Consider the following statements:
- The Parliament cannot enlarge the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India as its jurisdiction is limited to that conferred by the Constitution.
- The officers and servants of the Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed by the concerned Chief Justice, and the administrative expenses are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Both statements are incorrect
- Both statements are incorrect. Parliament is not completely barred from expanding the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction; it can, within constitutional limits, confer additional jurisdiction or regulate its functioning through legislation. Similarly, the appointment and service conditions of officers and staff of the Supreme Court and High Courts are not decided solely by the Chief Justice, and the financial arrangements also differ—while the Supreme Court’s expenditure is charged on the Consolidated Fund of India, the administrative expenses of High Courts are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the respective States. Hence, neither statement 1 nor statement 2 is correct.
