Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Released a Commemorative Postage Stamp on the Completion of 75 Years of the Supreme Court of India

Details of the Release:

The stamp was unveiled at the inaugural session of the District Judges Conference at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Supreme Court of India

Establishment:

January 28, 1950

Location:

New Delhi

Composition:

Chief Justice of India (CJI) + up to 33 judges

Powers and Functions:

• Judicial Review: Reviews laws and orders for constitutional compliance.
• Original Jurisdiction: Handles disputes between states and the central government (Article 131).
• Appellate Jurisdiction: Hears appeals from lower courts (civil and criminal cases).
• Advisory Jurisdiction: Provides opinions to the President on legal matters (Article 143).
• Writ Jurisdiction: Issues writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights (Article 32).
• Contempt of Court: Can punish for contempt of itself and High Courts (Articles 129, 142).

Key Constitutional Articles:

• Article 124: Establishes the Supreme Court and appointment of judges.
• Article 126: Appointment of acting Chief Justice.
• Article 129: Supreme Court as a court of record; contempt powers.
• Article 131: Original jurisdiction for disputes.
• Article 136: Special leave to appeal from any court or tribunal.
• Article 141: Supreme Court's law binding on all Indian courts.
• Article 142: Powers to pass orders for complete justice.

Appointment and Removal of Judges:

• Appointment: By the President, consulting other judges as needed.
• Removal: For misbehaviour or incapacity, by the President after Parliament's approval with a special majority.

Role in Democracy:

• Guardian of the Constitution: Ensures rule of law and protection of Fundamental Rights.
• Judicial Independence: Operates independently from legislative and executive branches.