Indian Supreme Court: Structure, Functions, and Landmark Cases

Study Notes

Indian Supreme Court: A Pillar of Justice

The Indian Supreme Court serves as the guardian of the Constitution and a beacon of justice for the citizens of India. This article delves into the structure, functions, landmark cases, and appointment process of this esteemed institution, as well as introducing the current members of the bench.

Structure

The Indian judiciary is a three-tier system consisting of the Supreme Court at the apex, followed by 24 High Courts and a multitude of district courts. The Supreme Court is composed of a Chief Justice and 33 other judges, which includes a maximum of 1 Judge from each High Court in the country.

Functions

Interpretation of the Constitution: The Supreme Court is the final interpreter of the Constitution, meaning its decisions on constitutional matters are binding on all courts in India.
Appellate Jurisdiction: It hears appeals against the decisions of the High Courts.
Original Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in some cases, such as those involving disputes between states, union territories, and the central government.

Landmark Cases

"Kesavananda Bharati Case": This landmark case of 1973 established that the Parliament cannot change the basic structure of the Constitution.
"Minerva Mills Case": In 1980, the Supreme Court established that the Parliament lacks the power to amend the Constitution to subvert the basic structure doctrine.
"Maneka Gandhi Case": This case introduced the concept of "reasonableness" into the Indian legal system, stating that any law must be reasonable and not unduly restrictive of personal liberty.
"Naz Foundation Case": This case in 2013 decriminalized consensual same-sex relations in India.
"Aadhar Case": The Supreme Court's 2018 judgment upheld the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar scheme, but also placed several curbs on the collection and use of data.

Appointment Process

Supreme Court justices are appointed by the President of India, in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and other senior judges. The President considers names recommended by a high-level collegium, comprising the Chief Justice and four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. The appointment process strives to maintain a balance of diverse perspectives and backgrounds among the justices.

Current Justices

As of the latest update, the Indian Supreme Court is presided over by Justice Uday Umesh Lalit, with 32 other judges, including Justices Surya Kant, L. Nageswara Rao, Bela M. Trivedi, and Ajay Rastogi, among others. These justices are distinguished legal minds who have contributed significantly to India's jurisprudence.

In conclusion, the Indian Supreme Court plays a vital role in preserving the country's democratic values and maintaining the rule of law. Its decisions have shaped the legal landscape of India and continue to impact the lives of millions of citizens. By ensuring that the Constitution is interpreted and upheld with integrity and impartiality, the Supreme Court serves as a beacon of hope and justice for all.

Description

Explore the structure, functions, landmark cases, and appointment process of the esteemed Indian Supreme Court. Learn about its role as the guardian of the Constitution and the impact of its decisions on the legal landscape of India.