Indian Polity : Supreme Court Of India

Q 18 / 21

UPSC CSE Prelims 2003

The power to enlarge the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India with respect to any matter included in the Union List of Legislative Powers rests with:

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

Article 138(2) of the Constitution of India explicitly grants Parliament the power to enlarge the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court with respect to any matter included in the Union List. This provision enables the legislative body to expand the judicial scope of the Supreme Court in areas falling under the central government's legislative domain.

Incorrect Options

The President of India (a) is empowered by Article 143 to seek advisory opinions from the Supreme Court on questions of law or fact. However, the President does not possess the constitutional authority to enlarge the Supreme Court's jurisdiction.

The Chief Justice of India (b) heads the judiciary and has significant administrative and judicial powers within the Supreme Court. Nevertheless, the Chief Justice does not have the power to legislate or constitutionally enlarge the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

The Union Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs (d) is an executive body responsible for policy formulation, drafting legislation, and administering justice. While it may propose or initiate legislative changes, the ultimate power to enact laws, including those related to the Supreme Court's jurisdiction, rests solely with Parliament.

SOURCEIndian Polity by M. Laxmikanth, Chapter 26: Supreme Court