The Supreme Court

Justices Alok Aradhe and Vipul M. Pancholi sworn in as Supreme Court Judges. With the swearing-in of these two judges, the Supreme Court returned to its full sanctioned judicial strength.
— Hindu, August 29, 2025

What is the 'full sanctioned judicial strength' of the Supreme Court?

1. 30
2. 33
3. 34
4. 28

Answer

34

Reason — Under the Supreme Court Amendment Act, the total full sanctioned judicial strength of the Supreme Court of India is 34.

What is the term of office of a judge of the Supreme Court?

1. Until he/she attains 63 years
2. Until he/she attains 70 years
3. Until he/she attains 60 years
4. Until he/she attains 65 years

Answer

Until he/she attains 65 years

Reason — A Judge of the Supreme Court shall hold office until he/she attains the age of 65 years. A Judge may resign his/her office earlier by submitting the resignation letter to the President.

Which of the following statements about the judiciary in India are correct?

P: There are separate sets of laws for the Centre and the States.

Q: The Supreme Court of India consists of a Chief Justice and 25 other judges.

R: The Supreme Court exercises control over the functioning of other courts in India.

S: The judiciary in India is independent of the other two organs of the government i.e., Legislature and Executive.

1. R and S
2. R and S
3. P and Q
4. P and S

Answer

R and S

Reason — The Supreme Court is the head of the entire judicial system and exercises control over the functioning of other courts, and the judiciary in India is kept independent of the executive and the legislature. Statement P is wrong because a single civil and criminal system of laws operates throughout the country, and statement Q is wrong because the Supreme Court consists of a Chief Justice and not more than 33 other judges.

Identify the qualifications for appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court?

P: He/She has been for at least ten years a Judge of a High Court or two or more such courts in succession.

Q: He/She has been an advocate for at least ten years of a High Court or two or more such courts in succession.

R: He/She is a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President.

S: He/She has been a member of important enquiry commissions.

1. P and Q
2. R and S
3. P and R
4. Q and R

Answer

Q and R

Reason — A person qualifies for appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court if he/she has been an advocate of a High Court or of two or more such courts in succession for at least ten years, or is a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President. Statement P is wrong because the required period as a Judge of a High Court is five years, not ten years, and statement S is not a qualification laid down by the Constitution.

The appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court extends to ................ .

1. Constitutional cases
2. Criminal cases
3. Civil cases
4. All of the above

Answer

All of the above

Reason — The Supreme Court is the final Court of Appeal and its appellate jurisdiction extends to constitutional, civil as well as criminal cases.

The minimum number of judges to hear and decide a case involving interpretation of the Constitution shall be ................ .

1. Ten
2. Four
3. Five
4. Seven

Answer

Five

Reason — The minimum number of Judges required to hear and decide a case involving interpretation of the Constitution shall be five.

Identify the cases in which the Supreme Court holds Original Jurisdiction?

P: To hear and determine a dispute between Government of India and one or more States.

Q: In cases involving the violation of the Fundamental Rights of individuals.

R: Appeals in criminal cases.

S: All matters that involve interpretation of the Constitution.

1. P, Q and S
2. Q, R and S
3. P, Q and R
4. P, R and S

Answer

P, Q and S

Reason — Under its original jurisdiction, the Supreme Court hears disputes between the Government of India and one or more States, cases of violation of the Fundamental Rights of individuals, and all matters where interpretation of the Constitution is required. Statement R is wrong because appeals in criminal cases come under the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

As a 'Court of Record' the Supreme Court has the power to ................ .

1. punish for contempt of itself
2. confer titles to appellants.
3. declare evidence as indisputable
4. All of the above.

Answer

punish for contempt of itself

Reason — As a Court of Record, the judgements of the Supreme Court are preserved as record and can be produced in any court as precedents, and the Court has the authority to punish a person for its contempt. No authority can deprive the Court of this right.

Identify the functions of the Supreme Court of India.

P: To settle disputes between different ministries.

Q: To issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

R: To give its verdict on the interpretation of the Constitution.

S: To advise the Prime Minister of India on any question of law.

1. R and S
2. Q and R
3. Q and S
4. R and S

Answer

Q and R

Reason — The Supreme Court issues writs such as habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari for the enforcement of the Fundamental Rights, and it gives its verdict on the interpretation of the Constitution as its final interpreter. Statement S is wrong because the Supreme Court gives its advisory opinion to the President of India and not to the Prime Minister.

The Supreme Court on Monday, April 16, 2018, dismissed a PIL challenging the perks, including pension and travel allowances, given to former Parliamentarians.

What is the full form of "PIL"?

1. Public Interest Law
2. Public Interest Litigation
3. People's Interest Litigation
4. People's Interest Law.

Answer

Public Interest Litigation

Reason — PIL stands for Public Interest Litigation. Under this simplified procedure a person can register a case simply by writing on a postcard or application stating his complaint, and the grievances of women, children, bonded labourers and other weaker sections are given attention under the scheme.

Pankaj was detained in police custody. He has not been produced before the magistrate within 24 hours of arrest. Which legal remedy is available to him?

1. Writ of Mandamus
2. Writ of Quo Warrants
3. Writ of Habeas Corpus
4. Writ of Prohibition.

Answer

Writ of Habeas Corpus

Reason — Habeas Corpus means 'to have the body'. By issuing this writ, the Supreme Court or the High Court can get the body of any person released if he has been unlawfully detained. It is thus a great safeguard for the personal freedom of a citizen.

If the Supreme Court declares a law made by the Central Government as null and void, which power is used by it?

1. Revisory Jurisdiction
2. Judicial Review
3. Advisory Jurisdiction
4. All of the above.

Answer

Judicial Review

Reason — The Supreme Court has the power to review the laws passed by the Union or State legislatures and to declare a law 'ultra vires' or null and void if it is against the letter and spirit of the Constitution. This power is known as Judicial Review.

Select the option that shows the correct relationship between Statements I and II.

(I) Both the judiciary and the executive are involved in the appointment of Judges of the Supreme Court.

(II) Every Judge of the Supreme Court is appointed by the President of India in consultation with the Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts, besides the Council of Ministers.

1. (I) is true, but (II) is false
2. (I) is false, but (II) is true
3. Both (I) and (II) are true, (II) is the correct explanation of (I)
4. Both (I) and (II) are false.

Answer

Both (I) and (II) are true, (II) is the correct explanation of (I)

Reason — The appointment of Supreme Court judges involves both the Executive (President and Council of Ministers) and the Judiciary (Chief Justice of India and other judges from the Supreme Court and High Courts). This ensures a balanced approach in judicial appointments.

Select the option that shows the correct relationship between Statements I and II.

(I) Both the Supreme Court and the High Courts have the power of Original jurisdiction to settle disputes between Central government and one or more States and UTs.

(II) The Supreme Court has Original jurisdiction with regard to the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

1. (I) is true, but (II) is false
2. (I) is false, but (II) is true
3. Both (I) and (II) are true, but (II) is not the correct explanation of (I)
4. Both (I) and (II) are false.

Answer

(I) is false, but (II) is true

Reason — Statement (I) is false because only the Supreme Court, and not the High Courts, settles disputes between the Centre and the States under original jurisdiction. High Courts do not have original jurisdiction in these cases.

Who determines the strength of the Supreme Court? How?

Answer

The Parliament determines the strength of the Supreme Court.

It can increase the number of Judges by passing a law. At present, the Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of India and not more than 33 other Judges, as provided by the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 2019.

By whom are the Judges of the Supreme Court appointed? How are they appointed?

Answer

The Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President of India.
The President appoints them in consultation with the Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, besides the Cabinet. In the appointment of a Judge other than the Chief Justice of India, the Chief Justice of India must be consulted. Usually, the senior-most Judge of the Supreme Court is appointed as the Chief Justice of India.

With reference to the judiciary, what is meant by the term 'impeachment'? On what grounds can a judge of the Supreme Court be removed from office?

Answer

Impeachment is the procedure for removing a Judge of the Supreme Court from office. The Judge is removed by the President after an address by both Houses of Parliament, supported by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.
A Judge can be removed only on the grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.

Who decides the salaries and other emoluments of the Judges of the Supreme Court? Under what circumstances can the salaries and allowances of the Judges of the Supreme Court be reduced?

Answer

The salaries and other emoluments of the Judges of Supreme Court are decided by the Parliament of India according to Article 125 of the Constitution of India. The salaries of the judges cannot be reduced except during the period of financial emergency. Their salaries and allowances are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India and so are not subject to vote of Parliament.

Name the types of jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. In case of violation of the Fundamental Rights of individuals, which type of jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is applicable?

Answer

The three types of jurisdiction of the Supreme Court are-

1. Original Jurisdiction
2. Appellate Jurisdiction
3. Advisory Jurisdiction

In case of violation of the Fundamental Rights of individuals, the Original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is applicable.

Mention any one power of the Supreme Court which is not enjoyed by other courts. What happens if either the Parliament or a State Legislature passes any law that is against the Constitution?

Answer

One power of the Supreme Court, which is not enjoyed by other Courts, is that only Supreme Court has the right to revise its earlier decisions.

The Supreme Court has the power to review laws passed by the Union or State legislatures. If either the Parliament or a State Legislature passes any law that is against the Constitution, the Supreme Court can declare the law 'ultra vires' or null and void. This power is referred to as the power of judicial review.

The Supreme Court on Thursday (February 20, 2025) stayed a Lokpal order bringing High Court judges under its jurisdiction while terming the top anti-corruption ombudsman's interpretation "very disturbing".
— The Hindu

Name the jurisdiction under which the court stayed the order. Why was the order 'very disturbing'?

Answer

The Supreme Court stayed the order under its Original Jurisdiction.
The order was considered ‘very disturbing’ because bringing sitting High Court Judges under the investigative jurisdiction of the Lokpal could undermine the independence of the judiciary, which must remain free from external interference.

What is meant by the term 'Writ'? Name any two writs issued by the Supreme Court.

Answer

A writ is an order from a judicial authority asking a person to perform some act or refrain from performing an act.

Two writs issued by the Supreme Court are-

1. Writ of Prohibition
2. Writ of Certiorari

Mention two conditions under which an appeal in a criminal case lies to the Supreme Court.

Answer

Two conditions under which an appeal in a criminal case lies to the Supreme Court are-

1. Cases without the certificate of the High Court.
2. Cases with the certificate of the High Court.

The certificate of the High Court is not required in a case:

1. where the High Court has reversed the judgement of acquittal given by the Lower Court and punished the accused with a death sentence.
2. which is withdrawn by the High Court from a Subordinate Court and sentenced the accused to death.

State the difference between the Original jurisdiction and the Appellate jurisdiction.

Answer

The differences between the Original jurisdiction and the Appellate jurisdiction are as follows-

The Supreme Court is the apex court in the entire judicial set up in India. In this context answer the following questions:

(a) What is meant by the term Single Integrated Judicial System?

(b) Mention three kinds of cases which come under Appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

(c) Mention the types of cases that come under Original jurisdiction.

Answer

(a) Under our Constitution the judiciary is a single integrated system of courts for the Union and the states with the Supreme Court at the apex. By the single integrated system we mean-

1. The Supreme Court is the head of the entire system and not only supervises but also exercises control over the functioning of other courts.
2. There are no separate sets of laws and a single civil and criminal system operates throughout the country.
3. All cases coming from the Lower Courts can be taken to the High Court and ultimately to the Supreme Court, by way of appeal.

Below the Supreme Court stand the High Courts of different States and under each High Court there is a hierarchy of other subordinate courts.

(b) Three kinds of cases which come under appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court are:

1. Constitutional Cases — All matters irrespective of the nature, where a certificate is issued by a High Court that it involves an important point of law and needs interpretation of the Constitution, can be brought before the Supreme Court. If the High Court refuses to give a certificate on such a case the Supreme Court can grant special leave of appeal.
2. Civil cases — Appeals in civil matters lie to the Supreme Court, if the High Court certifies:
   1. that the case involves a substantial question of law of general importance, and
   2. that the question needs to be decided by the Supreme Court
3. Criminal Cases — Two types of appeals in criminal cases lie in the Supreme Court.
   1. Cases with the certificate of the High Court
   2. Cases without the certificate of the High Court. The certificate of the High Court is not required in a case:
      1. Where the High Court has reversed the judgement of acquittal given by the Lower Court and punished the accused with a death sentence.
      2. A case which is withdrawn by the High Court from a Subordinate Court and sentenced the accused to death.

(c) The types of cases that come under Original jurisdiction of Supreme Court are as follows:

1. Centre-State or Inter-State Disputes — The Supreme Court has been given exclusive original jurisdiction in any dispute:
   1. between Government of India and one or more States
   2. between Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or more States on the other
   3. between two or more States
2. Protection of Fundamental Rights — The original jurisdiction also extends to cases of violation of the Fundamental Rights of individuals and the court can issue several writs for the enforcement of these rights.
3. Transfer of Cases from Lower Courts — The Supreme Court may transfer to itself cases from one or more High Courts, if these involve questions of law or cases are of great importance. The Supreme Court may transfer cases from one High Court to another in the interest of Justice.
4. Interpretation of Constitution — All cases where interpretation of the Constitution is required can be directly filed in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has the power of exclusive jurisdiction in regard to questions as to Constitutional validity of central laws.

The independence of the judiciary is necessary in a federal democratic set-up. In this context, describe the part played by the following:

(a) Security of Tenure of Office.

(b) Security of Salary and Allowances of the Judges.

(c) Power to punish for Contempt of itself.

Answer

(a) A Judge can remain in office till he has attained the age of 65 years. He can be removed by the President on the ground of "proved misbehaviour or incapacity."

(b) Judges' salaries, allowances, etc., shall not be changed to their disadvantage during their term of office. The salaries of the Judges cannot be reduced except during periods of financial emergency. Their salaries and allowances are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India and so are not subject to vote of Parliament.

(c) The Supreme Court can punish for the contempt of court if a person or authority makes an attempt to lower its authority.

The Supreme Court has extensive jurisdiction. In this context answer the following:

(a) What is meant by 'Appellate Jurisdiction'? Name two types of cases in which an appeal shall lie to the Supreme Court.

(b) What do you understand by advisory functions of the Supreme Court? State the types of cases where the Supreme Court may be required to express its opinion.

(c) What is meant by Revisory Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

Answer

(a) Appellate Jurisdiction means the powers to grant special leave to appeal against the judgement delivered by any court in the country. The appellate jurisdiction extends to Constitutional, civil and criminal cases.

Two types of cases in which an Appeal shall lie to the Supreme Court are-

1. Constitutional cases
2. Civil cases

(b) The Supreme Court has advisory jurisdiction (to give its opinion) on any question of law or fact of public importance as may be referred to it for consideration by the President of India.

The Supreme Court may be required to express its opinion in two cases of matters, in an advisory capacity:

1. Any question of law may be referred to the Supreme Court if the President considers that the question is of public importance and it is necessary to obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court. Such opinion of the Supreme Court is advisory and not binding on the Government nor is it executable as a judgement of the Supreme Court.
2. Disputes arising out of pre-Constitution treaties and agreements which are excluded from original jurisdiction by Article 131.

(c) The Supreme Court under Article 137 is empowered to review any judgement or order made by it with a view to removing any mistake or error that might have crept in the judgement or order. This is because the Supreme Court is a court of record and its decisions are of evidentiary value and cannot be questioned in any court.

Discuss how the Constitution has ensured that the Supreme Court acts as:

(a) Custodian of the Constitution.

(b) Guardian of the Fundamental Rights.

(c) A Court of Records and its implication.

Answer

(a) All cases where interpretation of the Constitution is required can be directly filed in the Supreme Court.

1. The Supreme Court has the power of exclusive jurisdiction in regard to questions as to Constitutional validity of central laws.
2. The Supreme Court is the interpreter of the Constitution and its decision is final.
3. It has the power to review laws passed by the Union or State legislatures.
4. The Supreme Court can declare a law 'ultra vires' or null and void, if it is against the letter and spirit of the Constitution or contravenes any provision of the Constitution. This power is referred to as the power of judicial review.
5. The minimum number of Judges to hear and decide a case involving interpretation of the Constitution shall be five.
6. The Supreme Court has the power to review all National and State laws and executive orders and declare them null and void, if they go against the provisions of the Constitution.

(b) The original jurisdiction of Supreme Court extends to cases of violation of the Fundamental Rights of individuals and the court can issue several writs for the enforcement of these rights.

1. Any citizen whose rights are violated may move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of the rights.
2. The Supreme Court has power to issue orders or writs, in the nature of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari for the enforcement of any of the Fundamental Rights.
3. The Constitution prohibits the State from making any law which takes away or abridges the Fundamental Rights.
4. If it does so, the law shall be declared null and void by the Supreme Court.

(c) A Court of Record is a court whose judgements are recorded for evidence and testimony.

1. The judgements are in the nature of 'precedents', i.e., the High Courts and other Courts are bound to give a similar decision in a similar case. They are not to be questioned when they are produced before any subordinate court.
2. The Supreme Court shall be a "Court of Record" and shall have all the powers of such a court including the power to punish for contempt of itself.
3. The Court of Record has two implications:
   (i) Its judgements and orders are preserved as record. These can be produced in any court as precedents.
   (ii) If a person commits a contempt of court, the court has the authority to punish him. No authority can deprive the court of this right.

Supreme Court has many functions to protect the interests of all citizens. In this context, answer the following questions:

(a) What is meant by Judicial Review?

(b) What is the significance of the power of Judicial Review?

(c) Mention three ways in which the Constitution ensures the independence of the Judges of the Supreme Court.

Answer

(a) The Supreme Court is the interpreter of the Constitution and its decision is final.

1. It has the power to review laws passed by the Union or State legislatures.
2. The Supreme Court can declare a law 'ultra vires' or null and void, if it is against the letter and spirit of the Constitution or contravenes any provision of the Constitution. This power is referred to as the power of judicial review.

(b) The Constitution has provided for a balance of powers between the Centre and the States. If the Union government or the State go beyond their limits, the Supreme Court can settle the dispute.

1. In a written Constitution a law may be ambiguously worded. The question of interpretation of the Constitution is bound to arise and the Supreme Court only has the power of original jurisdiction.
2. The legislature may not possess the wisdom, experience and impartiality which are needed to explain what the law means.

This function can be best performed by the Supreme Court.

(c) Three ways in which the Constitution ensures the independence of the Judges of the Supreme Court are-

1. Appointment of Judges — Every Judge of the Supreme Court is appointed by the President after consultation with the Cabinet as well as the Judges of Supreme Court and High Court. Thus, the judiciary and the executive are involved in the appointment of Judges.
2. Security of Tenure — A Judge can remain in office till he has attained the age of 65 years. He can be removed by the President on the ground of "proved misbehaviour or incapacity."
3. Punishment for Contempt of Court — The Supreme Court can punish for the contempt of court if a person or authority makes an attempt to lower its authority.

Study the figure given below and answer the following questions:

(a) Identify the building in the picture. Where is it located? What is the position of this court in the entire judicial set up in India?

(b) State three qualifications required to be the judge of this court.

(c) How does this court maintain the sanctity of the Constitution of India?

Answer

(a) The figure shows the Supreme Court of India. It is located in New Delhi.

Under our Constitution the judiciary is a single integrated system of courts for the Union and the states with the Supreme Court at the apex. The Supreme Court is the head of the entire system and not only supervises but also exercises control over the functioning of other courts.

(b) A person is not qualified for appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court unless he is a citizen of India, and

1. has been for at least five years a Judge of a High Court or of two or more such courts in succession; or
2. has been for at least ten years an advocate of a High Court or of two or more such courts in succession; or
3. is, in the opinion of the President, a distinguished jurist.

(c) All cases where interpretation of the Constitution is required can be directly filed in the Supreme Court.

1. The Supreme Court has the power of exclusive jurisdiction in regard to questions as to Constitutional validity of central laws.
2. The Supreme Court is the interpreter of the Constitution and its decision is final.
3. It has the power to review laws passed by the Union or State legislatures.
4. The Supreme Court can declare a law 'ultra vires' or null and void, if it is against the letter and spirit of the Constitution or contravenes any provision of the Constitution. This power is referred to as the power of judicial review.
5. The minimum number of Judges to hear and decide a case involving interpretation of the Constitution shall be five.
6. The Supreme Court has the power to review all National and State laws and executive orders and declare them null and void, if they go against the provisions of the Constitution.

Suppose the Supreme Court is devoid of its power of Judicial review. How would this impact the protection of Fundamental Rights in India?

Answer

If the Supreme Court were devoid of its power of Judicial Review, the protection of Fundamental Rights in India would be seriously weakened in the following ways:

1. The Constitution prohibits the State from making any law which takes away or abridges the Fundamental Rights, and if it does so, the law shall be declared null and void by the Supreme Court. Without the power of Judicial Review, the Supreme Court could not declare such a law 'ultra vires' or null and void.
2. Laws passed by the Union or State legislatures and executive orders that go against the provisions of the Constitution would continue to remain in force even after violating the Fundamental Rights of citizens.
3. The writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari would lose much of their value, because the Supreme Court could give relief in an individual case but could not strike down the offending law itself.
4. The Supreme Court would cease to be the true guardian of the Fundamental Rights and the custodian of the Constitution, and the Fundamental Rights would be reduced to mere paper declarations without any effective legal remedy. As Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar said, rights are real only if they are accompanied by remedies.
5. The balance of powers provided by the Constitution between the Centre and the States would be disturbed, as neither the Union government nor the States could be restrained from going beyond their limits.

If a person feels that the High Court's decision was unfair, how can he/she get justice from the Supreme Court?

Answer

A person who is dissatisfied with the decision of a High Court may approach the Supreme Court under its Appellate Jurisdiction. The Supreme Court is the final Court of Appeal and may change the decision or reduce the sentence passed by a lower court.

1. Constitutional Cases — An appeal can be made if the High Court certifies that the case involves an important question of law requiring interpretation of the Constitution.

2. Civil Cases — An appeal lies if the High Court certifies that the case involves a substantial question of law of general importance and that the question needs to be decided by the Supreme Court.

3. Criminal Cases — An appeal may be made with the certificate of the High Court. No certificate is required if the High Court:

   • reverses an order of acquittal and sentences the accused to death; or
   • withdraws a case from a subordinate court, tries it itself and sentences the accused to death.

4. Appeal by Special Leave — If the High Court refuses to grant a certificate, the Supreme Court may, under Article 136, grant special leave to appeal against the judgment of any court or tribunal in India. In civil cases, it is generally granted where a question of law or public interest is involved, and in criminal cases where exceptional circumstances exist and grave injustice has been done.

If the Supreme Court takes too many years to decide a case, do you think justice is really served? Why or why not? Give reasons to support your answer.

Answer

No, justice is not fully served if the Supreme Court takes an unreasonably long time to decide a case, because justice delayed may amount to justice denied.

1. Rights require effective remedies — Rights have real value only when an aggrieved person can obtain a remedy in time. A remedy granted after many years may lose much of its practical value.

2. Protection of Fundamental Rights — As the Guardian of Fundamental Rights, the Supreme Court must provide timely relief. Delay may allow the violation of a citizen’s rights to continue.

3. Finality of appeals — Since the Supreme Court is the final Court of Appeal, excessive delay keeps the parties uncertain about the final outcome and postpones the correction of an unjust decision of a lower court.

4. Interpretation of the Constitution — As the final interpreter of the Constitution, delay in deciding important constitutional questions may leave significant issues of law unresolved for a long period.

Therefore, while the Supreme Court must examine cases carefully to ensure a fair decision, justice should also be delivered within a reasonable time.