UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 26: Polity and Governance
The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Article 131 gives the Supreme Court original jurisdiction, exclusive of other courts, in disputes between the Centre and one or more states, between the Centre and some states on one side and other states on the other, and between states, where a legal right is involved. Appellate jurisdiction hears appeals from lower courts; advisory jurisdiction (Article 143) answers the President's references. Remember: Centre-State dispute - Article 131 - original.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Advisory jurisdiction is the Court's opinion on a reference by the President, not a dispute between governments.
- (b) Appellate jurisdiction hears appeals from lower courts; disputes between governments are taken straight to the Court.
- (c) Right: Article 131 gives the Court original jurisdiction in Centre-State disputes.
- (d) Constitutional jurisdiction is not a standard head of the Court's jurisdiction.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.