Functioning of the Supreme Court in India

Supreme Court: Structure and Functioning

The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority and serves as the final appellate court. It has multiple jurisdictions, ensuring that constitutional law is interpreted and implemented uniformly across the country. The Supreme Court’s key jurisdictions include:

1. Original Jurisdiction (under Article 131) – The Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over disputes between the central government and one or more states or between states.
2. Appellate Jurisdiction (under Articles 132, 133, and 134) – It hears appeals from High Courts and Tribunals if substantial questions of law or constitutional matters are involved.
3. Writ Jurisdiction (under Article 32) – Individuals can approach the Supreme Court directly for enforcement of their fundamental rights.

Advisory Jurisdiction (under Article 143) – The President of India can seek the Supreme Court’s advice on significant legal matters.

Key Differences Between High Court and Supreme Court

Both the High Court and the Supreme Court play an essential role in the Indian judicial system, ensuring justice, upholding constitutional rights, and interpreting laws effectively. While the High Court serves as the highest judicial authority at the state level, the Supreme Court acts as the ultimate guardian of the Constitution, providing final rulings on significant legal matters.