At the apex of India’s judicial system stands the Supreme Court of India, established under Article 124 of the Constitution and inaugurated on 28 January 1950. It is the guardian of the Constitution and the final court of appeal in the country.

Composition and Appointment

The Supreme Court is headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) along with other judges. The sanctioned strength has grown over the decades to 34 judges (including the CJI). Judges are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Collegium, headed by the CJI. As of 2026, the sitting Chief Justice of India is Justice Surya Kant, who was sworn in as the 53rd CJI in November 2025.

Jurisdiction and Powers

• Original Jurisdiction (Art. 131): disputes between the Union and States or between States.
• Writ Jurisdiction (Art. 32): the power to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights — called the “heart and soul” of the Constitution by Dr B.R. Ambedkar.
• Appellate Jurisdiction (Arts. 132–136): appeals in constitutional, civil and criminal matters, including special leave petitions under Article 136.
• Advisory Jurisdiction (Art. 143): the President may seek the Court’s opinion on questions of law.
• Court of Record (Art. 129): its decisions are binding precedents and it can punish for contempt.

The Doctrine of Precedent

Under Article 141, the law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all courts within India. This ensures consistency and certainty in the legal system.

Guardian of Fundamental Rights

Through Public Interest Litigation (PIL), pioneered in the late 1970s and 1980s, the Court opened its doors to the poor and marginalised, allowing any public-spirited citizen to approach it on behalf of those unable to do so. This transformed the Court into an instrument of social justice.

Modernisation of the Court

In recent years the Supreme Court has embraced technology — live-streaming of constitutional-bench hearings, virtual courts, e-filing, and AI-assisted tools for translation and case management — making justice more accessible and transparent.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court of India is far more than a court of appeal. It is a constitutional sentinel that balances the powers of the State, protects citizens’ rights, and shapes the moral and legal direction of the nation.