What is Article 140 of Indian Constitution – Defination & Meaning

Article 140: Ancillary powers of Supreme Court Parliament may by law make provision for conferring upon the Supreme Court such supplemental powers not
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Article Number

140

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Part V – The Union

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Bare Acts Text

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.
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Full Definition & Explanation

Article 140 of the Indian Constitution gives Parliament the authority to provide the Supreme Court with additional powers. These powers are meant to help the Court perform its functions more effectively. The goal is to ensure that the Supreme Court can handle cases efficiently and uphold justice in a way that aligns with the Constitution. This article emphasizes the importance of flexibility in how the Supreme Court operates, adapting to the needs of the legal system at any given time. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in India, and its role is critical in maintaining the rule of law and interpreting the Constitution. By allowing Parliament to confer supplemental powers, Article 140 acknowledges that the legal landscape can change. This adaptability can enhance the Court’s jurisdiction and help address new legal challenges as they arise. For example, if new technologies or social issues emerge, Parliament can create laws that empower the Supreme Court to deal with these effectively. This can include issues like cyber laws, environmental justice, or human rights concerns. Article 140 primarily affects the judicial system and the functioning of the Supreme Court. However, it does not allow the Parliament to provide powers that conflict with the Constitution. This means that any supplemental powers must align with existing laws and principles. As a result, Article 140 serves as a bridge between legislative action and judicial need, ensuring that the Supreme Court can operate efficiently and effectively in its mandate to deliver justice.

Historical Context

Article 140 was part of the original Constitution adopted in 1950. During the Constituent Assembly debates, members discussed the need for a robust judiciary that could adapt to changing times and circumstances. The framers aimed to ensure that the Supreme Court could meet the demands of justice as society evolved. Although the article has not been amended, its implications have been clarified through various Supreme Court judgments. For instance, the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973 emphasized the need to preserve the Constitution’s basic structure while interpreting such supplemental powers. This ensures that while the Supreme Court may receive additional powers, it remains anchored to the fundamental principles of justice and democracy.

Key Features

– Parliament can grant additional powers to the Supreme Court.
– Supplemental powers must not conflict with the Constitution’s provisions.
– The article allows for judicial flexibility and adaptability in operations.
– It aims to enhance the overall effectiveness of the Supreme Court.
– Empowered courts can better address contemporary legal challenges and issues.

Importance & Impact

– Article 140 enables the Supreme Court to handle cases with enhanced efficiency.
– It allows Parliament to confer updated judicial powers as legal needs arise.
– The article promotes a balanced relationship between legislative and judicial authority.
– Judicial adaptability through Article 140 helps protect citizens’ rights effectively.
– This provision supports the pursuit of justice in a changing legal environment.

Sample UPSC Question

Consider the following statements about Article 140: 1. Article 140 allows Parliament to confer supplemental powers on the Supreme Court. 2. Parliament can use Article 140 to give the Supreme Court completely new original jurisdiction. 3. Article 140 powers must be consistent with other provisions of the Constitution. 4. Article 140 is a general enabling provision to make the Supreme Court’s existing jurisdiction effective. Which statements are correct? a) 1 and 3 only b) 1, 3 and 4 only c) 2 and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer

Answer: b) 1, 3 and 4 only Statement 1 is correct — Article 140 gives Parliament power to confer supplemental powers. Statement 2 is wrong — Article 140 is for ancillary and supplemental powers, not for conferring completely new original jurisdiction; that is done under Article 138. Statement 3 is correct — Article 140 explicitly requires the powers to be consistent with the Constitution. Statement 4 is correct — the provision makes existing jurisdiction effective.

Key Takeaways

✓ Parliament can grant extra powers to the Supreme Court as needed.
✓ Supplemental powers must always align with the Constitution’s fundamental principles.
✓ The article promotes flexibility in judicial functions over time.
✓ It enhances the Supreme Court’s ability to deliver justice effectively.
✓ Article 140 supports the judiciary in a dynamic legal landscape.

FAQs

Article 140 allows Parliament to grant additional powers to the Supreme Court. This means that if the Court needs more authority to handle specific cases, Parliament can legislate accordingly. For instance, in evolving fields like technology, new laws can empower the Court to address issues effectively. However, these powers must still align with the Constitution’s fundamental principles, ensuring a balance of power.

No, Article 140 does not allow changes to the Supreme Court’s necessary functions. It provides supplemental powers that enhance the Court’s ability to perform its existing roles. For example, if new legal challenges arise, Parliament can grant powers to help the Court adapt without altering its core responsibilities. This maintains the integrity and structure of the judiciary.

Article 140 plays a key role in adapting judicial powers to evolving legal contexts. It allows the Supreme Court to address contemporary issues more effectively, ensuring the judiciary remains relevant. This flexibility supports the rule of law, enhances access to justice, and empowers the Court to respond to new challenges faced by society.

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Pramod is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of StudyHub. He holds a Master's degree and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geology, alongside more than 7+ years spent building and verifying competitive exam content for Indian aspirants. He leads StudyHub's editorial process across Indian Polity, the Constitution, Indian Economy, History, Geography, Science, and the platform's other subject areas — checking every article against primary sources (bare act text and Gazette notifications for constitutional topics, government and Economic Survey data for economy content, standard reference material elsewhere) and flagging it for re-verification whenever a relevant amendment, policy, or data update makes an earlier version outdated.
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