Actual Article
Article 141: Law declared by the Supreme Court to be binding on all courts
The law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding on all courts within the territory of India.
UPSC Notes for Article 141
Explanation:
- Binding Precedent:
- The Supreme Court’s decisions are binding on all other courts within India.
- Ensures uniformity and consistency in the application of law across the country.
Key Points:
- Judicial Precedent: Establishes the principle of stare decisis, meaning that lower courts must follow the legal principles established by higher courts.
- Consistency in Law: Promotes legal certainty and predictability, ensuring that similar cases are decided similarly across all courts.
- Supreme Court’s Authority: Reinforces the Supreme Court’s role as the highest judicial authority, whose interpretations of the law must be followed by all other courts.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 141
Cases:
- Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala (1973): Established the basic structure doctrine and has been a binding precedent for subsequent cases.
- Golaknath vs. State of Punjab (1967): A landmark decision that influenced constitutional amendments and has been a binding precedent for other courts.
Commissions:
- Law Commission of India: Various reports have emphasized the importance of binding precedents in maintaining the integrity and consistency of the legal system.
- National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) (2002): Suggested measures to ensure the consistent application of Supreme Court rulings across all courts.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 141
- (UPSC Prelims 2017) Which Article of the Indian Constitution states that the law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding on all courts within the territory of India?
- A. Article 136
- B. Article 137
- C. Article 141
- D. Article 143 Correct Answer: C. Article 141
- (UPSC Prelims 2019) The principle that the law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all courts within India is enshrined in which Article of the Constitution?
- A. Article 141
- B. Article 142
- C. Article 143
- D. Article 144 Correct Answer: A. Article 141
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 141
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of Article 141 in the context of judicial precedent and the uniform application of law in India. How does this provision enhance legal certainty and consistency?”
- Mains 2019: “Analyze the role of the Supreme Court under Article 141 in shaping the legal landscape of India. How does the binding nature of Supreme Court judgments impact the judicial system?”
Additional Insights:
- Uniform Application of Law: Article 141 ensures that the interpretation and application of laws remain uniform across the country, reducing discrepancies in judicial decisions.
- Legal Certainty: Provides legal certainty to citizens, lawyers, and judges by ensuring that the law as declared by the Supreme Court is consistently applied.
- Judicial Hierarchy: Reinforces the hierarchical nature of the judiciary, with the Supreme Court at the apex, guiding lower courts through its interpretations and decisions.
Understanding Article 141 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it outlines the principle that the law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all courts, ensuring uniformity and consistency in the application of law. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering insights into the mechanisms that support the effective administration of justice in India.