BPSC CCE Prelims
Supreme Court Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Article 131 of the Indian Constitution grants the Supreme Court original jurisdiction to directly hear disputes between the Centre and States or between States.

Original jurisdiction means cases can be filed directly in the Supreme Court without going through lower courts, distinguishing it from appellate, advisory, or general constitutional jurisdiction.

Detailed Explanation:

Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue writs for enforcement of fundamental rights and other legal rights, while Article 32 empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs specifically for enforcement of fundamental rights.

❌ Option 1 – Incorrect: Disputes among States fall under Article 131 (original jurisdiction of Supreme Court only).

❌ Option 2 – Incorrect: Disputes between Centre and State also fall under Article 131 (exclusive to Supreme Court).

✅ Option 3 – Correct: Protection of fundamental rights is a shared jurisdiction—High Courts under Article 226 and Supreme Court under Article 32.

❌ Option 4 – Incorrect: Protection from violation of the Constitution is primarily through judicial review by Supreme Court under Article 13, 32, 136; High Courts have limited role.

Detailed Explanation:

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The Collegium system is used by the Supreme Court of India for appointing and transferring judges to higher judiciary through a collegium of senior judges.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Appellate jurisdiction under Articles 132-136 allows the Supreme Court to hear appeals against decisions of High Courts and tribunals.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Original jurisdiction under Article 131 empowers the Supreme Court to hear disputes directly between the Union and States or between States.

Since statements 1, 2, and 3 are all correct, the answer is Option 4 (More than one of the above).

Detailed Explanation:

Article 300 of the Indian Constitution explicitly deals with suits and proceedings by or against the Government of India and State Governments, specifying legal capacity and procedural requirements.

Government contracts fall under Article 299, Attorney General under Articles 76 and 165, and restrictions on trade and commerce under Articles 301-307 (Part XIII).

Therefore, Article 300 specifically addresses suits and proceedings, making Option 1 the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation:

A. S. Anand served as the 26th Chief Justice of India from October 10, 1998 to October 31, 2001, covering the late 1990s period mentioned in the question.

He was not appointed as Comptroller and Auditor General, Chief Vigilance Commissioner, or Attorney General during this timeframe.

Therefore, Option 2 (Chief Justice of India) is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation:

The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in India and holds the power of judicial review under Articles 13, 32, and 131–143. It can examine any law and strike it down if it violates the Constitution.

Article 32 grants citizens the right to approach the Supreme Court directly to enforce Fundamental Rights, while Article 137 empowers it to review its own judgments. As the guardian of the Constitution, the Court's interpretation is final and binding on all courts and authorities.

Therefore, the Supreme Court is the final interpreter of the Constitution, making Option 2 the correct answer.