'Civil and judicial authorities to act in aid of the Supreme Court' is the heading of:

Article 144 provides that all authorities, civil and judicial, in the territory of India shall act in aid of the Supreme Court.

Meaning of the provision:

• All government officials, police, administrative authorities and courts are bound to assist the Supreme Court in enforcing its orders and decrees.
• It ensures that the Court's decisions are carried out and are not ignored.

Why it is important:

• The Supreme Court does not have its own police force or executive machinery.
• It depends on the executive and other authorities to implement its judgments.
• Article 144 creates a constitutional duty for these authorities to help.

Link with other Articles:

• Article 141 says that the law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all courts in India.
• Article 142 allows the Supreme Court to pass any order necessary for doing complete justice, and such orders are enforceable throughout India.
• Together, these Articles make the Supreme Court's authority effective across the country.

Examples of use:

• When state governments delayed in implementing Supreme Court orders, for example on environmental protection, the Court has reminded them of their duty under Article 144.
• In cases relating to the implementation of guidelines on police reforms, sexual harassment and the right to food, the Court relied on the duty of authorities to carry out its directions.

Other Articles of this part:

• Article 145 empowers the Supreme Court to make rules for regulating its practice and procedure, with the approval of the President.
• Article 146 deals with the officers and servants of the Supreme Court and their expenses.
• Article 147 deals with the interpretation of references to substantial questions of law about the Constitution.

Contempt for disobedience:

Wilful disobedience of the Supreme Court's orders by an authority can be treated as contempt of court.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Article 142 deals with the enforcement of decrees and orders for complete justice.
• ✗Article 145 deals with rules of court.
• ✗Article 147 deals with interpretation.