Supreme Court of India: A Complete Guide for Competitive Exams

History of the Supreme Court of India
The Federal Court of India, set up under the Government of India Act, 1935, was the precursor to the Supreme Court.
After independence, the Constitution of India (1950) replaced the Federal Court with the Supreme Court, which began functioning on January 28, 1950.
Initially, the Supreme Court had 1 Chief Justice and 7 puisne judges, but today it has 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI).


Key Functions of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court performs several crucial roles:
✔ Final Court of Appeal – Hears appeals against High Court judgments.
✔ Dispute Resolution – Settles conflicts between states, central & state governments.
✔ Advisory Role – Advises the President on constitutional matters.
✔ Suo Motu Powers – Can take up cases on its own without a formal petition.
✔ Judicial Review – Ensures laws align with the Constitution.


Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court exercises three types of jurisdiction:
1. Original Jurisdiction
Directly hears disputes:
Between states and the central government.
Between two or more states.
2. Advisory Jurisdiction
Provides legal advice when the President seeks its opinion on constitutional matters.
3. Appellate Jurisdiction
Hears appeals in:
Civil, criminal, and constitutional cases.
Cases involving substantial legal questions.


Composition of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court consists of 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
Cases are heard by:
Division Bench (2-3 judges) – For regular cases.
Constitutional Bench (5+ judges) – For significant constitutional matters.


How are Supreme Court Judges Appointed?
To become a Supreme Court judge, a candidate must:
✅ Be an Indian citizen below 65 years.
✅ Have served as a High Court judge for 5+ years OR
✅ Have been an advocate in a High Court for 10+ years OR
✅ Be a distinguished jurist (as per the President’s discretion).


Independence of the Judiciary
The Constitution ensures judicial independence through:
🔹 Security of Tenure – Judges serve until 65 years and can only be removed via impeachment.
🔹 Fixed Salaries – Cannot be reduced except during a financial emergency.
🔹 Contempt Powers – The Supreme Court can punish for contempt under Article 129.
🔹 Separation from Executive – Judiciary remains free from government influence (Article 50).


Sample Questions & Answers (For Competitive Exams)
Q1. When was the Supreme Court of India established?
Ans: The Supreme Court was established on January 26, 1950, and started functioning on January 28, 1950.
Q2. What replaced the Federal Court of India?
Ans: The Supreme Court of India replaced the Federal Court of India and the British Privy Council after independence.
Q3. How many judges are there in the Supreme Court (including the CJI)?
Ans: There are 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
Q4. What are the three types of jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?
Ans: Original, Advisory, and Appellate Jurisdiction.
Q5. Under which article can the Supreme Court punish for contempt?
Ans: Article 129 grants the Supreme Court the power to punish for contempt.