Consider the following statements:
- The Supreme Court may withdraw cases pending before High Courts if they involve the same legal question.
- Article 139A empowers the Supreme Court to decide matters of substantial constitutional importance referred by High Courts.
Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Only 1
- Article 139A empowers the Supreme Court to withdraw cases from one or more High Courts if they involve the same or substantially similar questions of law. This ensures uniformity in judicial decisions across the country. Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.
- Statement 2 is incorrect because Article 139A does not say that the Supreme Court will decide matters of “substantial constitutional importance referred by High Courts.” Instead, it allows the Supreme Court to transfer cases between High Courts or withdraw them to itself for decision. The provision focuses on legal consistency, not on referrals by High Courts.