The judiciary of India is a powerful and independent institution. It is a mechanism for the legal redressal of disputes and prosecution of legal offenders as well. Apart from this, the judiciary at the higher level also interprets the Constitution and resolves disputes between the centre and states as well as between different states. It protects the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and is the mechanism to seek recourse to constitutional remedies. It also strikes down any law that contravenes the Constitution in letter and spirit. Along with the legislature and the executive, it is one of the three pillars of Indian democracy.