The power of the Supreme Court to decide disputes between the Centre and states, or between two or more states, directly as a court of first instance is called its:

Under Article 131, the Supreme Court has exclusive original jurisdiction in disputes between the Government of India and one or more states, between the Government of India and any state or states on one side and one or more other states on the other, and between two or more states.

Meaning of original jurisdiction:

• The case is heard by the Supreme Court in the first instance, not on appeal from a lower court.
• "Exclusive" means that no other court can hear such disputes.

Conditions:

• The dispute must involve a question of law or fact on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends.
• Disputes of a purely political nature are not covered.
• Disputes brought by private individuals against the Centre or states are not covered under Article 131.

Exceptions:

• Disputes arising out of pre-constitutional treaties, agreements or similar instruments.
• Inter-state water disputes, which are dealt with by tribunals under Article 262 and the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
• Matters referred to the Finance Commission.
• Adjustment of certain expenses and pensions between the Centre and states.

Examples:

In State of Karnataka v. Union of India (1977), Karnataka challenged the Centre's power to appoint a commission of inquiry against its Chief Minister.

In recent years, states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu have filed suits under Article 131 against central laws or actions.

Other jurisdictions of the Supreme Court:

• Writ jurisdiction (Article 32): enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
• Appellate jurisdiction (Articles 132 to 134 and 136): hearing appeals from lower courts.
• Advisory jurisdiction (Article 143): giving opinions on questions referred by the President.
• Review jurisdiction (Article 137): reviewing its own judgments.

Federal character:

Original jurisdiction under Article 131 shows the Supreme Court's role as a federal court, settling disputes between the units of the federation.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Appellate jurisdiction deals with appeals.
• ✗Advisory jurisdiction deals with the President's references.
• ✗Writ jurisdiction deals with enforcing rights.