Indian Polity: The Supreme Court of India

The Supreme Court is the highest judicial court and the final court of appeal under the Constitution of India. It is the Guardian of the Constitution and the guarantor of Fundamental Rights.

Composition and Appointment

• Article 124: Deals with the establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court.
• Collegium System: Judges are appointed by the President after consultation with a forum of the Chief Justice of India and four senior-most judges.
• Qualifications: Must be a citizen of India and have been a High Court judge for 5 years or an advocate for 10 years.
• Tenure: Judges hold office until they attain the age of 65 years.

Jurisdiction and Powers

• Original Jurisdiction (Art 131): Decides disputes between the Centre and States or between two or more States.
• Writ Jurisdiction (Art 32): Empowered to issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
• Appellate Jurisdiction: Hears appeals against judgments of the High Courts.
• Advisory Jurisdiction (Art 143): The President can seek the opinion of the SC on questions of law or fact.
• Judicial Review: Power to examine the constitutionality of legislative enactments and executive orders.

Question for you: Which landmark judgment of the Supreme Court introduced the “Basic Structure Doctrine” of the Constitution?

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