UPSC Prelims 2014·GS1·polity-and-governance·judiciary

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

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. Aadvisory jurisdiction
  2. Bappellate jurisdiction
  3. Coriginal jurisdictionCorrect
  4. Dwrit jurisdiction

Explanation

The Supreme Court of India possesses various types of jurisdictions. Let's analyze the one relevant to disputes between the Centre and the States: Original Jurisdiction: This refers to the power of a court to hear a case for the first time, not by way of appeal. Article 131 of the Indian Constitution grants the Supreme Court exclusive original jurisdiction in disputes:between the Government of India and one or more States; or between the Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or more other States on the other; or between two or more States. Therefore, disputes between the Centre (Government of India) and the States fall directly under the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction. Advisory Jurisdiction: Under Article 143, the President can seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on a question of law or fact. This is an advisory role, not for resolving disputes between states or between the center and states. Appellate Jurisdiction: This involves the power of a higher court to review decisions made by lower courts. The Supreme Court hears appeals against judgments of High Courts and other tribunals. Writ Jurisdiction: Under Article 32, the Supreme Court has the power to issue various writs (Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto) for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
polity-and-governance: The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its

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