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What is Article 131 of indian constitution

 

Article 131 of the Indian Constitution

Title: Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court


📜 Text Summary:

Article 131 grants the Supreme Court exclusive and original jurisdiction to hear certain disputes between:

  • The Government of India and one or more States

  • Two or more States

These cases cannot be heard by any other court.


Key Provisions Explained:

  1. What is "Original Jurisdiction"?

    • It means the Supreme Court can directly hear the case (it doesn’t come as an appeal from a lower court).

    • Article 131 gives exclusive power to SC for these types of cases.

  2. Who Can Be Parties to the Dispute?

    • Government of India vs. One or More States

    • One State vs. Another State

    • Government of India & One or More States vs. Other State(s)

  3. What Kind of Disputes?

    • Disputes must involve a question of law or fact on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends.

    • Examples: Water disputes, boundary disputes, constitutional interpretation between states and Centre.

  4. What is Excluded?

    • Disputes under Inter-State Water Disputes Act, taxation matters, or those covered by other constitutional provisions are excluded.


🏛️ Why Article 131 Is Important:

  • Ensures federal balance by resolving disputes between Centre and States.

  • Provides a neutral constitutional forum to resolve high-level conflicts.

  • Upholds the principle of unity and integrity of India through peaceful dispute resolution.


🧾 Examples:

  • State of West Bengal vs. Union of India (1963): Dispute over ownership of coal mines — heard under Article 131.

  • State boundary disputes, like between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, can fall under this article.