Supreme Court - Constitutional Provisions

Constitution Article: Article 124

• Establishment: The Supreme Court of India is established under Article 124 of the Constitution.
• Composition:
  • Chief Justice of India (CJI)
  • 8 other judges (as per Article 124(2))
• Tenure:
  • Judges hold office until the age of 65 (as per 124(2)(a))
• Appointment:
  • Appointed by the President of India in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court (as per Article 124(2)(b))
• Removal:
  • Can be removed by the President on the grounds of misconduct or incapacity, after an inquiry by the Supreme Court (as per Article 124(4))
• Powers:
  • Original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction
• Important Dates:
  • 1950: The Supreme Court was established on 28 January 1950
  • 1973: Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala established the basic structure doctrine
• Key Concepts:
  • Original Jurisdiction: Disputes between the Centre and States, or between States
  • Appellate Jurisdiction: Appeals from High Courts and other tribunals
  • Advisory Jurisdiction: Provides opinions on legal questions referred by the President

High Courts - Constitutional Provisions

Constitution Article: Article 214

• Establishment: High Courts are established under Article 214 of the Constitution.
• Composition:
  • Chief Justice of the High Court
  • Other judges (number varies by state)
• Appointment:
  • Appointed by the President of India in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the state (as per Article 217)
• Tenure:
  • Judges hold office until the age of 62 (as per Article 217(2)(a))
• Removal:
  • Can be removed by the President on grounds of misconduct or incapacity, after an inquiry by the High Court (as per Article 217(4))
• Powers:
  • Original and appellate jurisdiction within the state
• Important Dates:
  • 1950: First High Court established in Kolkata on 1 January 1950
  • 1956: Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act established the High Courts in Andhra Pradesh and Madras
• Key Concepts:
  • Original Jurisdiction: Adjudication of matters within the state
  • Appellate Jurisdiction: Appeals from subordinate courts
  • Transfer of Judges: High Court judges can be transferred to another High Court (as per Article 222)

Subordinate Courts - Constitutional Provisions

Constitution Article: Article 226

• Establishment: Subordinate courts are established by the state governments under the Constitution and various statutes.
• Types:
  • District Courts
  • Sessions Courts
  • Additional Sessions Courts
  • Chief Judicial Magistrates
  • Judicial Magistrates
  • Executive Magistrates
• Powers:
  • Exercise original and appellate jurisdiction
  • Adjudicate civil and criminal matters
• Important Dates:
  • 1950: Subordinate courts were established as per the Constitution and state laws
• Key Concepts:
  • Original Jurisdiction: Try cases at the first instance
  • Appellate Jurisdiction: Appeal from lower courts
  • Writ Jurisdiction: High Courts can issue writs under Article 226 for the enforcement of fundamental rights
• Important Terms:
  • Writs: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Quo Warranto, Certiorari
  • Judicial Review: Power of the judiciary to review the constitutionality of laws

Comparative Summary Table

Key Facts for SSC, RRB Exams

• Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in India.
• High Courts are the highest judicial authorities in their respective states.
• Subordinate Courts are the lower courts that handle day-to-day judicial work.
• Writs are issued by High Courts to protect fundamental rights.
• Original Jurisdiction refers to the power to try cases at the first instance.
• Appellate Jurisdiction refers to the power to review decisions of lower courts.
• Judicial Review is the power of the judiciary to review the validity of laws.
• Basic Structure Doctrine was established in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973).
• First High Court was established in Kolkata on 1 January 1950.
• First Supreme Court was established on 28 January 1950.