Indian Polity : Supreme Court Of India

Q 17 / 21

UPSC CSE Prelims 2005

Consider the following statements:

  1. The Parliament cannot enlarge the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India as its jurisdiction is limited to that conferred by the Constitution.
  2. The officers and servants of the Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed by the concerned Chief Justice and the administrative expenses are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

EXPLANATION

The correct option is Neither 1 nor 2.

Explanation

The Constitution of India defines the powers, jurisdiction, and administrative structure of the Supreme Court and High Courts while also allowing certain modifications through parliamentary legislation.

  • Statement 1: Incorrect.
    The Parliament can enlarge the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. Under Article 138 of the Constitution, Parliament is empowered to extend the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court with respect to matters included in the Union List.
  • Statement 2: Incorrect.
    While the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or High Court appoints the officers and servants of their respective courts, the administrative expenses of the High Courts are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State, not on the Consolidated Fund of India. Only the administrative expenses of the Supreme Court are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.

Key Takeaway: Parliament can enlarge the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, and while court staff are appointed by the Chief Justice, administrative expenses of High Courts are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the respective State.

SOURCEIndian Polity by M. Laxmikanth, Chapter 30: Supreme Court, Chapter 31: High Court