Answer the following questions with group discussion.

Explain the functions of Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the country. It performs many functions, including:

a. Original Powers: These include- i) conflict resolution between the Union and the States, and between the States, ii) taking case pertaining to the Fundamental Rights of citizens, iii) Interpreting the Constitution, passing on writs and ensuring that new legislation do not violate the basic principles of the Constitution.

b. Appellate Powers: Citizens can approach the Supreme Court against the judgements delivered in their case by the lower courts. The Supreme Court may accept such appeals and even reverse the judgement of the lower court.

c. Advisory Powers: The Supreme Court may offer advice to the President in matters of public interest. These are not binding on the President, and he may consult the court for legality of agreement between and within states, or States and the Central government.

d. Court of Record: The Supreme court serves as a court of Record, which means that any judgement in the Supreme Court serves as a precedent and can be cited in other cases.

e. Advisory to the States: Just like the President, the states can also approach the Supreme Court for advice

f. Public Interest Litigation: The Supreme Court can directly hear cases in matters pertaining to human rights violation, if appropriate PIL is filed and the court deems it necessary in public interest.

g. Special Writs: The court can take away and hear cases without them being heard in lower courts, can ask lower courts to reverse their decision, can ask anyone to appear before the court and can punish individuals who do not abide by the orders of the courts. There are special writs for these provisions like quo warranto, Habeas Corpus, Prohibition etc.