Actual Article
Article 131: Original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Supreme Court shall, to the exclusion of any other court, have original jurisdiction in any dispute:
- Between the Government of India and one or more States; or
- Between the Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or more other States on the other; or
- Between two or more States,
If and in so far as the dispute involves any question (whether of law or fact) on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends:
Provided that the said jurisdiction shall not extend to a dispute arising out of any treaty, agreement, covenant, engagement, sanad, or other similar instrument which, having been entered into or executed before the commencement of this Constitution, continues in operation after such commencement, or which provides that the said jurisdiction shall not extend to such a dispute.
UPSC Notes for Article 131
Explanation:
- Original Jurisdiction:
- The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in disputes involving:
- The Government of India and one or more States.
- The Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or more other States on the other.
- Two or more States.
- This means such disputes can be directly brought before the Supreme Court, bypassing lower courts.
- Exclusion of Other Courts:
- No other court has jurisdiction over these disputes, giving the Supreme Court exclusive authority.
- Legal Rights:
- The disputes must involve questions of law or fact on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends.
- Exclusions:
- The Supreme Court’s jurisdiction does not cover disputes arising from treaties, agreements, covenants, engagements, sanads, or similar instruments entered into before the commencement of the Constitution, unless such instruments explicitly provide for such jurisdiction.
Key Points:
- Exclusive Authority: Ensures that significant disputes between states or between the central and state governments are decided by the highest judicial authority.
- Direct Access: Parties can directly approach the Supreme Court for resolution, ensuring a speedy and authoritative resolution of disputes.
- Legal Clarity: Involves questions of legal rights, ensuring that the Supreme Court clarifies and interprets the law at the highest level.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 131
Cases:
- State of Karnataka vs. Union of India (1977): The Supreme Court held that it had the jurisdiction to decide disputes between the central government and one or more states, emphasizing its role under Article 131.
- State of Rajasthan vs. Union of India (1977): The court discussed the extent of its original jurisdiction and the nature of disputes it could adjudicate under Article 131.
Commissions:
- Sarkaria Commission: Focused on Centre-State relations and emphasized the importance of the Supreme Court’s role in resolving inter-governmental disputes.
- National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) (2002): Recommended measures to enhance the effectiveness of the judicial system, including the Supreme Court’s role in federal disputes.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 131
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) The original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India extends to disputes:
- A. Between the Government of India and one or more States
- B. Between two or more States
- C. Both A and B
- D. None of the above Correct Answer: C. Both A and B
- (UPSC Prelims 2020) Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides the Supreme Court with original jurisdiction to resolve disputes between the Government of India and one or more States?
- A. Article 124
- B. Article 131
- C. Article 136
- D. Article 143 Correct Answer: B. Article 131
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 131
- Mains 2017: “Discuss the significance of Article 131 in maintaining federal balance in India. How does the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court under this article contribute to resolving inter-governmental disputes?”
- Mains 2019: “Analyze the role of the Supreme Court in adjudicating disputes under its original jurisdiction as outlined in Article 131. How does this jurisdiction impact Centre-State relations?”
Additional Insights:
- Federal Balance: Article 131 plays a crucial role in maintaining the federal balance by providing a mechanism for resolving disputes between the central and state governments, or among states.
- Judicial Authority: The exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in such matters underscores its authority and ensures uniformity in the interpretation of constitutional provisions affecting federal relations.
- Efficient Resolution: Direct access to the Supreme Court for these disputes helps in their efficient resolution, avoiding prolonged litigation in lower courts.
Understanding Article 131 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it outlines the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, ensuring the resolution of significant inter-governmental disputes. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the constitutional provisions that govern federal relations and the role of the judiciary within India’s legal framework.