appointment of these judges is made by the President of India, following the advice of a collegium consisting of the CJI and the four senior-most judges of the Court. The judges serve until the age of 65, unless they retire earlier.
2. Chief Justice of India (CJI)
The CJI is the head of the Supreme Court and the highest-ranking judicial officer in India. The CJI is responsible for the administration of the Court, presides over cases, and plays a crucial role in the appointment of judges.
3. Supreme Court Benches
The Supreme Court operates through different benches, including a Constitution Bench, a Three-Judge Bench, and a Single-Judge Bench. The Constitution Bench handles cases involving constitutional issues, while the Three-Judge Bench deals with significant legal matters, and the Single-Judge Bench addresses less complex issues.
Functions of the Supreme Court
1. Judicial Review
One of the primary functions of the Supreme Court is to conduct judicial review. This means reviewing laws and executive actions to ensure they comply with the Constitution. The Court has the power to declare laws unconstitutional if they violate constitutional provisions.
2. Appellate Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction, meaning it hears appeals from lower courts and tribunals. This ensures that the legal principles are uniformly applied and justice is upheld across the country.
3. Original Jurisdiction
In cases involving disputes between states or between the Union and a state, the Supreme Court exercises original jurisdiction. These cases are directly filed in the Supreme Court, bypassing lower courts.
4. Advisory Jurisdiction
The President of India can seek the Supreme Court's opinion on legal or constitutional questions under its advisory jurisdiction. Although the Court's opinion is not binding, it provides valuable guidance on complex legal issues.
5. Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
The Supreme Court has the power to entertain Public Interest Litigation (PIL), allowing individuals or groups to file petitions on behalf of the public interest. This has enabled the Court to address a wide range of social and environmental issues.
Significance of the Supreme Court
1. Guardian of the Constitution
The Supreme Court acts as the guardian of the Constitution, ensuring that all laws and actions conform to constitutional norms. Its decisions often set precedents that shape the legal landscape of India.
2. Protector of Fundamental Rights
The Court plays a crucial role in protecting fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. Through its rulings, it safeguards individual liberties and ensures that citizens' rights are not infringed upon by the state or other entities.
3. Ensurer of Justice
By addressing appeals and providing remedies, the Supreme Court ensures that justice is delivered. Its decisions often have far-reaching implications, affecting the lives of millions of people.
