Question

Study the figure and answer the following questions:

1. Identify the building in the picture. Where is it located? What is the position of this court in the entire judicial set up in India?
2. State three qualifications required to be the judge of this court.
3. How does this court maintain the sanctity of the Constitution of India?

Answer 1

1. The image shows the Supreme Court of India building. It's located in New Delhi. Our Constitution establishes a unified system of courts for the Union and the states, with the Supreme Court as the highest authority. The Supreme Court oversees and controls the operation of other courts.
2. Only Indian citizens are eligible to serve as Supreme Court judges.
   1. Has served as a judge in a High Court for at least five years in a row.
   2. Possess at least ten years of experience as an advocate in a High Court or multiple courts in succession or
   3. The President considers the individual an established jurist.
3. The Supreme Court can hear any constitutional interpretation cases directly.
   1. The Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over matters regarding the constitutional legitimacy of central laws.
   2. The Supreme Court observes the Constitution and issues ultimate decisions.
   3. It has the authority to evaluate laws passed by the Union and State legislatures.
   4. The Supreme Court can declare legislation 'ultra vires' or null and void if it violates the Constitution's letter and spirit or any of its provisions. This is known as the power of judicial review.
   5. A matter requiring constitutional interpretation requires at least five judges to hear and determine it.
   6. The Supreme Court can declare laws and presidential orders null and unlawful if they violate the Constitution.