Constitutional Position and Structure
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The Supreme Court of India is the apex court of the country and stands at the top of India's integrated judicial system.
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India follows a single, integrated judicial system in which the Supreme Court, High Courts and subordinate courts form one hierarchy.
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The Supreme Court was inaugurated on 28 January 1950.
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It succeeded the Federal Court of India, which had been established under the Government of India Act, 1935.
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It also replaced the British Privy Council as the highest court of appeal in India.
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The constitutional provisions relating to the Supreme Court are contained primarily in Articles 124-147 in Part V.
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Parliament is empowered to regulate several aspects of the Court's organisation, jurisdiction and procedure.
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The Supreme Court functions as:
- a federal court;
- the highest court of appeal;
- guardian and final interpreter of the Constitution;
- guarantor of Fundamental Rights;
- a court of record;
- an institution exercising judicial review and advisory jurisdiction.