Why this matters now
The Supreme Court is examined for its jurisdictions, judicial review, the collegium debate (vs NJAC), and its role in the basic structure doctrine. It is central to almost every polity and governance theme.
Composition
The Court consists of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and other judges (the sanctioned strength is fixed by Parliament). Judges are appointed by the President and hold office until 65 years. A judge can be removed only by impeachment (proved misbehaviour or incapacity) through a special-majority address by both Houses — a deliberately difficult process to protect independence.
Jurisdiction
| Type | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Original (Article 131) | Disputes between the Centre and states, or among states |
| Writ (Article 32) | Enforcement of Fundamental Rights |
| Appellate | Appeals in constitutional, civil and criminal matters; special leave (Article 136) |
| Advisory (Article 143) | The President may seek the Court’s opinion on a question of law or fact |
The Court is also a court of record (Article 129) and its law is binding on all courts (Article 141).
Judicial review and the collegium
Judicial review empowers the Court to examine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions and strike down those that violate the Constitution — a part of the basic structure. Judges are appointed through the collegium system (the CJI and senior-most judges), evolved through the “Judges Cases.” Parliament’s attempt to replace it with the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) was struck down in 2015 as violating judicial independence — leaving the collegium debate unresolved.
UPSC angle
Know the four jurisdictions (original, writ, appellate incl. Art 136, advisory Art 143), judicial review, court of record/Art 141, and the collegium-vs-NJAC story.
Frequently asked questions
What are the jurisdictions of the Supreme Court?
Original (Centre-state disputes, Art 131), writ (Art 32), appellate (incl. special leave under Art 136), and advisory (Art 143).
What is judicial review?
The power of the courts to examine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions and to strike down those that violate the Constitution — part of the basic structure.
What is the collegium system?
The system by which the CJI and the senior-most judges recommend appointments and transfers of judges, evolved through the Judges Cases.
What happened to the NJAC?
The National Judicial Appointments Commission was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015 for violating judicial independence, restoring the collegium system.