POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE SUPREME COURT

1.     Court of Record

1.     The Supreme Court is a court of record

2.     What this means is that its records are admitted to be of evidentiary value and cannot be questioned in any court

3.     As a court of record, it also enjoys the power to punish for contempt of court

2.     Judicial Review

1.     Judicial Review means that the Court can ensure that laws passed by the legislature and orders issued by the executive do not contravene the Constitution

2.     If these laws or orders go against the Constitution, the Court can declare them unconstitutional and hence invalid

3.     The Court also protects the Fundamental Rights of citizens through various types of writs

3.     Other powers

1.     The Supreme Court appoints its officers and servants in consultation with the UPSC and determines their conditions of service, in consultation with the President

2.     It can make rules regarding the practice and procedure of the court with the approval of the President

3.     It can appoint arbitrators to decide cases relating to costs incurred by state governments in carrying out directions of the Union government

4.     It adjudicates disputes relating to the election of the President and Vice-President

5.     It can recommend the removal of the Chairman and members of the UPSC to the President