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:
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The Government of India and one or more States
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Two or more States
These cases cannot be heard by any other court.
✅ Key Provisions Explained:
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What is "Original Jurisdiction"?
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It means the Supreme Court can directly hear the case (it doesn’t come as an appeal from a lower court).
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Article 131 gives exclusive power to SC for these types of cases.
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Who Can Be Parties to the Dispute?
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Government of India vs. One or More States
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One State vs. Another State
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Government of India & One or More States vs. Other State(s)
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What Kind of Disputes?
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Disputes must involve a question of law or fact on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends.
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Examples: Water disputes, boundary disputes, constitutional interpretation between states and Centre.
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❌ What is Excluded?
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Disputes under Inter-State Water Disputes Act, taxation matters, or those covered by other constitutional provisions are excluded.
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🏛️ Why Article 131 Is Important:
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Ensures federal balance by resolving disputes between Centre and States.
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Provides a neutral constitutional forum to resolve high-level conflicts.
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Upholds the principle of unity and integrity of India through peaceful dispute resolution.
🧾 Examples:
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State of West Bengal vs. Union of India (1963): Dispute over ownership of coal mines — heard under Article 131.
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State boundary disputes, like between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, can fall under this article.
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