SSC
The Article of the Constitution that allows Parliament to confer ancillary powers on the Supreme Court is:
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Answer: Option B — Article 140
Detailed Solution
Article 140 allows Parliament, by law, to confer upon the Supreme Court such supplemental powers, not inconsistent with the Constitution, as may be necessary or desirable to enable the Court to exercise more effectively the jurisdiction given to it by the Constitution.
Meaning of ancillary powers:
- Ancillary powers are additional or supporting powers that help the Court carry out its main functions.
- They do not create new areas of jurisdiction; they make the existing jurisdiction more effective.
Related Articles that enlarge the powers of the Supreme Court:
- Article 138 allows Parliament to enlarge the jurisdiction and powers of the Supreme Court on matters in the Union List, and on other matters if the Centre and a state agree.
- Article 139 allows Parliament to confer on the Supreme Court the power to issue writs for purposes other than the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
Other important powers of the Supreme Court:
- Article 141: the law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all courts.
- Article 142: power to make any order needed to do complete justice.
- Article 143: advisory jurisdiction.
- Article 145: power to make rules of practice and procedure.
Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court:
- Writ jurisdiction for enforcing Fundamental Rights under Article 32.
- Appellate jurisdiction in constitutional, civil and criminal matters.
- Special leave to appeal under Article 136.
- Advisory jurisdiction under Article 143.
- Power of judicial review.
Why Parliament can enlarge but not curtail certain powers:
- Parliament can add to the Supreme Court's jurisdiction and powers.
- However, it cannot take away the core powers given by the Constitution, such as judicial review and the power under Article 32, which are part of the basic structure.
Why not the other options?
- ✗Article 138 enlarges jurisdiction on specified subjects.
- ✗Article 139 deals with writ powers for other purposes.
- ✗Article 146 deals with the officers and servants of the Supreme Court.
Quick tip
Remember: Article 140 = ancillary powers of the Supreme Court conferred by Parliament.
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Judiciary — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of Judiciary, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
This topic covers the Indian judiciary: the Supreme Court, High Courts and subordinate courts, the appointment and removal of judges, the collegium system, original, appellate and advisory jurisdiction, judicial review, public interest litigation, and bodies such as Lok Adalats and tribunals. Exams test the article that establishes the Supreme Court (Article 124), its advisory jurisdiction (Article 143), the power of High Courts to issue writs (Article 226), and the process for removing judges. Landmark judgments and the first holders of key judicial posts are also common, especially in law entrance exams such as CLAT and MAH LAW CET. Practise the judiciary questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.