Source: http://www.infipark.com/articles/how-is-the-independence-of-the-judiciary-ensured-describe-the-various-jurisdictions-of-the-supreme-court-of-india/
Timestamp: 2019-03-18 16:09:21
Document Index: 352567756

Matched Legal Cases: ['Art 32', 'art 226', 'art 32', 'Art 132', 'Art 133', 'Art 134', 'Art 135', 'art 136', 'art 226', 'Art 226', 'Art 226', 'art 32', 'Art 226']

How is the independence of the judiciary ensured? | Infipark.com
Home 1st Semester Constitutional Law of India - 1 How is the independence of the judiciary ensured?
Until 1973, the senior most judge of the supreme court was appointed as the Chief Justice. However, this convention was broken when Justice AN Ray was appointed as the CJ by passing 3 more senior judges. This was seen as a blatant assault on the independence of the judiciary. The govt. pleaded that the word “consult” does not mean that the president is bound by the advise. He is free to make his own decision.
In the case of S P Gupta vs Union of India, 1982 SC unanimously agreed with the meaning of the word ‘consultation’ as determined in the Sankalchand’s case. It further held that the only ground on which the decision of the govt. can be challenged is that it is based on mala fide and irrelevant consideration. In doing so, it substantially reduced its own power in appointing the judges and gave control to the executive.
In the case of Union of India vs State of Rajasthan 1984, it was held that a suit to recover damages under Railway Act is not maintainable. SC’s original jurisdiction is not attracted for ordinary commercial disputes.
SC is the guardian of the constitution. It is the supreme defender of the people’s fundamental rights. This position has been enforced by Art 32 that given any citizen to petition the SC if his fundamental rights are violated. The SC is empowered to give directions, orders, or writs including the writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, and certiorari for the enforcement of the rights given in part III.
L Chandra Kumar vs Union of India AIR 1997 – Power of judicial review vested in HC by art 226 and in SC by art 32 is a basic feature on the constitution and cannot be amended.
Art 132 Appellate Jurisdiction – Constitutional
Krishnaswamy vs Governer General in Council 1947 – If there is a difference of opinion among High Courts and if there is no direct decision by SC on that point, it is a substantial question of law that can permit appeal in SC.
Art 133 Appellate Jurisdiction – Civil
Madan Gopal vs State of Orrisa 1956 – The pecuniary value of a dispute is immaterial. There may be matters which cannot be measured in money but the decision could have a far reaching effect and such cases can be permitted to be appealed in SC.
Art 134 Appellate Jurisdiction – Criminal
An appeal shall lie to SC from any judgement, decree, or a final order in criminal proceedings of a High Court in two ways – with or without a certificate from High Court.
Siddheshwar Ganguly vs State of WB 1958 – In this case SC issued guidelines for issuing certificated under 134A. A mere question of fact is not enough but it must also involve a substantial question of law.
Art 135 Federal Court’s (the one that existed before the commencement of the constitution) jurisdiction to be exercised by the SC.
Ramakant Rai vs Madan Rai AIR 2004 – Private party can appeal against the acquittal even if the state govt. hasn’t. SC cannot refrain from doing its duty just because a private party and not the state has appealed against the order.
Pritam Singh vs State AIR 1950 -SC explained how this discretionary power is to be used – Since the power is exceptional is very wide, it must be used sparingly and in exceptional circumstances. Beyond this point it is not possible to fetter the exercise of this power by any set formula.
Union of India vs SGPC 1986 – SC may transfer a case from one High Court to another under art 136 if it feels that the case cannot be dealt with fairly in one High Court due to exceptional circumstances.
In re Kerala Education Bill 1953, SC has interpreted the word “may” in clause 1 as it is not bound to give its opinion. If it has a good reason, it may refuse to express its opinion.
In general, the person whose constitutional right or legal right has been infringed has the right to apply. However, due to judicial activism, the “doctrine of sufficient interest” has originated. According to this, any person who is even remotely affected can petition the High Court. It also allows public spirited persons to file a writ petition for any person or class if that person or class is not able to do so himself due to poverty or any other reason.
In the case of Basappa vs Naggapa, AIR 1954, SC has held that the art 226 confers wide powers to remedy injustice where ever it is found. Art 226 says, “…or writs or the kind of…”, which means that it is not limited only the mentioned types of writs. It can issue orders orders of any kind that the situation may require. Thus, it makes the scope of Art 226 a lot wider than art 32.
Dispute between private parties – No Jurisdiction
Art 226 imposes two limits on HC’s writ. First, it can run only in the territorial jurisdiction of the High Court and secondly the person or authority must lie in that jurisdiction.
Discretionary Remedy – Not to be exercised if alternate remedy is available
Deep Chand vs State of UP SC AIR 1959: Does not apply to post – constitutional law.
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