The Supreme Court can hear appeals from High Court judgments, decrees, or final orders if the High Court certifies that the matter involves a substantial question of law.
Power of judicial review
The Supreme Court can examine the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive orders from the Central and State Governments.
If the Supreme Court finds that an act or order violates the Constitution, it can declare it illegal, unconstitutional, and invalid.
Constitutional interpretation
The Supreme Court’s interpretations of constitutional provisions serve as precedents and guide future cases.
Original jurisdiction
The Supreme Court can act as the original jurisdiction in disputes between the State and Central Government or between two or more Central Governments.
Appeal by special leave
The Supreme Court can grant special leave to appeal from any judgment, decree, determination, sentence, or order passed by any court or tribunal in India.
Passing laws
The Supreme Court judges have the authority to pass laws that apply to all the lower courts of India.
Transferring cases
The Supreme Court can transfer a case from one High Court to another if there are delayed decisions due to an increased number of cases.
Q2. Powers of the High Court
Judicial Review:
The High Court has the authority to review the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions, ensuring they comply with the law and protecting citizens’ rights.
Appellate Jurisdiction:
It hears appeals from lower courts, providing a mechanism for correcting errors in legal judgments and ensuring fair trials.
Original Jurisdiction:
The High Court can hear cases directly, especially those involving significant constitutional issues or disputes between states.
Writ Jurisdiction:
It can issue writs to enforce fundamental rights and ensure justice, acting as a guardian of individual liberties against state actions.
Advisory Jurisdiction:
The High Court can provide legal opinions to the government on matters of law, helping in the interpretation of statutes and constitutional provisions.
Q3. Powers of Election Commission of India.
Conducting Elections:
The Election Commission oversees and manages the entire electoral process in India, ensuring free and fair elections at all levels.
Voter Registration:
It is responsible for the registration of voters, maintaining an accurate and updated electoral roll to facilitate participation in elections.
Monitoring Election Campaigns:
The Commission regulates election campaigns, including the funding and expenditure of political parties and candidates, to ensure transparency and fairness.
Enforcement of Model Code of Conduct:
It enforces the Model Code of Conduct during elections to maintain a level playing field among candidates and parties.
Resolving Disputes:
The Election Commission has the authority to adjudicate disputes related to the conduct of elections, including issues of misconduct and violations of election laws.
Q4. Function of Election Commission of India
Conducting Elections:
Organizes and manages elections for Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Assemblies.
Voter Registration:
Oversees the registration of voters and maintains updated electoral rolls.
Monitoring Political Parties:
Regulates the registration and compliance of political parties.
Enforcement of Election
Laws: Ensures adherence to election laws and guidelines to maintain integrity.
Administering Election Technology:
Implements and supervises the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Conducting By-elections:
Manages by-elections to fill vacancies in legislative bodies.
Resolving Electoral Disputes:
Addresses complaints and disputes related to the electoral process.
Educating Voters:
Promotes voter awareness and participation through educational initiatives.-
Q5. Meaning and composition of Election Commission of India.
The election commission is an independent body that the Constitution of India set up to ensure a free and fair election.
The election commission of India is in charge of hosting the Lok Sabha elections.
The constitution has vested the election commission to direct, superintendent, and control the elections of the parliament, state legislature, the President, and the Vice President of India’s office.
Composition:
The President of India is in charge of appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and the other election commissioners
If any other EC is appointed, the CEC serves the role of the election commission’s Chairman
The President can appoint regional commissioners to assist the commission as well, such as a commissioner can be appointed chiefly to look after the Karnataka election commission
The President decides the tenure of the office and conditions of service of all the election commissioners