Jurisdiction

The Supreme Court of India exercises original, appellate and advisory jurisdiction as conferred by the Constitution.

Original jurisdiction under Article 131 extends to disputes between the Government of India and one or more States, or between States inter se.

Appellate jurisdiction includes appeals in constitutional, civil and criminal matters under Articles 132, 133 and 134, as well as special leave to appeal under Article 136.

Advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 enables the President of India to refer questions of law or fact of public importance to the Supreme Court for its opinion.

The Court also entertains writ petitions under Article 32 for the enforcement of fundamental rights — described by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the heart and soul of the Constitution.