SUPREME-COURT

Powers/Jurisdiction Of Supreme Court

Original Jurisdiction

• The Supreme Court has the power under original jurisdiction to deal with matters of disputes between the Central government and the state government or between two or more state governments.
• The original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court empowers it under Article 131 of the Constitution to issue writs, order or directions.
• As mentioned earlier the Supreme Court also has the power of enforcing Fundamental Rights under Article 32 of the Constitution.
• Article 139 A of the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court while functioning under the original jurisdiction to take cases during pendency of any matter from the High Courts on its own discretion or on advice of the Attorney general of India. 
• And it can also transfer the pending cases, appeal or other proceedings to give justice from one High Court to another High Court.

Appellate Jurisdiction

• The Supreme Court, under the appellate jurisdiction, has the authority to deal with matters such as civil, criminal, or constitutional according to Articles 132, 133, 134 of the Constitution. 
• Article 136 empowers the Supreme Court for issuing special leave that is by any tribunal courts in India. However, this is not applicable to the Army courts.

Advisory Jurisdiction

• The Supreme Court has the authority for advising the President of India in matters relating to the question of law as well as the nature of the matters which are associated with public importance. The President has the right to seek opinion in matters which are concerning Article 131 of the Constitution.

Review jurisdiction

• The Supreme Court has the authority to review the laws that are being passed by the legislature under Article 137 of the Constitution.

Functions of Supreme Court

The following are the Supreme Court functions:

• The Supreme Court is empowered to give the final verdict against an appeal from other lower courts such as the High Court.
• It has the powers to deal with issues and resolve the matters from different government bodies, namely, central, and state governments.
• Any law which has been passed by the Supreme Court is applicable to all the courts within the territory of India.
• The Supreme Court has the power to act on its own as well as can pass suo moto orders.

Importance of the Supreme Court in India

• The Supreme Court is regarded as the highest court of appeal and is also known as the apex court of India. It is also known as the last resort where an individual can seek justice in case of violation of his or her rights or if the individual is not satisfied with the judgment of the High Court.
• One of the important rights citizens have under Article 32 of the Constitution is seeking remedy through writs from the Supreme Court when there is a violation of fundamental rights.
• The Supreme Court has Judicial Review power that is vested through Article 13 of the Constitution, which means the Supreme Court has the power to strike down any legislation and executive action if such acts are found to be inconsistent with the Constitution of India.