Which of the following is the apex judicial body of India?

Key Points

• The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial body in the country, established under Article 124 of the Indian Constitution.
• It is the final court of appeal and has the power to hear appeals against decisions from lower courts.
• The Supreme Court also has the authority to interpret the Constitution and can invalidate laws that are inconsistent with it.
• It consists of the Chief Justice of India and a maximum of 34 other judges, including the Chief Justice.

Additional Information

• Lok Adalat:
  • Lok Adalat is a system of alternative dispute resolution developed in India.
  • It is a forum where disputes/cases pending in the court or at pre-litigation stage are settled/compromised amicably.
  • It is supervised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and other legal services institutions.
  • It is not a permanent judicial body like the Supreme Court but an ad hoc body that resolves disputes quickly.
• High Court:
  • The High Court is the highest judicial body in a state in India.
  • Each state or group of states has a High Court which has jurisdiction over its territory.
  • High Courts have the power to hear appeals from lower courts and have original jurisdiction in certain cases.
  • They can also issue writs for enforcing fundamental rights.
• District Court:
  • District Courts are the principal courts of original jurisdiction in the Indian judiciary.
  • They handle both civil and criminal cases.
  • Each district generally has one District Court, which is presided over by a District Judge.
  • District Courts can hear appeals from subordinate courts within their jurisdiction.
• Judicial Hierarchy in India:
  • The judicial system in India is hierarchical with the Supreme Court at the top, followed by High Courts in states, and then District Courts and other subordinate courts.
  • This hierarchy ensures a structured and organized system for the administration of justice.
  • The Supreme Court's decisions are binding on all other courts in the country.
  • Each level of court has specific jurisdiction and powers defined by law.