Aor Supreme Court - Delhi

The Supreme Court of India, located in New Delhi, is the highest judicial authority in the country. Established on January 28, 1950, it is entrusted with the monumental task of upholding the Constitution of India, safeguarding fundamental rights, and ensuring justice for all citizens. As the apex court, it serves as the final authority in all matters related to law and the Constitution, making its judgments binding across the country.

Historical Significance and Constitutional Role
The Supreme Court's primary function is to interpret and protect the Constitution of India. Its role is not just confined to adjudicating cases but also involves interpreting the law and striking down unconstitutional laws, thus ensuring that the Indian legal system remains in harmony with the principles of justice and equality. It is also empowered to review laws passed by the Parliament or state legislatures and declare them invalid if they are found to be inconsistent with the Constitution.

Apart from its power of judicial review, the Supreme Court also has original jurisdiction over disputes between states or between the central government and states. It can hear cases that directly involve the fundamental rights of citizens, which gives it an especially important role in protecting individual freedoms. Additionally, the Supreme Court serves as the final court of appeal in both civil and criminal cases.

Architectural and Physical Significance
The Supreme Court building in Delhi is an imposing structure that represents the ideals of justice. Located in the Central Vista area of New Delhi on Bhagwan Das Road, the building’s design combines traditional and modern elements, symbolizing the merging of India’s rich historical heritage with its progressive legal system.

The complex is designed with a central dome that represents the impartial nature of justice, while its red sandstone façade mirrors India’s architectural traditions. The building is surrounded by lush gardens and well-maintained pathways, providing a serene atmosphere where justice is administered in a calm and thoughtful manner.

Spread over an area of 17 acres, the Supreme Court consists of multiple courtrooms, offices, and libraries that facilitate the functioning of the judiciary. The main courtroom, known for its high ceiling and large seating capacity, can accommodate numerous lawyers, judges, and spectators. Visitors can view ongoing hearings, offering a rare glimpse into the Indian judicial process.

Functions and Jurisdictions
The Supreme Court is vested with diverse powers. Some of its significant functions include:

Judicial Review: The Supreme Court has the authority to examine laws passed by the Parliament and the state legislatures. If a law is found to violate the Constitution, the Court can strike it down, ensuring that no law contravenes the fundamental principles of the Constitution.

Interpretation of the Constitution: The Court interprets constitutional provisions and ensures that they are applied uniformly throughout the country. Its decisions are final, and any legal matter that requires constitutional interpretation is ultimately decided by it.

Protection of Fundamental Rights: The Supreme Court plays a pivotal role in protecting the rights guaranteed under the Constitution. It has the authority to entertain petitions related to the violation of fundamental rights and can issue writs for enforcement of these rights.

Appellate Jurisdiction: The Court hears appeals from lower courts, making it the highest appellate body in the country. It primarily handles appeals in civil and criminal cases that involve substantial questions of law or national importance.

Original Jurisdiction: The Court has exclusive jurisdiction in cases related to disputes between states, or between the central government and states. This jurisdiction is exercised when matters of public importance or national interest arise.

Landmark Judgments and Impact
The Supreme Court of India has been a pillar of justice and social change through landmark judgments. It has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s laws and ensuring the protection of human rights. Some of its most notable judgments include the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), which upheld the basic structure doctrine of the Constitution, and the Maneka Gandhi case (1978), which expanded the scope of Article 21 to include the right to live with dignity.

In recent years, the Supreme Court has played a central role in social reforms, with judgments like the decriminalization of Section 377 (2018) of the Indian Penal Code, which had criminalized homosexuality, and the right to privacy judgment (2017), which declared privacy a fundamental right under the Constitution.

Public Accessibility and Transparency
One of the key aspects of the Supreme Court is its accessibility to the public. It conducts hearings in open court, allowing citizens and lawyers to witness the judicial process firsthand. The Court also maintains transparency by making its judgments available online, ensuring that the public is informed about its decisions.

While most cases are heard in the form of petitions, the Supreme Court also allows individuals and organizations to seek redress in cases of urgent public importance through the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) mechanism. This allows citizens to approach the Court to seek justice for broader societal issues, often leading to landmark changes in public policy.