UPSC Prelims 2014 Q71: Indian Polity – Judiciary
The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the
States falls under its
- (a) advisory jurisdiction
- (b) appellate jurisdiction
- (c) original jurisdiction
- (d) writ jurisdiction
Answer: (c) original jurisdiction
Explanation
Supreme Court and Centre-State disputes
Under Article 131, the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over disputes:
between the Centre and one or more States, and between States.
| Jurisdiction | Article | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Original | 131 | Case comes directly to the Supreme Court; exclusive for federal disputes |
| Writ | 32 | Enforcement of Fundamental Rights |
| Appellate | 132 to 134 | Appeals from High Courts |
| Advisory | 143 | Opinion given to the President on reference |
Limits of Article 131:
| Not covered | Example |
|---|---|
| Pre-Constitution treaties | Agreements with former princely States |
| Inter-State water disputes | Barred by a law under Article 262 |
| Finance Commission matters | Excluded |
Answer: (c) original jurisdiction.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Advisory jurisdiction (Article 143) is for references by the President.
- (b) Incorrect. Appellate jurisdiction hears appeals from lower courts.
- (c) CORRECT. Centre-State disputes fall under the original jurisdiction (Article 131).
- (d) Incorrect. Writ jurisdiction (Article 32) enforces Fundamental Rights.
Key point
Article 131: exclusive original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in Centre-State and inter-State disputes. Article 32 writs; Article 143 advisory.
Remember
Centre-State disputes = Article 131, original jurisdiction.
Common mistakes
- Confusing original jurisdiction with writ jurisdiction.
- Thinking inter-State water disputes go under Article 131.
- Forgetting that this jurisdiction is exclusive to the Supreme Court.
Exam tip
Original = the case starts here. Federal disputes start in the Supreme Court.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 131, 143 and 262
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter on Supreme Court