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Judiciary – Supreme Court & High Courts

Introduction

The Judiciary is a crucial pillar of the Indian democratic system, ensuring justice and upholding the Constitution. Questions on the Supreme Court and High Courts frequently appear in exams like SSC CGL, IBPS PO, RRB NTPC, and State PSCs. Understanding their structure, powers, and functions is essential for cracking Static GK sections.

Pattern: Judiciary – Supreme Court & High Courts

Pattern

This pattern tests knowledge of the composition, jurisdiction, and constitutional provisions related to the Supreme Court and High Courts of India.

Key Concept:

The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in India, established under Article 124 of the Constitution. High Courts are the highest courts at the state level, established under Article 214.

Important Points:

  • Supreme Court Establishment = Established on 28 January 1950, replacing the Federal Court of India
  • Jurisdiction = Original (Art. 131), Appellate (Arts. 132-136), Advisory (Art. 143), Writ (Art. 32)
  • High Courts = Each state or group of states has a High Court; first High Court was Calcutta High Court established in 1862

Related Topics:

  • Constitutional Articles related to Judiciary (Articles 124-147, 214-231)
  • Judicial Review and Writs

Step-by-Step Example

Question

When was the Supreme Court of India established?

Options:

  • A. 15 August 1947
  • B. 26 January 1950
  • C. 28 January 1950
  • D. 2 October 1950

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand the context

    The Supreme Court was established after India became a republic, replacing the Federal Court.

  2. Step 2: Recall the exact date

    The Constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950, but the Supreme Court started functioning on 28 January 1950.

  3. Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options

    15 August 1947 is Independence Day; 26 January 1950 is Republic Day; 2 October 1950 is Gandhi Jayanti, none are the Supreme Court's establishment date.

  4. Final Answer:

    28 January 1950 → Option C

  5. Quick Check:

    Supreme Court established = 28 January 1950 ✅

Quick Variations

This pattern can appear as questions on:

  • 1. The constitutional articles related to the Supreme Court and High Courts
  • 2. The jurisdiction types of the Supreme Court (original, appellate, advisory)
  • 3. The first High Courts established in India and their locations

Trick to Always Use

  • Remember the Supreme Court establishment date as 2 days after Republic Day (26 January + 2 = 28 January)
  • Mnemonic for High Courts: "Calcutta, Bombay, Madras" were the first three High Courts established in 1862

Summary

Summary

  • The Supreme Court is the apex court of India, established on 28 January 1950.
  • High Courts are the highest courts in states, with the first established in Calcutta in 1862.
  • Supreme Court has original, appellate, advisory, and writ jurisdiction under the Constitution.

Remember:
Supreme Court = 28 Jan 1950; High Courts start with Calcutta, Bombay, Madras (1862)

Practice

(1/5)
1. Under which Article of the Indian Constitution is the Supreme Court of India established?
easy
A. Article 124
B. Article 214
C. Article 356
D. Article 370

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify the concept

    The question tests knowledge of the constitutional provision establishing the Supreme Court.

  2. Step 2: Apply the concept

    Article 124 specifically provides for the establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court of India, while Article 214 relates to High Courts.

  3. Final Answer:

    Article 124 → Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    Article 124 = correct ✅
Hint: Remember Supreme Court = Article 124, High Courts = Article 214.
Common Mistakes: Confusing Article 124 with Article 214 which is for High Courts.
2. Which was the first High Court established in India?
easy
A. Bombay High Court
B. Calcutta High Court
C. Madras High Court
D. Delhi High Court

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand the concept

    This question tests knowledge of the historical establishment of High Courts in India.

  2. Step 2: Recall the fact

    The Calcutta High Court was the first High Court established in 1862, followed by Bombay and Madras.

  3. Final Answer:

    Calcutta High Court → Option B

  4. Quick Check:

    First High Court established = Calcutta High Court ✅
Hint: Mnemonic: Calcutta, Bombay, Madras = first three High Courts in 1862.
Common Mistakes: Mistaking Bombay or Madras High Court as the first instead of Calcutta.
3. The Supreme Court of India started functioning on which date?
easy
A. 26 January 1950
B. 2 October 1950
C. 15 August 1947
D. 28 January 1950

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify the concept

    The question asks for the exact date when the Supreme Court began functioning.

  2. Step 2: Apply the fact

    The Constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950, but the Supreme Court started functioning two days later, on 28 January 1950.

  3. Final Answer:

    28 January 1950 → Option D

  4. Quick Check:

    Supreme Court functioning started = 28 January 1950 ✅
Hint: Supreme Court started 2 days after Republic Day (26 Jan + 2 = 28 Jan).
Common Mistakes: Confusing Republic Day (26 Jan) with Supreme Court start date.
4. Which of the following is NOT a jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India?
medium
A. Original Jurisdiction
B. Appellate Jurisdiction
C. Executive Jurisdiction
D. Advisory Jurisdiction

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand the types of jurisdiction

    The Supreme Court has original, appellate, advisory, and writ jurisdiction as per the Constitution.

  2. Step 2: Analyze the options

    Executive jurisdiction refers to administrative powers, which the Supreme Court does not possess.

  3. Final Answer:

    Executive Jurisdiction → Option C

  4. Quick Check:

    Executive Jurisdiction = correct ✅
Hint: Remember: Judiciary exercises judicial, not executive powers.
Common Mistakes: Confusing executive powers with judicial jurisdiction.
5. Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the establishment of High Courts in states?
medium
A. Article 214
B. Article 124
C. Article 226
D. Article 32

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify the constitutional articles related to judiciary

    Article 124 deals with the Supreme Court, while Article 214 deals with High Courts.

  2. Step 2: Apply the knowledge

    Article 214 specifically provides for the establishment of High Courts in states.

  3. Final Answer:

    Article 214 → Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    Article 214 = correct ✅
Hint: Supreme Court = Article 124, High Courts = Article 214.
Common Mistakes: Confusing Article 214 with Article 226 (writ jurisdiction).

Mock Test

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