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Supreme Court of India: A Bastion of Justice and the Indian Constitution
Introduction
The Supreme Court of India is the apex court in the Indian judiciary system. Established under Article 124 of the Constitution of India, it is the highest judicial authority in the country and has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's legal and constitutional landscape.
Background
The Supreme Court was established on January 28, 1950, as a continuation of the Federal Court of India, which served as the highest court in British India. The court's first Chief Justice was Harilal Jekisundas Kania.
The Supreme Court is located in New Delhi, the capital of India. It comprises a Chief Justice and 33 other judges appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a collegium consisting of the Chief Justice and four senior judges of the Supreme Court.
Functions and Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court has both original and appellate jurisdiction. It has the exclusive jurisdiction to adjudicate disputes between the states and the central government, as well as disputes between the central government and its agencies. Additionally, the court has appellate jurisdiction over the judgments of the High Courts and district courts.
The Supreme Court is also responsible for interpreting the Constitution of India and declaring laws unconstitutional if they are found to be in conflict with the Constitution. It has the power to issue writs, such as habeas corpus and mandamus, to protect fundamental rights and freedoms.
Landmark Judgments
Throughout its history, the Supreme Court of India has delivered numerous landmark judgments that have had a profound impact on Indian society. Some of the most notable include:
Top 5 FAQs on the Supreme Court of India
1. Who is the current Chief Justice of India? Answer: Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
2. How many judges are there in the Supreme Court? Answer: 33, including the Chief Justice
3. What is the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court? Answer: It has original and appellate jurisdiction over cases involving the Constitution, disputes between states and the central government, and appeals from the High Courts and district courts.
4. Can the Supreme Court declare laws unconstitutional? Answer: Yes, if the laws are found to be in conflict with the Constitution of India.
5. What is the "basic structure" doctrine? Answer: It is a principle established by the Supreme Court that certain essential features of the Constitution cannot be amended by Parliament.
An explosion at an open cast coal mine in Chhattisgarh's Manendragarh has left at least three workers injured, including two women. According to initial reports, the explosion occurred while workers were preparing for a routine blasting operation. A probe has been launched to determine the cause of the incident, as authorities work to ensure safety measures are in place to prevent future mishaps.
As India celebrates Diwali today, devotees are preparing to perform the auspicious Lakshmi Puja to seek the blessings of the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The most auspicious timings for the puja have been revealed, falling between 7:25 pm and 8:31 pm. This article provides a city-wise breakdown of the muhurat and also highlights other important details for performing the puja on this special day.
Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali, is more than just a fancy decoration ritual. It holds deep significance in Hindu beliefs, honoring Lord Yama and seeking protection from negative energies in the coming year. The arrangement and number of diyas have symbolic meanings and a specific auspicious time for lighting them on this particular day. The act of lighting diyas on Narak Chaturdashi is a powerful chain of emotions that brings forth resilience, wisdom, and inner strength, leading to harmony and auspiciousness in the household.
On the occasion of Deepotsav, Ayodhya made history by setting two new Guinness World Records - lighting over 26 lakh diyas and hosting the largest-ever Saryu aarti. The event was organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department and the Ayodhya District Administration, with the participation of over 30,000 volunteers. The Guinness World Records officials commended the efforts and stated that it was an honor to witness such a grand and spectacular display. The city of Ayodhya also celebrated Diwali with a drone show and a Ram Leela performance, making the event even more special.
As the country gears up for the festival of lights, various states have announced school holiday dates to allow students and teachers to participate in Diwali and other related celebrations. Some states are offering a five-day break, while others have extended the off period to almost two weeks. This break not only gives students time to celebrate with family, but also allows for preparation and participation in other cultural and religious festivities.
The Imperial War Museum has embarked on a groundbreaking project, using technology to bring historical archives to life and give a voice to the past. Through the use of cutting-edge techniques, the museum is unlocking stories that have long been silent, shedding new light on the events of the past. This innovative approach is providing a unique perspective on history and shaping our understanding of global events.
Dhanteras, also known as the festival of lights, falls on October 18th this year. To celebrate this auspicious day, people follow various rituals such as worshipping Lord Dhanvantari and Kubera and lighting diyas in the name of Yamaraj. According to traditional beliefs, performing these rituals with a pure heart and following prescribed customs can bring wealth, prosperity, and happiness into one's household. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these beliefs.
The much-awaited festival of Diwali is just around the corner and preparations are already underway. According to the 2025 calendar, the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat for Diwali has been announced to be on October 20. This auspicious day brings with it an opportunity for families to gather and worship Goddess Lakshmi for blessings of prosperity and good luck. The five-day festival, beginning with Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj, each day holds a significant spiritual meaning and is eagerly awaited by devotees.
Just days before the festival of lights, Delhi-NCR was brought to a standstill as severe traffic congestion struck the region. The festive rush, combined with ongoing roadwork and market zones bustling with Diwali shoppers, resulted in major delays and gridlock across the city. In response, the Delhi Traffic Police issued a strong advisory and took several measures to handle the traffic overload and prioritize safety. As the weekend and Diwali shopping continue, commuters are reminded to plan their journeys carefully to avoid getting stuck in the chaos.
As festive celebrations pick up pace in the national capital, Delhi Traffic Police is urging people to plan their travel in advance due to widespread traffic disruptions. Ongoing road repairs and broken sewer lines have added to the traffic woes, prompting the police to cancel leaves and deploy personnel to handle the growing Diwali rush. Many major intersections have experienced bottlenecks, and motorists are advised to follow diversion routes and check live updates before stepping out.