Article 133 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Appellate jurisdiction of Supreme Court in civil matters
📜 What Article 133 Says:
Article 133 provides the Supreme Court with the power to hear appeals in civil cases from decisions of High Courts in India.
✅ Key Provisions Explained:
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Scope:
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Deals specifically with civil cases (non-criminal matters like property, contracts, family law, etc.).
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When Can an Appeal Be Made?
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An appeal can go to the Supreme Court only if the High Court certifies:
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That the case involves a substantial question of law of general importance, and
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That the question needs to be decided by the Supreme Court.
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No Monetary Limit (Post-1972 Amendment):
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Earlier, appeals required a minimum monetary value, but the 30th Amendment (1972) removed that.
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Now, only the legal importance of the issue matters — not the money involved.
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Certificate of Appeal:
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Like Article 132, the High Court must issue a certificate under Article 134A saying the case is fit for appeal.
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🏛️ Why Article 133 Is Important:
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Provides access to the highest court in important civil matters.
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Ensures consistency in interpretation of civil laws across the country.
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Acts as a filter so that only significant legal questions go to the Supreme Court, not routine civil appeals.
🧾 Example:
If two parties dispute over a land property and the High Court rules on it, but the case involves a key legal principle affecting many others (e.g., interpretation of a land reform law), the losing party can appeal to the Supreme Court under Article 133, if certified.
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