Question map
Which one of the following powers of the Supreme Court is also conferred on a High Court?
Explanation
Under the Indian Constitution, both the Supreme Court and the High Courts are designated as 'Courts of Record'. Article 129 establishes the Supreme Court as a court of record with the power to punish for contempt of itself [2]. Similarly, Article 215 confers the same status and power upon every High Court. In contrast, other powers listed are exclusive or distinct. Advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 is a power unique to the Supreme Court. The power to do 'complete justice' is a specific inherent power granted to the Supreme Court under Article 142 [3]. Furthermore, the power to grant Special Leave Petitions (SLP) under Article 136 is a discretionary jurisdiction vested solely in the Supreme Court to hear appeals from any court or tribunal in India [2]. Therefore, only the 'Court of Record' status is common to both.
Sources
- [2] https://nja.gov.in/Concluded_Programmes/2017-18/SE-13_PPTs/6.Judiciary%20organization%20HC%20and%20SC.pdf
- [3] https://www.iima.ac.in/sites/default/files/2024-05/W.P.No_.2024-05-02.pdf
- [1] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 22: THE SUPREME COURT > THE SUPREME COURT > p. 353