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What is Article 138 of Indian constitution

 

What is Article 138 of Indian constitution

Article 138 of the Indian Constitution

Title: Enlargement of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court


What Article 138 States:

Article 138(1):
Parliament may, by law, enlarge the jurisdiction and powers of the Supreme Court, including in matters involving the Union Government and the States.

Article 138(2):
The Supreme Court's jurisdiction can also be extended to other matters (that are part of the Union List) if the concerned State gives consent, and Parliament makes a law to that effect.


Key Provisions Explained:

Clause

Meaning

(1)

Parliament can pass laws to increase the jurisdiction and powers of the Supreme Court beyond what is already defined in the Constitution.

(2)

For subjects in the Union List (Schedule 7), Parliament can allow the SC to hear cases involving a Statebut only if that State consents to it.


Why Article 138 Is Important:

  • Provides flexibility to adapt the role of the Supreme Court as the nation’s legal needs evolve.
  • Allows Parliament to increase SC’s authority in civil, criminal, or administrative matters.
  • Helps in bringing State-level issues under central judicial review, with consent.

Example:

If Parliament wants the Supreme Court to hear appeals on certain tax matters involving Centre and State, it can pass a law under Article 138(1).
If a State government consents, the SC can even hear specific disputes concerning that State, under Article 138(2).

 


MCQs on Article 138 – Enlargement of the Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court


Q1. What does Article 138 of the Indian Constitution primarily deal with?

A) Enforcement of Fundamental Rights
B) Enlargement of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
C) Writ jurisdiction of High Courts
D) Appointment of Supreme Court Judges
 Correct Answer: B


Q2. Under Article 138(1), the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court can be extended:

A) Only through a constitutional amendment
B) By a notification from the President
C) By a law made by Parliament
D) By a resolution of the Supreme Court
 Correct Answer: C


Q3. The Supreme Court's jurisdiction under Article 138 can be extended in respect of:

A) Matters concerning Fundamental Rights
B) Disputes between Union and States
C) Any matter within the jurisdiction of the High Courts
D) International treaties only
 Correct Answer: C


Q4. According to Article 138(2), in matters related to the State List, jurisdiction can be extended only with:

A) Presidential assent
B) Governor’s approval
C) Consent of the concerned State Government
D) Resolution of the Rajya Sabha
 Correct Answer: C


Q5. Which part and chapter of the Indian Constitution contains Article 138?

A) Part III, Chapter III
B) Part V, Chapter IV
C) Part VI, Chapter V
D) Part IV, Chapter II
 Correct Answer: B


Q6. The enlargement of jurisdiction under Article 138 is meant to:

A) Reduce High Court powers
B) Give more powers to President
C) Empower the Supreme Court to deal with additional matters
D) Limit Supreme Court’s workload
 Correct Answer: C


Q7. Which authority has the power to frame a law for enlarging the Supreme Court's jurisdiction under Article 138?

A) Supreme Court
B) Union Cabinet
C) Parliament of India
D) President of India
 Correct Answer: C


Q8. Article 138 applies to:

A) Civil matters only
B) Criminal matters only
C) Both civil and criminal matters within High Court jurisdiction
D) Religious matters exclusively
 Correct Answer: C


Q9. In which case can Parliament not enlarge the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court under Article 138?

A) Matters not within the jurisdiction of State High Courts
B) Matters requiring consent of a State
C) Matters of national emergency
D) Disputes under Article 131
 Correct Answer: B


Q10. Article 138 enables the Supreme Court to:

A) Review its own judgments
B) Exercise original jurisdiction in any matter
C) Exercise additional jurisdiction as Parliament may by law provide
D) Appoint High Court judges
 Correct Answer: C