THE HISTORICAL JOURNEY OF APEX COURT OF INDIA

Background:

In the last blog, I had briefly discussed how the court system in India got shaped over the time under the British Raj. In 1947 when India attained full independence the Federal Courts were abolished to make way for Supreme Court to be established and over the time it was made the apex court of India.

In the last 70 years of functioning, the Supreme Court has been a witness to watch India being evolved from being a British colony to becoming a strong and independent secular democracy. I would not be wrong to say that the Supreme Court has played a very pivotal role in shaping India’s dream to become a secular democracy and protect its constitution whenever required. The Supreme Court not only established its place to be the highest court of India but also the court for the people. Some might wonder the history behind shaping of this incredible place of justice! It’s not a piece of cake to fit the whole journey of the Supreme Court in just one blog, yet the story is worth reading for all of us. The Inauguration:

Supreme Court had its first ever session on 28th January, 1950; a couple of days after India adopted its Constitution and became a sovereign democratic republic. The place where the session took place was the Chamber of Princes in the Parliament building. The Federal Court functioned in this very chamber for 12 years before they were replaced by the Supreme Court. Supreme Court functioned from this building for 8 years before moving into the original building where it stands today.

The Original number of judges consisted of 7 judges from different bar councils across India. Today the number stands at 26 sitting judges including Chief Justice of India. Sir H.J Kania was appointed as the first Chief justice of India. But it is not a unique thing about him! The more unique thing for Sir Kania other than being the first Chief Justice of India was that he was also the last Chief Justice of the Federal Court that was abolished in 1950.

The Journey:

Since its inception, the Supreme Court had been known as the guardian of the Constitution and the ultimate court to take a bold decision. It has seen its share of Good, Bad and worst decisions. Golaknath to Historic Ayodhya Case decision, The Court made only one example to be that one place where justice is not denied. The same we can see in the seal of Supreme Court that reads “Yato Dharmastato Jayah” which means “Whence Justice, Thence victory”. I believe that it is because of this principle that in the Nazz Foundation case, the LGBTQ community was finally recognized as the third Gender or another landmark decision where Homosexuality was decriminalized or historic judgement of 2017 in which Triple Talaq was declared unconstitutional, the Supreme Court has always stood for what is right and where justice is served.

The symbols of what the Supreme Court stands for can be seen on its very lawn where a sculpture was installed on 20th February, 1980. It portrays Mother India in the form of the figure of a lady, sheltering the young Republic of India represented by the symbol of a child, who is upholding the laws of land symbolically shown in the form of an open book. In the book, a balance beam is shown, which represents the dispensation of equal justice to all. I got a privilege to visit the Supreme Court in one my of College trips. Once you enter the premises, you are just sucked into the aura which it creates around itself. It is a mesmerizing building designed beautifully by our Constitution.

The History of Supreme Court and the works it did in any way can’t be discussed in one small blog. I would like all of my friends to read more about our Apex Court and gain experience from it.

With this I end my blog. Stay safe, stay healthy. OM SHANTI.