Navigating the Constitutional Tapestry: Unraveling the Provisions of the Union Judiciary (Articles 124-147)

In the intricate framework of the Indian constitutional landscape, the Union Judiciary, embodied by the Supreme Court, holds a paramount position. Chapter IV of Part V, encapsulated in Articles 124-147, meticulously delineates the provisions related to the Supreme Court. Join us on a journey through the constitutional corridors that define the Union Judiciary.

Article 124: Foundation of the Supreme Court Article 124 establishes the Supreme Court of India, comprising a Chief Justice and, until further legislative provisions, not more than seven other Judges. The criteria for qualification, the appointment process, and safeguards against removal are intricately enshrined.

Article 125: Salaries and Privileges Article 125 outlines the financial aspects of the Judges' role, ensuring that the financial conditions agreed upon at the time of appointment remain unaltered to the detriment of the Judge.

Article 126: Appointment of Acting Chief Justice In situations where the Chief Justice is unable to perform duties, Article 126 empowers the President to appoint an acting Chief Justice, ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of the Supreme Court.

Article 127: Appointment of Ad Hoc Judges This provision allows for the appointment of ad hoc Judges when there's a lack of quorum, reflecting the pragmatic approach of the Constitution.

Article 128: Attendance of Retired Judges Article 128 allows the Chief Justice to request retired Judges to act in the Supreme Court, emphasizing the wealth of experience they bring.

Article 129: Supreme Court as a Court of Record Establishing the Supreme Court as a court of record empowers it with the authority to punish for contempt, safeguarding its dignity and upholding the rule of law.

Article 130: Seat of Supreme Court The flexibility in choosing the seat of the Supreme Court, as outlined in Article 130, allows the Chief Justice, with the President's approval, to determine its location, ensuring accessibility and convenience.

Article 131: Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court Article 131 vests the Supreme Court with exclusive original jurisdiction in specific disputes involving the Government of India and the States, excluding disputes arising from certain pre-existing agreements.

Articles 132-134: Appellate Jurisdiction These articles define the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, covering civil, criminal, and constitutional matters, with detailed provisions for certification by High Courts and grounds for appeal.

Article 135: Jurisdiction and Powers under Existing Law Article 135 ensures that the Supreme Court retains jurisdiction and powers held by the Federal Court under existing law in matters not covered by Article 133 or Article 134.

Article 136: Special Leave to Appeal Granting special leave to appeal, Article 136 provides the Supreme Court with discretionary power to review judgments, ensuring justice in exceptional cases.

Article 137: Review of Judgments or Orders Subject to parliamentary or rule-based provisions, Article 137 empowers the Supreme Court to review its judgments, maintaining a mechanism for rectifying errors.

Articles 138-139: Enlargement of Jurisdiction Articles 138 and 139 confer additional jurisdiction and powers on the Supreme Court, allowing Parliament and the Government of India, in agreement with State governments, to expand the scope of the Court's authority.

Articles 140-142: Ancillary Powers and Enforcement of Decrees These articles empower the Supreme Court with ancillary powers and mechanisms for enforcing its decrees and orders, ensuring the efficacy of its decisions.

Article 143: Power of President to Consult Article 143 enables the President to seek the Supreme Court's opinion on matters of public importance, highlighting the Court's role as a constitutional advisor.

Articles 144-147: Civil Authorities, Rules of Court, and Interpretation Mandating civil authorities to aid the Supreme Court, empowering the Court to establish rules, and providing for the interpretation of constitutional matters, these articles complete the constitutional tapestry.

In a broader context, the Supreme Court, as the apex judicial body, plays a pivotal role in upholding the Constitution's principles and ensuring justice prevails. The intricate provisions detailed in Articles 124-147 serve as the bedrock of the Union Judiciary, reflecting the framers' foresight in creating a robust and accountable legal system.

The Union Judiciary, with the Supreme Court at its helm, stands as a beacon of justice, interpreting the law and safeguarding the constitutional fabric of India.