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SSC GD Constable Supreme Court & High Courts

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This page covers SSC GD Constable Supreme Court & High Courts with complete concept notes, 16 graded practice MCQs, key points and exam-specific tips. Free to study.

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Concept Notes

Supreme Court & High Courts— Rules & Concept

Core ConceptRead this first — the foundation of the topic

The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority in the country, while High Courts serve as the highest courts in states and union territories. Understanding their composition, powers, and functions is crucial for SSC CGL exams. The Supreme Court consists of a Chief Justice and up to 33 other judges (total 34). Originally, it had 8 judges including the Chief Justice. Judges are appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice and other judges. They retire at age 65. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is the administrative head.

High Courts have a Chief Justice and other judges as determined by the President. High Court judges retire at age 62. Currently, there are 25 High Courts in India. Some High Courts have jurisdiction over multiple states (like Guwahati High Court covers 4 states). Key Powers and Jurisdiction:

Supreme Court has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction. Original jurisdiction includes disputes between states or between center and states. Appellate jurisdiction covers appeals from High Courts. Advisory jurisdiction means the President can seek its opinion on constitutional matters. The Supreme Court is the guardian of the Constitution and fundamental rights. High Courts have original jurisdiction in their territorial limits and appellate jurisdiction over subordinate courts. They can issue writs like habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and quo warranto.

Exam PatternsWhat examiners ask — read before attempting PYQs

SSC CGL frequently asks about the number of judges, retirement age, appointment process, and jurisdiction. Questions often test the difference between Supreme Court and High Court powers. Constitutional articles related to these courts are commonly asked. Memory Trick: 'Supreme 65, High 62' - Remember retirement ages 'HAPCO' - Five types of writs (Habeas corpus, Attractive/mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo warranto)

Worked ExampleSolve this step-by-step before moving on
1
Step 1

Check retirement age - Supreme Court judges retire at 65, not 62. Option A is wrong.

2
Step 2

Check maximum strength - Originally 8, later increased. Current maximum is 34 (1 CJI + 33 others). Option B says 31, which is incorrect.

3
Step 3

Check jurisdiction - Supreme Court has original, appellate, AND advisory jurisdiction, not only appellate. Option C is wrong.

4
Step 4

Verify option D - Maximum strength is indeed 34. This is correct. Answer: D

Exam TrapsCommon mistakes students make — avoid these

Students often confuse the retirement ages (Supreme Court: 65, High Court: 62) and the total number of judges. Also, many forget that some High Courts have jurisdiction over multiple states, while others assume each state has one High Court.

Key Points to Remember

  • Supreme Court maximum strength is 34 judges (1 Chief Justice + 33 others)
  • Supreme Court judges retire at age 65, High Court judges at age 62
  • Currently there are 25 High Courts in India
  • Supreme Court has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction
  • High Courts can issue five types of writs: habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, quo warranto
  • Some High Courts have jurisdiction over multiple states
  • Judges are appointed by President in consultation with Chief Justice
  • Supreme Court is the final interpreter of the Constitution

Exam-Specific Tips

  • Supreme Court originally had 8 judges including Chief Justice
  • Current maximum strength of Supreme Court is 34 judges
  • There are 25 High Courts in India
  • Supreme Court judges retire at age 65
  • High Court judges retire at age 62
  • Guwahati High Court has jurisdiction over 4 northeastern states
  • Supreme Court was established on 26 January 1950
  • Article 124 deals with establishment of Supreme Court
Practice MCQs

Supreme Court & High Courts — Practice Questions

16graded MCQs · easy to hard · full solution & trap analysis

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Practice 1easy

Which of the following is NOT a Fundamental Right under Part III of the Indian Constitution?

Practice 2easy

Under which Article of the Indian Constitution can a citizen move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights?

Practice 3easy

A High Court can issue writs for enforcement of Fundamental Rights under which Article of the Indian Constitution?

Practice 4easy

Which Constitutional Amendment removed the Right to Property from the list of Fundamental Rights?

Practice 5easy

Which Article of the Indian Constitution grants the right to constitutional remedies and empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs for enforcement of Fundamental Rights?

Practice 6medium

Which Article of the Indian Constitution guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty, and has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to live with human dignity?

Practice 7medium

Under Article 32 of the Indian Constitution, which of the following is NOT a writ that can be issued by the Supreme Court to enforce fundamental rights?

Practice 8medium

Which of the following statements about the jurisdiction of High Courts under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution is CORRECT?

Practice 9medium

Which Article of the Indian Constitution defines the composition and powers of the Supreme Court, including the number of judges?

Practice 10medium

Which Article of the Indian Constitution grants the power to the Supreme Court to issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights?

Practice 11hard

Which Article of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to constitutional remedies, and under which landmark case did the Supreme Court expand its scope to include Public Interest Litigation (PIL)?

Practice 12hard

Under Article 131 of the Indian Constitution, which type of dispute falls within the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

Practice 13hard

The 42nd Amendment to the Indian Constitution, passed in 1976, made significant changes to the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles. Which of the following was NOT a change introduced by the 42nd Amendment?

Practice 14hard

In the landmark case Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), the Supreme Court established the doctrine of 'Basic Structure' of the Constitution. Which of the following is NOT considered part of the Basic Structure as per subsequent judicial interpretation?

Practice 15hard

Article 226 of the Indian Constitution grants High Courts the power to issue writs. In which of the following situations would a High Court issue a writ of 'Mandamus'?

Practice 16hard

Under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution, which of the following writs can be issued by a High Court to compel a public official to perform a mandatory public duty that they have unlawfully refused or neglected to perform?

60-Second Revision — Supreme Court & High Courts

  • Remember: Supreme Court 65 years retirement, High Court 62 years
  • Formula: Maximum SC strength = 1 CJI + 33 others = 34 total
  • Count: 25 High Courts currently functioning in India
  • Jurisdiction: SC has original + appellate + advisory powers
  • Writs: Remember HAPCO - 5 types issued by High Courts
  • Trap: Some High Courts cover multiple states, not one-to-one mapping
  • Key Article: Article 124 establishes Supreme Court
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