Article 140 of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to enhance the powers of the Supreme Court for more effective functioning.
🔹 Text of Article 140 – Ancillary powers of Supreme Court
"Parliament may by law make provision for conferring upon the Supreme Court such supplemental powers not inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Constitution as may appear to be necessary or desirable for the purpose of enabling the Court more effectively to exercise the jurisdiction conferred upon it by or under this Constitution."
🔍 Explanation of Article 140:
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Purpose: To allow Parliament to give additional (supplemental) powers to the Supreme Court.
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These powers must:
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Not conflict with any existing constitutional provisions.
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Help the Court to better perform its jurisdictional duties.
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This ensures the Supreme Court can function smoothly and efficiently even if future complexities arise.
✅ In Simple Words:
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Article 140 gives Parliament the authority to add supportive powers to the Supreme Court so it can perform its duties better.
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These added powers must not violate the Constitution.
📘 Example Use:
If new types of cases or legal challenges arise that the original Constitution didn’t foresee, Parliament can pass a law giving the Supreme Court the required authority or tools to handle them effectively.
Here is an exam-ready chart for Articles 139 to 145 of the Indian Constitution, especially useful for UPSC, PCS, SSC, UKPSC, etc.
📘 Articles 139 to 145 – Supreme Court Related Provisions (Chart Format)
| Article | Subject | Explanation (Easy Language) |
|---|---|---|
| 139 | Power to issue writs | Parliament can give Supreme Court power to issue writs for purposes other than fundamental rights. |
| 140 | Supplemental powers | Parliament can give additional powers to the Supreme Court to help it work more effectively. |
| 141 | Law declared by SC binding | All courts in India must follow the law declared by the Supreme Court. |
| 142 | Enforcement of SC orders | Supreme Court can pass any order to ensure complete justice in a case. |
| 143 | Presidential reference | President can ask Supreme Court for advice on legal matters. (Advisory Jurisdiction) |
| 144 | Civil & judicial authorities to act in aid of SC | All authorities in India must help/enforce the decisions/orders of the Supreme Court. |
| 145 | Rules of Court | Supreme Court can make rules regarding its own procedures (with approval of President). |
✅ Tips for Remembering:
139-140 → Powers given by Parliament to SC
141-142 → Decisions and execution by SC
143 → Advice to the President
144 → Support from civil/judicial bodies
145 → Rules of working
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