5.3.1 Judiciary notes

1. 5.3.1.1Supreme Court: composition, appointment and the collegium

   The Supreme Court is the apex court of an integrated judiciary. Its judges are appointed by the President on the advice of a collegium of senior judges and can be removed only by a special majority in both Houses of Parliament.

   Standard · 11 min · Full course
2. 5.3.1.2Supreme Court: jurisdiction and powers

   The Supreme Court decides disputes within the federation, hears appeals from all courts, enforces Fundamental Rights, advises the President, and can pass any order needed to do complete justice.

   Standard · 11 min · Full course
3. 5.3.1.3High Courts

   Each state has a High Court at the top of its judiciary. It has wider writ powers than the Supreme Court under Article 226 and supervises every court and tribunal in its territory under Article 227.

   Standard · 10 min · Full course
4. 5.3.1.4Subordinate courts

   Below each High Court sits a pyramid of district and lower courts. The Governor appoints their judges with the High Court, and the High Court controls them.

   Standard · 8 min · Full course
5. 5.3.1.5Judicial review, judicial activism and PIL

   Judicial review is the courts' power to strike down laws and executive acts that violate the Constitution. Judicial activism and PIL are how Indian courts have used that power to widen rights and access to justice.

   Standard · 9 min · Full course
6. 5.3.1.6Tribunals

   Tribunals are specialised bodies that decide particular kinds of disputes faster than ordinary courts. Part XIV-A of the Constitution allows them, but their decisions stay subject to High Court review.

   Standard · 9 min · Full course
7. 5.3.1.7Legal services, Lok Adalats, Gram Nyayalayas and ADR

   Article 39A promises equal justice and free legal aid. The Legal Services Authorities Act, Lok Adalats, Gram Nyayalayas and other forms of dispute resolution are the main ways this promise is delivered.

   Standard · 9 min · Full course

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