Hey there! Today’s topic for discussion is about the Supreme Court, and it’s the first part of the topic. We’ll be covering content from “Indian Polity” by M Laxmikanth, which is essential for UPSC preparations. Let’s dive into Lecture 32 together and learn more about the Supreme Court!
What is the composition of the Supreme Court of India?
- The Supreme Court of India is composed of a Chief Justice of India and up to 33 other judges.
How are judges of the Supreme Court appointed?
- Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President of India on the advice of the Chief Justice of India and other senior judges.
What is the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?
- The Supreme Court has original, appellate and advisory jurisdiction, and has the power to hear disputes between the Union government and State governments.
What is the significance of the Collegium system in the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court?
- The Collegium system is a process by which judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed and transferred. It ensures transparency and independence in the appointment of judges.
Can the Supreme Court review its own judgements?
- Yes, the Supreme Court has the power to review its own judgements through a process known as a review petition.
What is the importance of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in Indian judiciary?
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL) allows any individual or organisation to seek justice in matters of public interest. It has been instrumental in bringing about social change and ensuring accountability in governance.
How can the Supreme Court exercise its power of Judicial Review?
- The Supreme Court can exercise its power of Judicial Review by examining the constitutionality of laws passed by the Parliament and State legislatures.
- What is the role of the Supreme Court in upholding the fundamental rights of citizens?
- The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in protecting and upholding the fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed by the Constitution of India. It acts as a guardian of the Constitution and ensures that the rights of individuals are not violated.
In this lecture on Indian Polity by M Laxmikanth for UPSC, the focus is on the Supreme Court of India. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the country and plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of citizens. The lecture begins by discussing the composition of the Supreme Court, which consists of a Chief Justice and a maximum of 30 other judges. The judges are appointed by the President of India on the advice of the Chief Justice and other senior judges of the Supreme Court.
The lecture goes on to explain the qualifications required for appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court, which include being a citizen of India, having served as a judge of a High Court for at least five years, or having been an advocate of a High Court for at least 10 years. The lecture also delves into the process of appointment of judges, which involves a collegium system comprising the Chief Justice of India and four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. This system has been the subject of much debate and controversy in recent years, with calls for reform to make the appointment process more transparent and accountable.
The lecture then moves on to discuss the powers and functions of the Supreme Court, which include the power of judicial review to ensure that laws passed by the legislature are in conformity with the Constitution. The Supreme Court also has the authority to hear appeals in civil and criminal cases from the lower courts, as well as to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights. Additionally, the Supreme Court has the power to interpret the Constitution and provide advisory opinions to the President on matters of law.
The lecture also touches upon the independence of the judiciary, which is crucial for upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all. The Constitution of India provides for the independence of the judiciary by guaranteeing security of tenure to judges and providing for their salaries and allowances to be charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. This independence is further safeguarded by the process of impeachment, which allows for the removal of judges on grounds of proven misconduct or incapacity.
Overall, this lecture provides a comprehensive overview of the Supreme Court of India and its role in the Indian polity. From its composition and appointment of judges to its powers and functions, the Supreme Court plays a crucial role in interpreting and upholding the Constitution and ensuring justice for all citizens. Understanding the workings of the Supreme Court is essential for aspirants preparing for the UPSC exam, as questions on the judiciary are often included in the General Studies paper.
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