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:

  1. Judicial Backlog
    • Delayed verdicts due to a heavy caseload
  2. High Cost of Litigation
    • Justice remains inaccessible to many average citizens
  3. 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.

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