020.National | Supreme Court
Supreme Court of India at 75: Evolving into a True People’s Court
Introduction
As the Supreme Court of India celebrates 75 years of its establishment, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna has described it as a “true people’s court.” From its modest beginnings in 1950 to becoming a vital pillar of Indian democracy, the Court’s journey reflects a deepening commitment to social, economic, and political justice.
Historical Context and Evolution
- 🗓️ The Supreme Court was established on January 26, 1950, the day the Constitution of India came into force.
- Initially functioned from the old Parliament House, moving to its present location in 1958.
- Over the decades, the Court has evolved in response to India’s changing societal dynamics.
- Each era has reshaped its interpretation of constitutional principles, expanding the scope of justice.
Jurisprudential Milestones Over the Decades
- 1950s–60s: Focused on interpreting fundamental rights in isolation.
- Post-Emergency Era (after 1975): Marked a shift toward activism—with increased emphasis on public interest litigation and individual freedoms.
- 1990s Onward: Period of judicial vigilance—addressing gaps in governance and protecting citizens’ rights in a rapidly modernizing society.
- Recent years have seen the Court engage with issues ranging from environmental protection and personal liberty to technological rights and economic justice.
Present-Day Challenges
Despite its progress, the Supreme Court faces three persistent challenges:
- Judicial Backlog
- Delayed verdicts due to a heavy caseload
- High Cost of Litigation
- Justice remains inaccessible to many average citizens
- Prevalence of Falsehood
- Misrepresentation and misuse of process threaten justice integrity
⚖️ Addressing these challenges is essential for reinforcing public trust in the judiciary.
Shaping the Socio-Economic Landscape
The Supreme Court has played a crucial role in India’s legal and economic development:
- Interpreted and upheld reforms such as the:
- Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
- Arbitration and Conciliation Act
- Promoted alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms
- Enabled business clarity, efficiency, and legal certainty
These interventions reflect the Court’s effort to support a progressive and inclusive economic system.
Upholding Democratic Values
- The Court remains a mirror of India’s democracy, interpreting laws in line with the Constitution’s spirit.
- It has responded to the aspirations of 1.4 billion people, often reflecting the pulse of the nation in its judgments.
- The evolution of the Court is not just legal—but also cultural, ensuring that justice adapts to contemporary societal needs.
Conclusion
From a traditional constitutional authority to a dynamic guardian of rights and justice, the Supreme Court of India’s 75-year journey has shaped the foundations of modern Indian democracy. While challenges persist, its role as a people-centric institution continues to expand—reflecting both the resilience of the Constitution and the hope of the nation.