Understanding the judicial hierarchy that forms the constitutional backbone of the Indian legal system — from trial courts to the apex of the nation.
Each node in this hierarchy represents a level of authority — clicking through reveals the jurisdictional relationships that define Indian law.
Established 1862 · Chennai
Established 1950 · New Delhi
The elevation from a High Court judge to the Supreme Court of India is among the most significant transitions in India's judicial system. It represents not merely a change of venue, but an expansion of jurisdiction, responsibility, and constitutional authority. Justice R. Mahadevan's elevation in 2024 brought to the apex court a judge deeply rooted in South Indian legal traditions, constitutional scholarship, and a decade of complex High Court jurisprudence.
As a Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Mahadevan exercises jurisdiction over the entire territory of India, hears appeals from all High Courts, and participates in the ongoing constitutional interpretation that shapes the nation's legal fabric.
The Supreme Court exercises exclusive original jurisdiction in disputes between the Union and States, and between States inter se — matters of fundamental constitutional significance.
Appeals from all High Courts across India on matters of constitutional law, substantial questions of law, and in capital cases — ensuring uniform application of law.
As the final interpreter of the Constitution, the Supreme Court's judgments bind all courts and authorities in India — each ruling becomes part of the living constitutional text.
The President of India may refer questions of law or fact of public importance to the Supreme Court under Article 143 — the advisory opinion carries significant constitutional weight.