The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial court and the final court of appeal under the Constitution of India, the highest constitutional court, with the power of judicial review. Established on January 26, 1950, it replaced both the Federal Court of India and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council which were then at the apex of the Indian court system.
The Supreme Court comprises the Chief Justice and a maximum of 34 judges, appointed by the President of India. The qualifications for appointment are being a citizen of India and having served as a judge in one or more high courts for at least five years or having been an advocate in a high court for ten years or possessing distinguished juristic knowledge. The Chief Justice of India is appointed based on seniority and not on merit alone.
The primary function of the Supreme Court is to adjudicate disputes involving questions of constitutional and legal significance. It has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdictions. Under its original jurisdiction, the court hears disputes between various units of the Indian federation (central government, state governments, and union territories), while its appellate jurisdiction involves appeals against judgments of lower courts. The Supreme Court also possesses a significant power of judicial review, enabling it to invalidate legislation or actions of the executive, both at the federal and state levels, if they are found unconstitutional.
One of the notable features of the Supreme Court is its power of Public Interest Litigation (PIL). This allows the court to hear cases on the basis of petitions filed by public-spirited individuals or organizations, not just affected parties. This has been instrumental in enhancing social justice and protecting public welfare.
The Supreme Court has played a crucial role in the evolution of Indian law and has been pivotal in interpreting the Constitution, thereby shaping India's legal landscape. Its landmark judgments have addressed critical issues including fundamental rights, environmental protection, gender equality, and the balance of powers between the central and state governments.
After being on the run for ten days, Twisha Sharma's husband Samarth Singh was taken into custody by Jabalpur police on Friday after he reached the district court in Jabalpur to surrender.
Just days after it was formed, the Cockroach Janata Party has gained traction on social media following a remark by the Chief Justice of India and has amassed over fourteen million followers on Instagram, surpassing the follower counts of Congress and BJP.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, discusses the growth of his political movement following remarks made by the Chief Justice of India on unemployed youth.
The big talking point of this episode of News Today is the fuel prices hike. Another fuel jolt for the common man as petrol and diesel prices were once again hiked across the country.
The big talking point of this episode of To The Point is the Twisha Sharma death mystery.
The Tamil Nadu government has rejected the three-language formula proposed under the National Education Policy, reaffirming its commitment to a two-language system.
The Supreme Court has issued a verdict permitting the euthanasia of rabid and dangerous stray dogs in specific legal cases, prioritising public safety amid rising rabies deaths.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi lashed out at the Supreme Court over its order allowing euthanasia for rabid, incurably ill or demonstrably dangerous stray dogs.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the legal principle of bail being the norm and jail being the exception remains applicable even in cases filed under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. .
The Madhya Pradesh High Court's Indore bench has declared the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district a temple, quashing a 2003 Archaeological Survey of India order that allowed Friday Namaz at the site.
In a dramatic turn in the excise policy case, Delhi High Court judge Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma on Thursday recused herself from the case after initiating criminal contempt proceedings against Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders over remarks targeting the court.
A nationwide fuel price hike has seen petrol and diesel increase by three rupees per litre and CNG by two rupees per kilogram, sparking criticism from the Tamil Nadu government regarding the financial impact on the middle class.
The government on Friday hiked fuel prices by Rs three per litre for petrol and diesel, and Rs two for CNG, driven by rising global crude prices and supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Days after Prime Minister Modi's call to save fuel, the Supreme Court has issued a circular implementing virtual hearings and work-from-home measures.
The political situation in Tamil Nadu remains unresolved as Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay struggles to reach the majority mark of 118 seats to form the government. Currently holding 116 signatures, the TVK requires the support of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, which has two MLAs.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's aide was shot at point-blank range near Kolkata on Wednesday. The BJP alleged a targeted political revenge killing by the Trinamool Congress, while the TMC denied involvement and sought a CBI investigation.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi said that TVK chief Vijay should have been called by the Governor and given about a week's time to prove his majority on the floor of the House.
The big focus of this episode of News Today is on the dramatic twist that has taken place in the Tamil Nadu power play.
A political war has erupted as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann alleged BJP's involvement in twin blasts in Punjab, while the saffron party leaders criticised the state government for its handling of cross-border threats.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, legal expert Harish Salve discussed the constitutional crisis in West Bengal following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's refusal to resign despite losing her seat and the decisive mandate against her party.
