Question

Explain the various jurisdictions of the Supreme Court of India.

Answer 1

The Supreme Court is the Apex Court of the nation. The constitution has conferred on the Supreme Court very wide jurisdiction.

The jurisdictions and powers of the Supreme Court are as follows:

1) Original Jurisdiction -(Article 131) The power to hear any case first instance. E.g., Dispute between two states.

2) Writ Jurisdiction (article 32) - The power to issue different kinds of Writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. The Supreme court has original jurisdiction regarding an issue of writs.

3) Appellate Jurisdiction -The supreme court primarily a court of Appeal and it hears the appeal against the judgment of High Courts. It has the following jurisdiction in this regard:

A) Appeals in Constitutional matters.

b) Appeals in Civil matters.

c) Appeals in Criminal matters.

d) Appeals by Special Leave - This is discretionary power of the supreme court.

4) Advisory Jurisdiction (article 143) - The president is authorized to seek an advisory opinion of the supreme court in certain matters. The supreme court provides its advice when it is sought by the President. The advice given however, is not binding on the president.