The Constitution of a country is a very important document. No Government can be run without a clear set of laws. This set of laws is commonly known as Constitution.
Our Constitution was framed by an elected body called “The Constituent Assembly”. This assembly started its work on 9 December 1946 in the Central Hall of our Parliament House in New Delhi. Dr.Rajendra Prasad, who was elected the first President of India in 1952, was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly.
Among other important members of the assembly were Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Dr.Shyama Prasad Mukherji, Dr.B.R.Ambedkar, Dr.K.M.Munshi, Dr.S.Radha Krishnan, Alladi Krishnaswami, Mrs. Sarojini Naidu and Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Pandit. Dr.B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee which prepared the draft of the Constitution.
Our Constitution was framed by an elected body called “The Constituent Assembly”. This assembly started its work on 9 December 1946 in the Central Hall of our Parliament House in New Delhi. Dr.Rajendra Prasad, who was elected the first President of India in 1952, was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly.
Among other important members of the assembly were Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Dr.Shyama Prasad Mukherji, Dr.B.R.Ambedkar, Dr.K.M.Munshi, Dr.S.Radha Krishnan, Alladi Krishnaswami, Mrs. Sarojini Naidu and Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Pandit. Dr.B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee which prepared the draft of the Constitution.
The Drafting Committee studied the Constitution of many Countries such as U.K., U.S.A., Ireland, U.S.S.R., France and Switzerland. The draft was discussed and debated in detail by the Assembly. The Constitution was finally signed by the members on 26 November, 1949. The Constitution came into force on 26th January 1950. On this day India became a “Sovereign Democratic Republic”.
CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY
The election to the Constituent Assembly based on the Cabinet Mission’s Plan took place in July 1946. The sets in each Province were distributed among the three main communities, Muslims, Sikh andGeneral, in proportion to their respective populations. The election was indirect in that members of each community in the ProvincialAssemblies elected their own representatives
by the method of proportional representation with single transferable vote. The Constituent Assembly first met on 9th December 1946, without the members of the Muslim League. Dr.Rajendra Prasad was elected President and various committees were appointed to draft the different parts of the Constitution. As a result of the Partition and the Indian Independence Act of 1947, which provided for separate Constituent Assemblies for India Pakistan, separate Constituent Assembly was set up for Pakistan. The Constituent Assembly of India reassembled on 14 August 1947, as the Sovereign Constituent Assembly for the Dominion of India. The membership of the Assembly was reduced to 299 when it met again on 31 October 1947 with some members ceasing to be so after their Provinces opted to join Pakistan.
by the method of proportional representation with single transferable vote. The Constituent Assembly first met on 9th December 1946, without the members of the Muslim League. Dr.Rajendra Prasad was elected President and various committees were appointed to draft the different parts of the Constitution. As a result of the Partition and the Indian Independence Act of 1947, which provided for separate Constituent Assemblies for India Pakistan, separate Constituent Assembly was set up for Pakistan. The Constituent Assembly of India reassembled on 14 August 1947, as the Sovereign Constituent Assembly for the Dominion of India. The membership of the Assembly was reduced to 299 when it met again on 31 October 1947 with some members ceasing to be so after their Provinces opted to join Pakistan.
ACCEPTANCE
The Constituent Assembly appointed a Drafting Committee on 29 August 1947 under the Chairmanship of Dr.B.R.Ambedkar. The members included N.Gopalaswamy Ayyangar, Alladi Krishnaswamy Ayyar, K.M.Munshi Mohammad Sadullah, B.L.Mitter and Dr.D.P.Khaitan. The last two were replaced by N.Madhava Rao and T.T.Krishnamachari respectively. A draft Constitution of India was published in February 1948. The Assembly met in November 1948 to consider the draft clause by clause. The second reading was completed by 17 October 1949. On 14 November the Assembly sat for the third reading and finished it on 26 November 1949. On that date the constitution received the signature of the President of the Assembly, Dr.Rajendra Prasad, and was declared as passed. The Provisions relatingto citizenship, elections, provisional
Parliament, etc. came into effect immediately. i.e. from 26 November 1949.
The rest of the Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950 the date which is referred to in the Constitution as the date of its commencement. The date was specifically chosen for the inaguration of the Indian Republic as it was on 26 January 1930 that the historic call for “Purna Swaraj” as a goal was passed at the Lahore Session of the Congress. The final session of the Constituent Assembly was held on 24 January 1950 when it unanimously elected Dr.Rajendra
Parliament, etc. came into effect immediately. i.e. from 26 November 1949.
The rest of the Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950 the date which is referred to in the Constitution as the date of its commencement. The date was specifically chosen for the inaguration of the Indian Republic as it was on 26 January 1930 that the historic call for “Purna Swaraj” as a goal was passed at the Lahore Session of the Congress. The final session of the Constituent Assembly was held on 24 January 1950 when it unanimously elected Dr.Rajendra
Prasad as the First President of the Republic of India under the new Constitution.
SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
India is a Sovereign Democratic Republic. It is Sovereign because it is supreme and free in all matters governing the country. No outside nation can interfere with its affairs. It is Democratic because the people govern the country through their elected representatives. It is a Republic because the Head of the State, The President of India, is elected for a limited period of five years. He may seek re-election on the expire of his term.
A Secular State: The Preamble of the Constitution was modified in 1976. India is now a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic. It is secular because the state does not favour or propagate or finance any particular religion. It does not discriminate among people of different religions or faiths.
A Socialist State : Our Constitution stands for a society based on economic and social equality. Ours is a Socialist Republic. It exists for the welfare of the masses.
Written Constitution : Ours is a written Constitution.
It is the lengthiest in the World. It originally contained 395 Articles.
Single Citizenship : Our Constitution provides for single citizenship for all Indians. A citizen of our country can freely move to any part of the country for the sake of employment. He can purchase property or start a business in almost all parts of the country.
Union of State : Our motherland, India or “BHARAT” is a Union of States. There are 28 states and 9 Union Territories in the Union.
Universal Adult Franchise : The Constitution gives “the right to vote” to all the people of India who are not less than21 years (now reduced to 18 years) of age, whether they are educated or uneducated, rich or poor, men or women. This is known as Universal Adult Franchise.
Fundamental Rights and Duties : An important feature of our Constitution is that it guarantees some basic rights to the people and also prescribes some basic duties. These rights are essential rights and provide help and safeguards to the citizens in many ways. Ten fundamental duties of citizen were included in the Constitution in 1976. It is the duty of a citizen to pay taxes, to vote wisely and to serve the country in peace and war. Rights and duties help society to achieve its
goals.
Directive Principles : Our Constitution states in clear terms that the Governments should make all efforts to remove poverty, ignorance, economic disparities and social inequalities in the country. These directions have been mentioned in what we call Directive Principles of State Policy.
Parliamentary Form of Government : Our Constitution provides a precise outline of the framework of the Government. All policies and programmes of the Government must be approved by a majority of the elected representative in the legislature. No tax can be imposed nor any amount of money be spent without the sanction of the parliament or the State Legislature.
Independent Judiciary: The Constitution provides for a uniform pattern of judiciary. The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. The judiciary in India is independent of the executive control.
An Instrument of Social Change: To sum up, our Constitution aims at fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people. It resolves to secure to all its citizens Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. It aims at establishing a democratic secular, Socialist Society in a peaceful manner and is an instrument of social change.
Union list, State list and Concurrent list: The Union Goverment and the state Governments have exclusive powers to make laws on the subjects.
Union list: The main subjects are defence, external affairs, railways, shipping, airways, post and telegraph, currency and coinage, banking,insurance, RBI etc.
State list: Agriculture, health, irrigation, electricity, law and order in the state, entertainment etc.
Concurrent List: Both the Union Parliament and the State Legislature have power to legislate. Some important subjects under the list are:criminal law, criminal procedure, marriage, divorce, labour welfare, factories, newspaper books, priniting, social welfare, education price control etc.
PRESIDENT OF INDIA
President of India is the executive head of the Union of India.Citizens of India take no direct part in election of their President. Instead he is elected by members of the Parliament and the State legislatures, i.e., by representatives of the people. The legislators elect the President by secret ballot. The name of a candidate for the office of the President of India may be proposed by any one member of the electoral college. The electoral college shall consist of (a) the elected members of both Houses of Parliament, and (b) elected members of the Legislative Assembly of the States. (Elected members of the Legislative Council, however, do not constitute the electoral college for election of the President of India. The Chief Minister of a State of India is NOT eligible to vote in the Presidential election if he is a member of Upper House of the State Legislature). The President can be removed from office if he goes against the Constitution. When he does that, not less than one-fourth of the total membership of both the Houses of Parliament should give 14 days’ notice that they propose bringing a motion of “impeachment” against the President. The motion can be introduced in either House i.e., in the Lok Sabha or in the Rajya Sabha. If a two-thirds majority of the total membership of the Parliament votes that the charges against the President stand proved, the latter is removed forthwith.
Powers of the President with respect to Parliament:
The President can summon, prorogue, address and send messages to the two Houses of Parliament. He gives assent to bills passed by the Parliament. He can issue ordinances when Parliament is not in session. He has the power to declare war or make peace. He can declare a state of emergency arising due to war, external aggression, internal disturbances, failure of constitutional machinery in any State or threat to the financial stability or credit of India.
Indian Parliament can invade the State List if
(1) a subject in the State List assumes national importance, and
(2) a proclamation of emergency has been issued by the President of India.
Oath of office : The oath of office by the President of India is conducted by the Chief Justice of India. The President is not a member of Parliament (or any State Legislature). The President holds an office of profit in the Government of India, thus he cannot be a member of Parliament.
Qualifications to become President:
A Candidate for the office of the President should have the following qualifications:
- He should be an Indian citizen.
- He should not be less than 35 years of age.
- He should have qualifications for elections as a member of the House of the people.
- He should not be holding any office of profit under any government for local body.
- He should not be a Member of Parliament or any State Legislature. A government servant or a servant of a local authority is, however, ineligible for election as President.
ELECTION OF THE PRESIDENT
The election of the President is made by secret ballot in accordance with the system of proportional representation by a single transferable vote i.e., by indirect direction. The President is thus elected by an electroral college consisting of elected members of Parliament and of the Legislative Assemblies of the States i.e., by representatives of the people. The citizens have no direct part in this election.
A candidate for the office of the President should not be a member of Parliament or any State Legislature. In the case of a conflict between the Centre and a State in respect of a subject included in the Concurrent List in the Constitution, the matter is to be resolved by the Supreme Court of India. The President of India can preside in the proceedings of either House of Parliament without having a right to vote. The disputes regarding election of the President are referred to the Supreme Court of India.
Amendment of election procedure of the President:
For this purpose, a Bill is required to be passed in Parliament by the required majority and to be ratified by the legislatures of atleast half of the States.
Tenure: Elected for five years but is eligible for immediate re-election and can serve any number of terms.
POWERS of PRESIDENT OF INDIA
- Executive and Administrative Powers : He appoints the senior officials of the state including the Prime Minister. All Union Territories are under the President of India.
- Legislative Powers : (a) Appoints 12 members to the Rajya Sabha and two Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha; (b) Dissolves the House of People; (c) Assents or withholds his assent to any Bill passed by the Parliament; (d) Issues ordinances.
- Financial Powers : (a) Causes the budget to be laid before the Parliament; (b) Sanctions introduction of money bills; (c) Apportions revenue between the Centre and the States.
- Judicial Powers : Empowered to grant pardons, reprieve, remit the sentences, or suspend, remit or commute punishments.
- Emergency Powers : Article 352 empowers the President to proclaim an emergency and take under his direct charge the administration of any State. The President cannot be questioned by any court for the action taken by him in the discharge of his duties. No criminal proceedings can be launched against him. He may be removed from office for violation of the Constitution by impeachment (Article 61).
THE PRIME MINISTER
The Prime Minister of India heads the council of ministers. He is the leader of the party that enjoys a majority in the Lok Sabha. He is appointed by the President.
Tenure: Five years, and holds the office with the consent of the President till a new Lok Sabha is formed.
Resignation : If the government is defeated in the Lok Sabha (not in Rajya Sabha), the cabinet as well as the Prime Minister have to resign.
Resignation : If the government is defeated in the Lok Sabha (not in Rajya Sabha), the cabinet as well as the Prime Minister have to resign.
UNION COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
The President appoints such person as Prime Minister whose leadership in the House (Lok Sabha) is explicitly recognised. The other Ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister and thus the Union Council of Ministers is formed to aid and advise the President in the exercise of his functions. The Prime Minister is a link between the President and the Cabinet. The term ordinarily is for 5 years.
ELIGIBILITY FOR PRIME MINISTER
A Prime Minister must be:
(i). a citizen of India.
(ii). should be a member of the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. If a person elected prime minister is neither a member of the Lok Sabha nor Rajya Sabha, then he must become a member of the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha within six months.
(iii). above 25 years of age (seat in the Lok Sabha) or above 30 yearsof age (seat in the Rajya Sabha).
A person shall not be eligible for election as Prime Minister if he holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State or under any local or other authority subject to the control of any of the said Governments.
Salery of Prime Minister of India: Rs. 1,35,000 (on 31st October2010)
PARLIAMENT
Parliament or the Central Legislature consists of the President and the two Houses:
(i) The Rajya Sabha (Council of State) and (ii) the Lok Sabha (House of the People). The
President is an integral part of Parliament and all bills passed by Parliament must have his assent
before they become law. Parliament is to meet at least twice a year and at an interval of not more than six months between one session and another. The maximum strength of the two Houses is fixed at 545 for the Lok Sabha (not more than 525 from the States and 20 from the Union Territories) and 250 (12 nominated) for the Rajya Sabha.
President is an integral part of Parliament and all bills passed by Parliament must have his assent
before they become law. Parliament is to meet at least twice a year and at an interval of not more than six months between one session and another. The maximum strength of the two Houses is fixed at 545 for the Lok Sabha (not more than 525 from the States and 20 from the Union Territories) and 250 (12 nominated) for the Rajya Sabha.
Qualifications to become a member of Parliament:
- A person should be a citizen of India.
- He should not be less than 30 years of age in order to fill a seat in Rajya Sabha and not less than 25 years of age to fill a seat in the Lok Sabha.
- He should possess such other qualifications as may be prescribed under any law made by Parliament. He is also required to make and subscribe an oath or affirmation to bear the true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.
A person is disqualified both for being chosen as, and for being, a member of Parliament if he:
(i) holds an office of profit under any Government in India, other than an office declared by Parliament by law not to disqualify its holder,
(ii) is of unsound mind,
(iii) is an undischarged insolvent,
(iv) has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a foreign State or
(v) is disqualified by or under any law made by Parliament.
Powers and Functions of Parliament : Parliament has vast legislative powers :
- It can make laws on the subjects contained in the Union and Concurrent Lists.
- In certain cases, Parliament can also make laws on the subjects mentioned in the State List.
- It has vast financial powers. It passes the budget and authorises all the income and expenditure.
- It exercises control over the executive.
- The Lok Sabha or the House of the People has also a share in the election of the President and the Vice-President.
RAJYA SABHA AND LOK SABHA
Rajya Sabha (Council of State):
The elected members are representatives of the States and the nominated members are eminent men in art, literature, science and social servicesetc. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, i.e., it is not subject to dissolution. One third of its members retire after every two years. The elections to the Rajya Sabha are indirect. The alloted quota of every State is elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of that State. The election is
conducted in accordance with the system of proportional representation by a single transferable vote. The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
conducted in accordance with the system of proportional representation by a single transferable vote. The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Lok Sabha (House of the People):
The number of seats to each State is allotted in such a way that the ratio between the number and the population of the State is, as far as practicable, the same for all States. Each member represents not less than 500,000 citizens. The term ordinarily does not exceed 5 years.
Anglo-Indians:
The President may, if he is of the opinion that the Anglo-Indian community is not adequately represented in the Lok Sabha, nominate not more than two members of that community to the House of People (Lok Sabha). The Lok Sabha Secretariat comes under the direct supervision of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. The Secretary General of the Lok Sabha, who is chief of the Secretariat, is appointed by the President of India as per Article 98 of the Constitution. Except in the case of Money Bills, the Constitution provides equality of status of the two Houses. The Speaker is elected by members of the Lok Sabha for a period of 5 years. The term of the Lok Sabha can be extended for one year at a time. The Lok Sabha can be dissolved before the expiry of its normal term of five years by the President.
Speaker
The House of the People elects a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker from among its members. The principal function of the Speaker is to preside over the meetings of the House in addition to other duties in connection with the internal affairs of the House of the People.
The House of the People elects a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker from among its members. The principal function of the Speaker is to preside over the meetings of the House in addition to other duties in connection with the internal affairs of the House of the People.
Money Bill:
A Money Bill is not introduced in the Rajya Sabha which has no power over Money Bills. It can
originate only in the Lok Sabha. In financial matters, the Lok Sabha is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha. After a Money Bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha,
it is to be sent to the Rajya Sabha for its recommendations. The Rajya Sabha cannot reject or amend a Money Bill by virtue of its own powers. If the Rajya Sabha does not return the Bill within fourteen days, it shall be deemed to have been passed by both Houses.
A Money Bill is not introduced in the Rajya Sabha which has no power over Money Bills. It can
originate only in the Lok Sabha. In financial matters, the Lok Sabha is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha. After a Money Bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha,
it is to be sent to the Rajya Sabha for its recommendations. The Rajya Sabha cannot reject or amend a Money Bill by virtue of its own powers. If the Rajya Sabha does not return the Bill within fourteen days, it shall be deemed to have been passed by both Houses.
Elections:
Election held to elect members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies as also to the office of the President and Vice-President is termed as “General Election”. General Elections are normally held every five years in India. But mid-term elections can be held if the circumstances so demand. General Elections are controlled by the Election Commission consisting of one Chief Election Commissioner and a number of Election Commissioners appointed by the President.
Election held to elect members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies as also to the office of the President and Vice-President is termed as “General Election”. General Elections are normally held every five years in India. But mid-term elections can be held if the circumstances so demand. General Elections are controlled by the Election Commission consisting of one Chief Election Commissioner and a number of Election Commissioners appointed by the President.
he Election Commission conducts the election of the President and Vice-President of India as well.
Main Duties of the Election Commission: The main duties of the Election Commission are:
- to superintend, direct, control and conduct all elections to Parliament and State Legislatures as also to the office of the President and Vice- President of India;
- to lay down general rules for election;
- to determine constituencies and to prepare electoral rolls;
- to give recognition to the political parties;
- to allot election symbols to different political parties and individual contestants, and
- to appoint tribunals for the decision of doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with election to Parliament and State Legislatures.
Powers of the Election Commission are given in Article 324.
Minimum age prescribed for election is :
(i) President of India – 35 years
(ii) Member of Lok Sabha – 25 years
(iii) Member of Rajya Sabha – 30 years.
(ii) Member of Lok Sabha – 25 years
(iii) Member of Rajya Sabha – 30 years.
Mid-term election: is an election held out of schedule as a result of the dissolution of Parliament or a State legislature before it has been in existence for its normal term of five years.
By-election : is held in respect of a seat rendered vacant during the running term of an elected person, which might occur on resignation, death or due to any other subsequent disqualification of the already elected Member. Every person who is a citizen of India and who is not less than 18 years of age and who is not otherwise disqualified, is entitled to vote at the elections of the House of the People (and also of the Legislative Assembly of the States). A member of either House of Parliament will be disqualified from being a member if he has voluntarily given up membership of the party on whose ticket he was elected. Democracy in India rests on the fact that people have the right to choose and change the government.
INDIAN JUDICIARY
The Supreme Court of India:
The highest court of Justice in the country is the Supreme Court. It now consists of the Chief Justice and 25 other Judges.
The Chief Justice is appointed by the President of India in consultation with the Judges of the Supreme Court.
The Chief Justice is appointed by the President of India in consultation with the Judges of the Supreme Court.
The President appoints the other Judges of the Supreme Court in consultation with the Chief Justice.
Qualifications of the Judges:
In order to be a judge of the Supreme Court, a person must be;
(a) a citizen of India
(b) a judge of a High Court of not less than five years’ standing or an advocate of ten years’ standing in a High Court or an eminent jurist.Term: The Judge of the Supreme Court holds office till the age of 65 years. He can be removed only on the ground of proven misbehaviour. Both the Houses of Parliament will pass a motion to that effect by a two third majority of the members present and voting. But this cannot be less than a majority of the total membership of the House. After this, the President issues an order for the removal of the judge.
Salary and Allowances: The Chief Justice draws a salary of Rs.33,000/- per month. The salary of other Judges is Rs.30,000/- per month. Every Judge is given a rent free official residence. The pay and allownces of judges are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. A retired Judge of the Supreme Court is debarred from practising in anyCourt of law or before any other authority in India.
Location: The Supreme Court of India is located in New Delhi.
(b) a judge of a High Court of not less than five years’ standing or an advocate of ten years’ standing in a High Court or an eminent jurist.Term: The Judge of the Supreme Court holds office till the age of 65 years. He can be removed only on the ground of proven misbehaviour. Both the Houses of Parliament will pass a motion to that effect by a two third majority of the members present and voting. But this cannot be less than a majority of the total membership of the House. After this, the President issues an order for the removal of the judge.
Salary and Allowances: The Chief Justice draws a salary of Rs.33,000/- per month. The salary of other Judges is Rs.30,000/- per month. Every Judge is given a rent free official residence. The pay and allownces of judges are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. A retired Judge of the Supreme Court is debarred from practising in anyCourt of law or before any other authority in India.
Location: The Supreme Court of India is located in New Delhi.
INDEPENDENCE OF SUPREME COURT JUDGES
The independence of the Judges of the Supreme Court is ensured by the following:
- The salaries of the Judges have been fixed under the Second Schedule and these shall not be varied to their disadvantages after their appointment.
- The administrative expenses of the Supreme Court, including pay and allowances of the Judges and their staff, are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. These expenses are not subject to Parliamentary Vote.
- The President has to consult, among others, the Chief Justice or the Judges of the Supreme Court while appointing the Judges or the chief Justice of India, as the case may be. This ensures appointment of Judges with independent bent of mind.
- A Supreme Court Judge cannot be removed by the President except on a joint address by both Houses of Parliament on ground of proved misbehavior or incapacity of Judge in question.
- Discussion of the conduct of a Judge of the Supreme Court (or a High Court) in Parliament is forbidden except in a case when a motion has already been introduced to remove the Judge.
- After retirement, a Supreme Court Judge shall not plead or act in any Court or before any authority in the country.
There are analogous provision in the case of High Court Judges.
JURISDICTION
The Supreme Court has three kinds of jurisdiction, namely
(i) Original; (ii) Appellate, and (iii) Advisory.
Original Jurisdiction:
(i). The Supreme Court is empowered to decide all disputes between the Union and one or more States.
(ii). Under Article 32 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court can enforce fundamental rights guaranteed under Part III of the Constitution.
(iii). It is empowered to issue directions or orders of writs including those in the nature of writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quowarrant and certiorari, whichever may be appropriate, to enforce the fundamental rights.
Appellate Jurisdiction:
(i). The Supreme Court hears appeals from any judgement passed by a High Court and which involves a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution.
(ii). The appeals for civil and criminal cases arising from the judgements of High Courts lie with the Supreme Court. However in case of a civil suit appeal, the case must involve a substantial question of law of general importance.
(iv). It has jurisdiction over all courts and tribunals in India and can grant special leave to appeal against any judgement made by these courts and tribunals.
Advisory Jurisdiction:
The President can seek the opinion of Supreme Court on important questions of law and fact. The Supreme Court shall have the power to make rules for its working, subject to the laws made by the parliament in this regard. The minimum number of Judges to decide an issue involving the interpretation of the constitution or any Presidential reference is five.
Doctrine of Judicial Review:
Judicial Review, as emphasised in the Indian Constitution, reprensents the competence of the Supreme Court to act as the guardian and protector of fundamental rights as also the institutions which are set up under the Constitution. The Judiciary, in other words, has been assigned the role of preventing the executive and the legislature from violating the rights and freedoms guaranteed to the citizen. It has the power to nullify an executive order or an Act passed by the Parliament or by a State legislature, by declaring in ultra vires of the Constitution or an act as not authorized by law.
Attorney General of India:
The Constitution provides for the appointment by the President of a person who is qualified to be appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court to be Attorney-General for India. The Attorney-Genral holds office during the pleasure of the President. He gives expert legal advice to the Government of India and performs such duties of legal character as are assigned to him. He has right of audience in all courts in India and can take part in the proceedings of either House of Parliament but he is not entitled to vote.
HIGH COURTS
A High Court is the highest court of justice in the state. A High Court consists of the chief Justice and some other judges. The Chief Justice of a High Court is appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the State concerned. The other Judges are appointed by the President of India in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the Chief Justice of the High court and the Governor of the State concerned. The Judges can serve upto the age of 62 years, unless they resign or are removed by the President of India on a representation by both the Houses of Parliament in the prescribed constitutional manner. It is the same as the case of a judge of Supreme Court.
Qualifications for High Courts:
To be a judge of a High Court a person must:
- be a citizen of India.
- have been a judge of a civil and session court in India for at least ten years.
- an advocate in a High court for atleast ten years.
The Chief Justice draws a salary of Rs.30,000/-per month and other judges draw a salary of Rs.26,000/- per month. They also get pension and other retirement benefits. The pay and allowances of High Court Judges are changed on the Consolidated Fund of the State.
Powers of High Courts:
The High court is mainly a Court of Appeal. It can hear appeals in both civil and criminal cases. A person can appeal to the High Court to protect his Fundamental Rights. The High Court controls and supervises the working of the lower courts. The High court is empowered to issue to any person or the Government within its jurisdiction, orders or writs, including writs which are in the nature of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo-warrant to and certiorari. The High Courts have powers of superintendence over all subordinate courts and tribunals within their jurisdiction. The Advocate General is appointed by the Governor.
Transfer of Chief Justice:
The President after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, transfers a Chief Justice from one High Court to another High Court.
Appointment of officers and staff:
Officers and servants of the High court are to be appointed by the Chief Justice. The expenses of High court will be charged on the Consolidated Fund of the state.
Subordinate Courts:
Subject to minor local variations, the structure and functions of the subordinate courts are more or less uniform throughout the country. Each State is divided into a number of districts, each under the jurisdiction of the principal civil court provided over by a district judge. Subordinate to him is a hierarchy of different grades of civil judicial authorities. The court of the District Judge is the highest Civil Court in a district. When a Judge decides a civil cases, he is called the District Judge and when he deals with criminal cases he is called the Sessions Judge, appointed by the Governor in consultation with the Chief Justice of the state. Besides the district court there are Courts of Sub-Judges, Munisif Courts and Courts of Small Causes. For criminal cases, District Magistrate and Sub Magistrates in the districs and taluk centers respectively. In cities they are called Metropolitan Magistrates.
Subordinate Courts:
Subject to minor local variations, the structure and functions of the subordinate courts are more or less uniform throughout the country. Each State is divided into a number of districts, each under the jurisdiction of the principal civil court provided over by a district judge. Subordinate to him is a hierarchy of different grades of civil judicial authorities. The court of the District Judge is the highest Civil Court in a district. When a Judge decides a civil cases, he is called the District Judge and when he deals with criminal cases he is called the Sessions Judge, appointed by the Governor in consultation with the Chief Justice of the state. Besides the district court there are Courts of Sub-Judges, Munisif Courts and Courts of Small Causes. For criminal cases, District Magistrate and Sub Magistrates in the districs and taluk centers respectively. In cities they are called Metropolitan Magistrates.
HIGH COURTS AND THEIR JURISDICTION
Name of High Court Territorial jurisdiction:
S. No.
|
High Court
|
State
|
1.
| Allahabad | State of Uttar Pradesh |
2.
| Andhra Pradesh | State of Andhra Pradesh |
3.
| Bilaspur | State of Chhattisgarh |
4.
| Chennai | State of Tamil Nadu and Union Territory of Pondicherry |
5.
| Delhi | Delhi |
6.
| Ernakulam | State of Kerala and Union Territory of Lakshadweep |
7.
| Gujarat | State of Gujarat |
8.
| Gawahati | States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. |
9.
| Himachal Pradesh | State of Himachal Pradesh |
10.
| Jammu & Kashmir | State of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh |
11.
| Karnataka | State of Karnataka |
12.
| Kolkata | State of West Bengal & Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
13.
| Mumbai | States of Maharashtra & Goa and Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli |
14.
| Madhya Pradesh | State of Madhya Pradesh |
15.
| Nainital | State of Uttaranchal |
16.
| Orissa | State of Orissa |
17.
| Patna | State of Bihar |
18.
| Punjab & Haryana | States of Punjab and Haryana & Union Territory of Chandigarh |
19.
| Ranchi | State of Jharkhand |
20.
| Rajasthan | State of Rajasthan |
21.
| Sikkim | State of Sikkim |
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