Actual Article
Article 130: Seat of Supreme Court
The Supreme Court shall sit in Delhi or in such other place or places, as the Chief Justice of India may, with the approval of the President, from time to time, appoint.
UPSC Notes for Article 130
Explanation:
- Seat of the Supreme Court:
- The primary seat of the Supreme Court is in Delhi.
- The Chief Justice of India (CJI) has the authority to appoint other places for the Court to sit, but this requires the approval of the President.
Key Points:
- Primary Location: The Supreme Court is primarily located in Delhi, ensuring a centralized location for the highest judicial authority in India.
- Flexibility: The provision allows for flexibility in the Court’s location, enabling the Supreme Court to sit in other places if needed.
- Executive Approval: Any change in the location requires the approval of the President, ensuring a balance between judicial autonomy and executive oversight.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 130
Cases:
- Union of India vs. R. Gandhi (2010): Although not directly related to Article 130, this case discussed the broader powers of the Chief Justice and the need for maintaining the effective functioning of the judiciary.
- Tirupati Balaji Developers Pvt. Ltd. vs. State of Bihar (2004): Highlighted the logistical considerations in judicial proceedings and the need for accessible judicial forums, indirectly supporting the flexibility provided in Article 130.
Commissions:
- Second Administrative Reforms Commission: Suggested measures to enhance judicial accessibility, including the possible need for regional benches of the Supreme Court.
- National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) (2002): Recommended exploring the feasibility of establishing benches of the Supreme Court in different regions to improve access to justice.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 130
- (UPSC Prelims 2017) The seat of the Supreme Court of India is primarily located in:
- A. Mumbai
- B. Kolkata
- C. Delhi
- D. Chennai Correct Answer: C. Delhi
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) Who has the authority to appoint the seat of the Supreme Court in places other than Delhi with the approval of the President?
- A. The Prime Minister
- B. The Chief Justice of India
- C. The Attorney General
- D. The Parliament Correct Answer: B. The Chief Justice of India
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 130
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of Article 130 in the context of judicial accessibility and the functioning of the Supreme Court. How does the provision for the seat of the Supreme Court impact the judiciary?”
- Mains 2019: “Analyze the role of the Chief Justice of India in determining the seat of the Supreme Court under Article 130. How does this provision balance judicial autonomy with executive oversight?”
Additional Insights:
- Judicial Accessibility: Article 130 ensures that the Supreme Court can be more accessible by allowing it to sit in locations other than Delhi if necessary.
- Centralization and Flexibility: While maintaining a central seat in Delhi for coherence and consistency, the provision for other locations ensures that the Supreme Court can address regional legal issues more effectively.
- Balanced Decision-Making: The requirement for the President’s approval ensures that decisions about the Court’s location are made with broader governmental coordination and oversight, balancing judicial needs with executive considerations.
Understanding Article 130 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it outlines the provisions for the seat of the Supreme Court, ensuring flexibility and accessibility while maintaining centralized judicial authority. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the constitutional provisions that support the effective functioning of the judiciary within India’s legal framework.