The Supreme Court of India

Constitutional Provision

• Established under **Article 124** of the Indian Constitution.
• Part of **Union Judiciary** in **Part V** (Articles 124 to 147).
• Located in **New Delhi**.

Composition

• Chief Justice of India (CJI) + up to 33 other Judges (as per latest amendment).
• Appointed by the **President of India**.

Qualification of Judges

• Citizen of India
• Judge of a High Court for at least **5 years**, or
• Advocate in a High Court for at least **10 years**, or
• A distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President

Tenure and Removal

• Holds office until the age of **65 years**.
• Can be removed only by **impeachment** on grounds of **proved misbehavior or incapacity** (Article 124(4)).
• Process involves a **special majority** in both Houses of Parliament.

Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court

• Original Jurisdiction: Disputes between Centre and State(s) or between States (Article 131)
• Writ Jurisdiction: For protection of Fundamental Rights (Article 32)
• Appellate Jurisdiction: Appeals in constitutional, civil, or criminal matters from High Courts
• Advisory Jurisdiction: President can seek advice (Article 143)
• Judicial Review: Power to declare laws unconstitutional

Independence of Judiciary

• Security of tenure
• Fixed service conditions
• Prohibition on practice after retirement
• Power to punish for contempt

Important Articles Related to the Supreme Court

• Article 124: Establishment and appointment of Judges
• Article 126: Appointment of acting Chief Justice
• Article 127: Ad hoc Judges
• Article 128: Retired Judges can act as Judges of SC
• Article 131: Original Jurisdiction
• Article 132-136: Appellate Jurisdiction
• Article 137: Review of Judgments
• Article 141: Law declared by SC is binding on all courts
• Article 143: Advisory jurisdiction
• Article 32: Right to constitutional remedies (approach SC directly)

Previous Year Questions

• SSC CGL 2020: What is the tenure of a Supreme Court Judge?
• Till 65 years of age
• HSSC 2019: Article 32 is related to?
• Right to Constitutional Remedies
• RRB NTPC 2018: Who appoints the Chief Justice of India?
• President of India

Conclusion

The Supreme Court of India is the guardian of the Constitution and protector of fundamental rights. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the rule of law, justice, and constitutional supremacy in the country.