Civics Chapter 4: The Supreme Court

Short Answer Questions

Q1 Who determines the strength of the Supreme Court?

A The Parliament determines the strength of the Supreme Court.

Q2 By whom are the Judges of the Supreme Court appointed and how?
A A group of senior Supreme Court judges headed by the CJI would make recommendations
to the President on who should be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court. The CJI is
required to consult the four senior most judges of the Supreme Court before making any
recommendation to the President of India in this regard. This came to be known as the
Collegium System which allows a college of persons (judges) to appoint judges.

Q3 With reference to the judiciary, what is meant by the term 'impeachment'? On what
grounds can a judge of the Supreme Court be removed from office?
A A Judge of the Supreme Court cannot be removed from office except by an order of the
President on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. This charge needs to be
proved only by a joint address by both houses of Parliament and supported by a two-third
majority of members present and voting. The word 'proved' is very important. It means that
an allegation has been thoroughly examined by some impartial tribunal. This procedure is
known as impeachment.
A Judge of the Supreme Court cannot be removed from office except by an order of the
President on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.

Q4 Who decides the salaries and other emoluments of the Judges of the Supreme Court?
Under what circumstances can the salaries and allowances of the Judges of the Supreme
Court be reduced?
A The salaries and other emoluments of the Judges of Supreme Court are decided by the
President of India according to Article 125 of the Constitution of India. The salaries of judges
cannot be reduced except during the period of financial emergency. Their salaries and
allowances are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India and so are not subject to vote of
Parliament.
The salaries of the Judges cannot be reduced except during periods of financial emergency.

Q5 Name the types of jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. In case of violation of the
Fundamental Rights of individuals, which type of jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is
applicable?
A The three types of jurisdiction of the Supreme Court are-
1. Original Jurisdiction
2. Appellate Jurisdiction
3. Advisory Jurisdiction

In case of violation of the Fundamental Rights of individuals, the Original jurisdiction of the
Supreme Court is applicable.
Q6 Mention any one power of the Supreme Court which is not enjoyed by other courts. What
happens if either the Parliament or a State Legislature passes any law that is against the
Constitution?

A One power of the Supreme Court, which is not enjoyed by other Courts, is that only
Supreme Court has the right to revise its earlier decisions.

The Supreme Court has the power to review laws passed by the Union or State legislatures. If
either the Parliament or a State Legislature passes any law that is against the Constitution, the
Supreme Court can declare the law 'ultra vires' or null and void. This power is referred to as
the power of judicial review.

Q7 What is meant by the term 'Writ'? Name any two writs issued by the Supreme Court.
A A writ is an order from a judicial authority asking a person to perform some act or refrain
from performing an act.
Two writs issued by the Supreme Court are-
1. Writ of Prohibition
2. Writ of Certiorari
Q8 Who is the protector and final interpreter of the Constitution?
A The Supreme Court of India is the protector and final interpreter of the Constitution.

Q9 Mention two types under which an appeal in a criminal case lies to the Supreme Court.
A Two types under which an appeal in a criminal case lies to the Supreme Court are-
1. Cases without the certificate of the High Court.
2. Cases with the certificate of the High Court.
The certificate of the High Court is not required in a case:
1. where the High Court has reversed the judgement of acquittal given by the Lower
Court and punished the accused with a death sentence.
2. which is withdrawn by the High Court from a Subordinate Court and sentenced the
accused to death.

Q10 State the difference between the Original jurisdiction and the Appellate jurisdiction.

A The differences between the Original jurisdiction and the Appellate jurisdiction are as
follows-

Original jurisdiction Appellate jurisdiction

Original Jurisdiction means the power to Appellate Jurisdiction means the

hear and determine a dispute in the first powers to grant special leave to
instance; i.e., those cases which cannot be appeal against the judgement
moved in any court other than the delivered by any court in the
Supreme Court. country.

It deals with Centre-State or Inter-State

The appellate jurisdiction extends
disputes, protection of fundamental
to Constitutional, civil and criminal
rights, transfer of cases from lower courts
cases.
and interpretation of Constitution.
Structured Questions
Q1 The Supreme Court is the apex court in the entire judicial set up in India. In this context
answer the following questions:
(a) What is meant by the term Single Integrated Judicial System?
(b) Mention three kinds of cases which come under appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme
Court.
(c) Mention the types of cases that come under Original jurisdiction.
A (a) Under our Constitution the judiciary is a single integrated system of courts for the
Union and the states with the Supreme Court at the apex. By the single integrated system we
mean-
1. The Supreme Court is the head of the entire system and not only supervises but also
exercises control over the functioning of other courts.
2. There are no separate sets of laws and a single civil and criminal system operates
throughout the country.
3. All cases coming from the Lower Courts can be taken to the High Court and
ultimately to the Supreme Court, by way of appeal.
Below the Supreme Court stand the High Courts of different States and under each High
Court there is a hierarchy of other subordinate courts.
(b) Three kinds of cases which come under appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court are:
1. Constitutional Cases — All matters irrespective of the nature, where a certificate is
issued by a High Court that it involves an important point of law and needs
interpretation of the Constitution, can be brought before the Supreme Court. If the
High Court refuses to give a certificate on such a case the Supreme Court can grant
special leave of appeal.
2. Civil cases — Appeals in civil matters lie to the Supreme Court, if the High Court
certifies:
i. that the case involves a substantial question of law of general importance, and
ii. that the question needs to be decided by the Supreme Court
3. Criminal Cases — Two types of appeals in criminal cases lie in the Supreme Court.
i. Cases with the certificate of the High Court
ii. Cases without the certificate of the High Court. The certificate of the High
Court is not required in a case:
a. Where the High Court has reversed the judgement of acquittal given by
the Lower Court and punished the accused with a death sentence.
b. A case which is withdrawn by the High Court from a Subordinate
Court and sentenced the accused to death.
(c) The types of cases that come under Original jurisdiction of Supreme Court are as follows:
1. Centre-State or Inter-State Disputes — The Supreme Court has been given
exclusive original jurisdiction in any dispute:
i. between Government of India and one or more States
ii. between Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or
more States on the other
iii. between two or more States
2. Protection of Fundamental Rights — The original jurisdiction also extends to cases
of violation of the Fundamental Rights of individuals and the court can issue several
writs for the enforcement of these rights.
3. Transfer of Cases from Lower Courts — The Supreme Court may transfer to itself
cases from one or more High Courts, if these involve questions of law or cases are of
 great importance. The Supreme Court may transfer cases from one High Court to
another in the interest of Justice.
4. Interpretation of Constitution — All cases where interpretation of the Constitution
is required can be directly filed in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has the
power of exclusive jurisdiction in regard to questions as to Constitutional validity of
central laws.
Q2 The independence of the judiciary is necessary in a federal democratic set-up. In this
context, describe the part played by the following:
(a) Security of Tenure of Office.
(b) Security of Salary and Allowances of the Judges.
(c) Power to punish for Contempt of itself.
A (a) A Judge can remain in office till he has attained the age of 65 years. He can be removed
by the President on the ground of "proved misbehaviour or incapacity."
(b) Judges' salaries, allowances, etc., shall not be changed to their disadvantage during their
term of office. The salaries of the Judges cannot be reduced except during periods of financial
emergency. Their salaries and allowances are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India and
so are not subject to vote of Parliament.
(c) The Supreme Court can punish for the contempt of court if a person or authority makes an
attempt to lower its authority.
Q3 The Supreme Court has extensive jurisdiction. In this context answer the following:
(a) What is meant by 'Appellate Jurisdiction'? Name two types of cases in which an appeal
shall lie to the Supreme Court.
(b) What do you understand by advisory functions of the Supreme Court? State the types of
cases where the Supreme Court may be required to express its opinion.
(c) What is meant by Revisory Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?
A (a) Appellate Jurisdiction means the powers to grant special leave to appeal against the
judgement delivered by any court in the country. The appellate jurisdiction extends to
Constitutional, civil and criminal cases.
Two types of cases in which an Appeal shall lie to the Supreme Court are-
1. Constitutional cases
2. Civil cases

(b) The Supreme Court has advisory jurisdiction (to give its opinion) on any question of law
or fact of public importance as may be referred to it for consideration by the President of
India.

The Supreme Court may be required to express its opinion in two classes of matters, in an
advisory capacity:

1. Any question of law may be referred to the Supreme Court if the President considers
that the question is of public importance and it is necessary to obtain the opinion of
the Supreme Court. Such opinion of the Supreme Court is advisory and not binding
on the Government nor is it executable as a judgement of the Supreme Court.
2. Disputes arising out of pre-Constitution treaties and agreements which are excluded
from original jurisdiction by Article 131.

(c) The Supreme Court under Article 137 is empowered to review any judgement or order
made by it with a view to removing any mistake or error that might have crept in the
judgement or order. This is because the Supreme Court is a court of record and its decisions
are of evidentiary value and cannot be questioned in any court.
Q4 Discuss how the Constitution has ensured that the Supreme Court acts as:
(a) Custodian of the Constitution.
(b) Guardian of the Fundamental Rights.
(c) A Court of Records and its implication.
A (a) All cases where interpretation of the Constitution is required can be directly filed in the
Supreme Court.

1. The Supreme Court has the power of exclusive jurisdiction in regard to questions as to
Constitutional validity of central laws.
2. The Supreme Court is the interpreter of the Constitution and its decision is final.
3. It has the power to review laws passed by the Union or State legislatures.
4. The Supreme Court can declare a law 'ultra vires' or null and void, if it is against the
letter and spirit of the Constitution or contravenes any provision of the Constitution.
This power is referred to as the power of judicial review.
5. The minimum number of Judges to hear and decide a case involving interpretation of
the Constitution shall be five.
6. The Supreme Court has the power to review all National and State laws and executive
orders and declare them null and void, if they go against the provisions of the
Constitution.

(b) The original jurisdiction of Supreme Court extends to cases of violation of the
Fundamental Rights of individuals and the court can issue several writs for the enforcement
of these rights.

1. Any citizen whose rights are violated may move the Supreme Court for the
enforcement of the rights.
2. The Supreme Court has power to issue orders or writs, in the nature of habeas corpus,
mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari for the enforcement of any of the
Fundamental Rights.
3. The Constitution prohibits the State from making any law which takes away or
abridges the Fundamental Rights.
4. If it does so, the law shall be declared null and void by the Supreme Court.

(c) A Court of Record is a court whose judgements are recorded for evidence and testimony.

1. The judgements are in the nature of 'precedents', i.e., the High Courts and other
Courts are bound to give a similar decision in a similar case. They are not to be
questioned when they are produced before any subordinate court.
2. The Supreme Court shall be a "Court of Record" and shall have all the powers of such
a court including the power to punish for contempt of itself.
3. The Court of Record has two implications:
(i) Its judgements and orders are preserved as record. These can be produced in any
court as precedents.
(ii) If a person commits a contempt of court,. the court has the authority to punish
him. No authority can deprive the court of this right.

Q5 Supreme Court has many functions to protect the interests of all citizens. In this context,
answer the following questions:

(a) What is meant by Judicial Review?

(b) What is the significance of the power of Judicial Review?

(c) Mention three ways in which the Constitution ensures the independence of the Judges of
the Supreme Court.

A (a) The Supreme Court is the interpreter of the Constitution and its decision is final.

1. It has the power to review laws passed by the Union or State legislatures.
2. The Supreme Court can declare a law 'ultra vires' or null and void, if it is against the
letter and spirit of the Constitution or contravenes any provision of the Constitution.
This power is referred to as the power of judicial review.

(b) The Constitution has provided for a balance of powers between the Centre and the States.
If the Union government or the State go beyond their limits, the Supreme Court can settle the
dispute.

1. In a written Constitution a law may be ambiguously worked. The question of

interpretation of the Constitution is bound to arise and the Supreme Court only has the
power of original jurisdiction.
2. The legislature may not possess the wisdom, experience and impartiality which are
needed to explain what the law means.

This function can be best performed by the Supreme Court.

(c) Three ways in which the Constitution ensures the independence of the Judges of the
Supreme Court are-

1. Appointment of Judges — Every Judge of the Supreme Court is appointed by the

President after consultation with the Cabinet as well as the Judges of Supreme Court
and High Court. Thus, the judiciary and the executive are involved in the appointment
of Judges.
2. Security of Tenure — A Judge can remain in office till he has attained the age of 65
years. He can be removed by the President on the ground of "proved misbehaviour or
incapacity."
3. Punishment for Contempt of Court — The Supreme Court can punish for the
contempt of court if a person or authority makes an attempt to lower its authority.

Picture Study
Q1 Study the figure and answer the following questions:

(a) Identify the building in the picture. Where is it located? What is the position of this court
in the entire judicial set up in India?
(b) State three qualifications required to be the judge of this court.
(c) How does this court maintain the sanctity of the Constitution of India?
A (a) The figure shows the Supreme Court of India. It is located in New Delhi.

Under our Constitution the judiciary is a single integrated system of courts for the Union and
the states with the Supreme Court at the apex. The Supreme Court is the head of the entire
system and not only supervises but also exercises control over the functioning of other courts.
(b) A person is not qualified for appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court unless he is a
citizen of India, and

1. has been for at least five years a Judge of a High Court or of two or more such courts
in succession; or
2. has been for at least ten years an advocate of a High Court or of two or more such
courts in succession; or
3. is, in the opinion of the President, a distinguished jurist.

(c) All cases where interpretation of the Constitution is required can be directly filed in the
Supreme Court.

1. The Supreme Court has the power of exclusive jurisdiction in regard to questions as to
Constitutional validity of central laws.
2. The Supreme Court is the interpreter of the Constitution and its decision is final.
3. It has the power to review laws passed by the Union or State legislatures.
4. The Supreme Court can declare a law 'ultra vires' or null and void, if it is against the
letter and spirit of the Constitution or contravenes any provision of the Constitution.
This power is referred to as the power of judicial review.
5. The minimum number of Judges to hear and decide a case involving interpretation of
the Constitution shall be five.
6. The Supreme Court has the power to review all National and State laws and executive
orders and declare them null and void, if they go against the provisions of the
Constitution.