Introduction
The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial forum and final court of appeal under the Constitution of India. Established on January 28, 1950, it holds an irreplaceable position in the Indian legal system, ensuring justice and upholding the Constitution. However, the inquiry into how many Supreme Courts exist in India often leads to confusion.
Understanding the Structure of the Judiciary
In India, the term “Supreme Court” refers to a single entity that serves as the highest court in the country. There is only one Supreme Court, located in New Delhi. However, India has a hierarchical judicial system that contains various levels of courts, including High Courts and subordinate courts.
Components of the Indian Judiciary
- Supreme Court: The highest court in India, presided over by the Chief Justice of India and including a number of other justices.
- High Courts: There are 25 High Courts in India, each serving a state or a group of states. High Courts act as the highest court for the territories they cover.
- District and Subordinate Courts: Below the High Courts, there are district courts and various subordinate courts that deal with civil and criminal cases.
The Role and Functions of the Supreme Court of India
The Supreme Court plays a multifaceted role in the Indian legal system. Its primary duties include:
- Judicial Review: The Supreme Court has the authority to review legislation and executive actions to ensure they are in conformity with the Constitution.
- Appeals: It hears appeals against the judgments of High Courts and certain tribunals.
- Constitutional Interpretation: The Supreme Court interprets constitutional provisions and resolves disputes regarding their implementation.
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL): The court hears PILs that allow individuals or groups to file petitions in the interest of the public.
Case Studies and Landmark Judgments
Many landmark decisions have emerged from the Supreme Court that have shaped Indian law and society. Some notable examples include:
- Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala (1973): Established the Basic Structure doctrine, asserting that certain fundamental features of the Constitution can’t be altered or destroyed.
- Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India (1978): Expanded the interpretation of Article 21, ruling that the right to life and personal liberty includes the right to live with human dignity.
- Navtej Singh Johar vs. Union of India (2018): Decriminalized homosexuality by reading down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.
Statistics on the Supreme Court
As of October 2023, the Supreme Court comprises:
- One Chief Justice and a maximum of 33 other judges, making a total of 34 judges.
- The court handles around 70,000 cases annually, with various categories ranging from civil to constitutional matters.
- The average age of pending cases can exceed 1.5 years in the Supreme Court.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while India has only one Supreme Court, its significance in the complex structure of the judiciary cannot be overstated. The Supreme Court not only interprets the law but also upholds individual rights and promotes justice across the nation. It has become synonymous with hope and the fight for justice among the citizens of India, ensuring that the rule of law and constitutional supremacy are maintained.
