When was the Supreme Court of India inaugurated?

Question

Prepp Team · Accepted Answer

Understanding the Supreme Court of India Inauguration Date

The question asks for the specific date when the Supreme Court of India was officially inaugurated. Understanding this date is important for comprehending the operational beginning of India's highest judicial body under the Constitution.

The Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950. This date is celebrated as Republic Day. While the Constitution established the framework for the Supreme Court, the Court itself began its formal functioning a couple of days later.

Analyzing the Options for the Supreme Court Inauguration

Let's look at the options provided:

26 January 1952: This date is well after the Constitution came into effect and the Supreme Court was established. India was already functioning as a republic by this time.
28 January 1952: Similar to the previous option, this date is too late compared to the commencement of the Constitution and the actual establishment of the Supreme Court.
26 January 1948: India was still under British dominion rule in 1948. The Constitution of India was not yet enacted, and therefore, the Supreme Court under the new Constitution could not have been inaugurated. The Federal Court of India existed before independence and until the Supreme Court took over.
28 January 1950: This date is just two days after India became a Republic and its Constitution came into force. This is the date when the Supreme Court of India formally commenced its sittings and operations.

The Significance of 28 January 1950

Following the adoption of the Constitution of India on 26 January 1950, the Supreme Court of India was inaugurated. The inauguration ceremony took place in the Chamber of Princes in the Parliament building, which was the seat of the Federal Court of India for 12 years before the Supreme Court came into being. This marked a pivotal moment in the judicial history of independent India.

The first Chief Justice of India, H. J. Kania, presided over the inauguration, alongside six other judges.

Date	Event Significance
26 January 1950	Constitution of India came into effect (Republic Day)
28 January 1950	Inauguration and first sitting of the Supreme Court of India

Conclusion on Supreme Court Inauguration Date

Based on historical facts, the Supreme Court of India was inaugurated and commenced its functions on 28 January 1950, two days after India became a Republic. This date is distinct from Republic Day but directly follows the establishment of the constitutional framework for the judiciary.

Revision Table: Key Dates in Indian Judicial History

Date	Event
1937	Establishment of the Federal Court of India
15 August 1947	India gains independence
26 January 1950	Constitution of India comes into force
28 January 1950	Inauguration of the Supreme Court of India

Additional Information on Supreme Court of India

The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial court and the final court of appeal under the Constitution of India. It is located in New Delhi. The structure and powers of the Supreme Court are detailed in Chapter IV of Part V of the Constitution.

Key aspects include:

Composition: Originally consisted of a Chief Justice and 7 judges. The number has increased over time based on parliamentary law.
Jurisdiction: Has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction.
Judicial Review: Has the power to review laws and executive actions to ensure they comply with the Constitution.
Guardian of the Constitution: It acts as the protector and interpreter of the Constitution.

The inauguration on 28 January 1950 marked the beginning of the journey for this crucial institution in upholding justice and the rule of law in India.