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Q71 (IAS/2014) Polity & Governance › Judiciary › Supreme Court jurisdiction Official Key

The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: C
Explanation

The Supreme Court has exclusive original jurisdiction in federal disputes, where exclusive means no other court can decide such disputes and original means the power to hear such disputes in the first instance, not by way of appeal.[1] As a federal court, the Supreme Court decides disputes between different units of the Indian Federation, including disputes between the Centre and one or more states, between the Centre and any state or states on one side and one or more other states on the other, or between two or more states.[1]

Original jurisdiction means cases that can be directly considered by the Supreme Court without going to the lower courts before that.[2] This is distinct from advisory jurisdiction (where the President seeks advice), appellate jurisdiction (hearing appeals from lower courts), and writ jurisdiction (which is primarily for enforcement of Fundamental Rights). The Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court establishes it as an umpire in all disputes regarding federal matters.[3]

Sources
  1. [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III Original Jurisdiction > p. 290
  2. [2] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: JUDICIARY > Original Jurisdiction > p. 132
  3. [3] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: JUDICIARY > Original Jurisdiction > p. 132
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its [A] advisory jurisdiction …
At a glance
Origin: From standard books Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 10/10 · 0/10

This is a 'Bread and Butter' Polity question. It tests the fundamental definition of the Supreme Court's role as a Federal Court. If you miss this, you are out of the race. The strategy is simple: Master the specific Articles (131 vs 132 vs 143) and the exclusions to them.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Does the power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States fall under its advisory jurisdiction?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III Original Jurisdiction > p. 290
Presence: 5/5
“As a federal court, the Supreme Court decides the disputes between different units of the Indian Federation. More elaborately, any dispute: (a) Between the Centre and one or more states; or (b) Between the Centre and any state or several on one side and one or more other states on the other side; or (c) Between two or more states. In the above federal disputes, the Supreme Court has exclusive original jurisdiction. Exclusive means, no other court can decide such disputes and original means, the power to hear such disputes in the first instance, not by way of appeal. With regard to the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, two points should be noted.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states that disputes between the Centre and one or more States fall within the Supreme Court's exclusive original jurisdiction.
  • Explains 'exclusive' (no other court can decide) and 'original' (heard in the first instance), showing these disputes are litigative, not advisory.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: JUDICIARY > Advisory Jurisdiction > p. 133
Presence: 4/5
“In addition to original and appellate jurisdiction, the Supreme Court of India possesses advisory jurisdiction also. This means that the President of India can refer any matter that is of public importance or that which involves interpretation of Constitution to Supreme Court for advice. However, the Supreme Court is not bound to give advice on such matters and the President is not bound to accept such an advice. What then is the utility of the advisory powers of the Supreme Court? The utility is two-fold. In the first place, it allows the government to seek legal opinion on a matter of importance before taking action on it.”
Why this source?
  • Defines advisory jurisdiction as the President referring matters to the Supreme Court for its opinion.
  • Makes clear advisory opinions are optional (Court not bound to answer; President not bound to accept), distinguishing advisory references from adjudicative dispute-resolution.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: JUDICIARY > Original Jurisdiction > p. 132
Presence: 4/5
“Original jurisdiction means cases that can be directly considered by the Supreme Court without going to the lower courts before that. From the diagram above, you will notice that cases involving federal relations go directly to the Supreme Court. The Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court establishes it as an umpire in all disputes regarding federal matters. In any federal country, legal disputes are bound to arise between the Union and the States; and among the States themselves. The power to resolve such cases is entrusted to the Supreme Court of India. It is called original jurisdiction because the Supreme Court alone has the power to deal with such cases.”
Why this source?
  • Reinforces that original jurisdiction covers federal relations and that such cases go directly to the Supreme Court.
  • States that the Supreme Court alone has power to resolve Union–State disputes, underscoring the adjudicatory (original) nature of these disputes.
Statement 2
Does the power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States fall under its appellate jurisdiction?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III Original Jurisdiction > p. 290
Presence: 5/5
“As a federal court, the Supreme Court decides the disputes between different units of the Indian Federation. More elaborately, any dispute: (a) Between the Centre and one or more states; or (b) Between the Centre and any state or several on one side and one or more other states on the other side; or (c) Between two or more states. In the above federal disputes, the Supreme Court has exclusive original jurisdiction. Exclusive means, no other court can decide such disputes and original means, the power to hear such disputes in the first instance, not by way of appeal. With regard to the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, two points should be noted.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states disputes between Centre and states fall within the Supreme Court's 'exclusive original jurisdiction'.
  • 'Original' is defined in the snippet as the power to hear such disputes in the first instance, not by way of appeal.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 22: THE SUPREME COURT > THE SUPREME COURT > p. 346
Presence: 5/5
“The functions of the Supreme Court under Article 131 are A. Original Jurisdiction of Supreme Court. purely of a federal character and are confined to disputes between the Government of India and any of the States of the Union, the Government of India and any State or States on one side and any other State or States on the other side, or be13\1een twQ or more States ~·nttr St. In short, these are disputes .between different units of the federation which will be within the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.”
Why this source?
  • Describes the Supreme Court's functions under Article 131 as 'Original Jurisdiction' for disputes between the Government of India and States.
  • Clarifies these federal disputes are within the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, implying they are not appellate.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: JUDICIARY > Original Jurisdiction > p. 132
Presence: 5/5
“Original jurisdiction means cases that can be directly considered by the Supreme Court without going to the lower courts before that. From the diagram above, you will notice that cases involving federal relations go directly to the Supreme Court. The Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court establishes it as an umpire in all disputes regarding federal matters. In any federal country, legal disputes are bound to arise between the Union and the States; and among the States themselves. The power to resolve such cases is entrusted to the Supreme Court of India. It is called original jurisdiction because the Supreme Court alone has the power to deal with such cases.”
Why this source?
  • Defines original jurisdiction as cases that can be directly considered by the Supreme Court without going to lower courts.
  • States that cases involving federal relations go directly to the Supreme Court, reinforcing that these are not appeals.
Statement 3
Does the power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States fall under its original jurisdiction?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III Original Jurisdiction > p. 290
Presence: 5/5
“As a federal court, the Supreme Court decides the disputes between different units of the Indian Federation. More elaborately, any dispute: (a) Between the Centre and one or more states; or (b) Between the Centre and any state or several on one side and one or more other states on the other side; or (c) Between two or more states. In the above federal disputes, the Supreme Court has exclusive original jurisdiction. Exclusive means, no other court can decide such disputes and original means, the power to hear such disputes in the first instance, not by way of appeal. With regard to the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, two points should be noted.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states disputes between the Centre and one or more states fall within the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction.
  • Defines 'original' as power to hear such disputes in the first instance and 'exclusive' meaning no other court can decide them.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 22: THE SUPREME COURT > THE SUPREME COURT > p. 346
Presence: 5/5
“The functions of the Supreme Court under Article 131 are A. Original Jurisdiction of Supreme Court. purely of a federal character and are confined to disputes between the Government of India and any of the States of the Union, the Government of India and any State or States on one side and any other State or States on the other side, or be13\1een twQ or more States ~·nttr St. In short, these are disputes .between different units of the federation which will be within the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.”
Why this source?
  • Links the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction to Article 131 and confines it to disputes between the Government of India and states.
  • Describes these federal disputes as being within the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: JUDICIARY > Original Jurisdiction > p. 132
Presence: 5/5
“Original jurisdiction means cases that can be directly considered by the Supreme Court without going to the lower courts before that. From the diagram above, you will notice that cases involving federal relations go directly to the Supreme Court. The Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court establishes it as an umpire in all disputes regarding federal matters. In any federal country, legal disputes are bound to arise between the Union and the States; and among the States themselves. The power to resolve such cases is entrusted to the Supreme Court of India. It is called original jurisdiction because the Supreme Court alone has the power to deal with such cases.”
Why this source?
  • Explains original jurisdiction means cases involving federal relations go directly to the Supreme Court without lower court reference.
  • Characterises the Supreme Court as the 'umpire' for disputes between the Union and the States, reinforcing original jurisdiction over such matters.
Statement 4
Does the power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States fall under its writ jurisdiction?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III Original Jurisdiction > p. 290
Presence: 5/5
“As a federal court, the Supreme Court decides the disputes between different units of the Indian Federation. More elaborately, any dispute: (a) Between the Centre and one or more states; or (b) Between the Centre and any state or several on one side and one or more other states on the other side; or (c) Between two or more states. In the above federal disputes, the Supreme Court has exclusive original jurisdiction. Exclusive means, no other court can decide such disputes and original means, the power to hear such disputes in the first instance, not by way of appeal. With regard to the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, two points should be noted.”
Why this source?
  • Identifies disputes between Centre and states as federal disputes falling within the Supreme Court's exclusive original jurisdiction.
  • States 'exclusive original jurisdiction' meaning these disputes are heard first by the Supreme Court, not by way of writs or appeals.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > II Writ Jurisdiction > p. 291
Presence: 5/5
“Moreover, the parties involved in the first case are units of the federation (Centre and states) while the dispute in the second case is between a citizen and the Government (Central or state). There is also a difference between the writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and that of the high court. The Supreme Court can issue writs only for the enforcement of the Fundamental Rights and not for other purposes. The high court, on the other hand, can issue writs not only for the enforcement of the fundamental rights but also for other purposes. It means that the writ jurisdiction of the high court is wider than that of the Supreme Court.”
Why this source?
  • Explains the Supreme Court's writ jurisdiction is for enforcement of Fundamental Rights and contrasts parties in writ cases (citizen vs government) with federal-unit disputes.
  • Implies writ power is distinct and narrower than the Court's original jurisdiction over Centre–State disputes.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 22: THE SUPREME COURT > THE SUPREME COURT > p. 348
Presence: 5/5
“Hence, the jurisdiction under Article 32 has no analogy to the jurisdiction under Article 131. The contours of the court's writ jurisdiction have been established in several decisions of the Supreme Court. Where the law provides for a hierarchy of appeals, the parties must exhaust the available remedies before resorting to writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. At the same time, the Supreme Court in a catena of decisions has held that this doctrine is not a rule of law, but essentially a rule of policy, convenience and discretion. C. Appell Jurisdiction-The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal from all courts in the territory of India, the jurisdiction of the Court.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states the jurisdiction under Article 32 (writ jurisdiction) has no analogy to the jurisdiction under Article 131 (original jurisdiction for federal disputes).
  • Reinforces that writ jurisdiction and Article 131 original jurisdiction are separate legal contours.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC Polity questions frequently test 'Legal Definitions' and 'Categorization'. They want to know if you understand the *nature* of a power, not just the article number. The pattern is to confuse 'Original' (First instance) with 'Appellate' (Review).
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct lift from Laxmikanth Ch. 26 (Supreme Court) or NCERT Class XI 'Indian Constitution at Work' Ch. 6.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 'Federal Court' function of the Supreme Court under Article 131.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Don't stop at 'Original'. Memorize the exclusions to Art 131: 1) Pre-Constitution treaties/agreements, 2) Inter-state water disputes (Art 262), 3) Matters referred to Finance Commission, 4) Adjustment of expenses between Centre and States. Also, distinguish Art 32 (Writ) vs Art 131 (Federal Dispute).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Use the 'Classification Method'. When studying Judiciary, create a table with columns: Jurisdiction Name | Article | Who can approach? | Binding? | Exclusions. This prevents confusion between 'Advisory' and 'Original' in the exam hall.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Original jurisdiction (federal disputes)
💡 The insight

The references identify disputes between the Centre and States as within the Supreme Court's exclusive original jurisdiction.

High-yield constitutional concept: frequently tested in questions on Supreme Court powers and federalism. Connects directly to Article 131 and Centre–State relations. Master by memorising the definition, examples (Centre vs State, State vs State), and the meaning of 'exclusive' and 'original'.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III Original Jurisdiction > p. 290
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: JUDICIARY > Original Jurisdiction > p. 132
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 22: THE SUPREME COURT > THE SUPREME COURT > p. 346
🔗 Anchor: "Does the power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Cent..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Advisory jurisdiction (presidential references)
💡 The insight

References explain advisory jurisdiction is a mechanism where the President may seek the Court's opinion, distinct from adjudicating disputes.

Important for questions on separation of powers and Article 143: know that advisory opinions are non‑binding and procedural differences from adjudication. Learn typical uses (questions of public importance/constitutional interpretation) and contrast with original/appellate jurisdiction.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: JUDICIARY > Advisory Jurisdiction > p. 133
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 22: THE SUPREME COURT > THE SUPREME COURT > p. 352
🔗 Anchor: "Does the power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Cent..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Distinction between original and advisory jurisdiction
💡 The insight

Evidence contrasts adjudicative original jurisdiction for federal disputes with the advisory, non-binding opinion-giving role.

Useful for answer-writing and MCQs where precise jurisdictional classification is required; helps avoid conflating litigation powers with advisory references. Prepare by comparing each jurisdiction's source, trigger, effect (binding vs non-binding), and examples.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III Original Jurisdiction > p. 290
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 22: THE SUPREME COURT > THE SUPREME COURT > p. 352
🔗 Anchor: "Does the power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Cent..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Original jurisdiction under Article 131
💡 The insight

The references repeatedly identify disputes between Centre and States as falling under the Supreme Court's exclusive original jurisdiction (Article 131).

High-yield for polity: Article 131 defines the Court's role in federal disputes and is a frequent topic in UPSC questions on judiciary and Centre–State relations. Master by memorising scope, key phrases ('exclusive', 'original') and sample dispute types; connects to constitutional law and federalism.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III Original Jurisdiction > p. 290
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 22: THE SUPREME COURT > THE SUPREME COURT > p. 346
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: JUDICIARY > Original Jurisdiction > p. 132
🔗 Anchor: "Does the power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Cent..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Exclusive vs appellate jurisdiction
💡 The insight

References contrast 'exclusive original jurisdiction' with appellate jurisdiction by noting 'original means ... not by way of appeal.'

Important conceptual distinction for answering questions about powers of courts. Helps tackle MCQs and mains answers distinguishing first-instance powers from appellate powers; study by comparing provisions (Article 131 vs appellate provisions) and practising short-answers and diagrams.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III Original Jurisdiction > p. 290
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: JUDICIARY > Original Jurisdiction > p. 132
🔗 Anchor: "Does the power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Cent..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Supreme Court as federal umpire
💡 The insight

Materials characterise the Court as the umpire resolving inter-governmental/federal disputes directly under its original jurisdiction.

Useful for essays and polity questions on Centre–State relations and dispute resolution mechanisms. Shows institutional role (federal arbiter) and links to topics like federalism, constitutional checks and dispute settlement; prepare by mapping institutional functions and landmark examples.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III Original Jurisdiction > p. 290
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 22: THE SUPREME COURT > THE SUPREME COURT > p. 346
🔗 Anchor: "Does the power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Cent..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
💡 The insight

The references define 'original jurisdiction' and state that federal disputes (Centre vs States) are heard by the Supreme Court in the first instance.

High-yield for UPSC constitutional law and polity questions: understanding original vs appellate jurisdiction appears frequently. Links to Article 131, federalism, and dispute resolution. Prepare by memorising definitions, key Article references, and example dispute types.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III Original Jurisdiction > p. 290
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: JUDICIARY > Original Jurisdiction > p. 132
🔗 Anchor: "Does the power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Cent..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Private Citizen' Trap: A suit under Article 131 is ONLY for disputes between Federal Units (Centre vs State, State vs State). A private citizen cannot file a suit under Art 131, nor can a private party be impleaded in such a suit. If a future option says 'Dispute between a Corporation and Centre', Art 131 does NOT apply.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Etymological Logic: 'Appellate' implies an 'Appeal' (requires a lower court verdict first). 'Advisory' implies 'Advice' (not a binding dispute resolution). 'Writ' is for 'Rights' (Individual vs State). Since a dispute between the Centre and a State cannot be judged by a High Court (a subordinate federal unit cannot judge the Centre), it has no 'lower' court to start in. It must originate at the top. Hence, 'Original'.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS-2 (Federalism): Article 131 is the 'Safety Valve' of Indian Federalism. Link this to recent trends where States (e.g., Kerala on CAA, West Bengal on CBI) sue the Centre. It represents the shift from 'Cooperative Federalism' to 'Litigative Federalism'.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 1996 · Q26 Relevance score: 9.47

The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its

CDS-II · 2013 · Q113 Relevance score: 9.23

Power of the Supreme Court of India to decide the dispute between Centre and State falls under :

CDS-I · 2020 · Q106 Relevance score: 5.76

The power of the Supreme Court to decide in the case of a dispute between two or more States is called

CDS-I · 2017 · Q68 Relevance score: 4.66

Which of the following are the powers of the Supreme Court of India? 1. Original jurisdiction in a dispute between the Government of India and one or more States 2. The power to hear appeals from the High Courts 3. Passing decrees and orders for doing justice in any matter before it 4. Render advice to the President of India in matters of law Select the correct answer using the code given below.

CDS-I · 2011 · Q63 Relevance score: 4.19

The original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India extends to