Consider the following statements regarding the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India under Article 131: 1. It extends to any dispute between the Government of India and one or more States. 2. It covers disputes arising out of any treaty, agreement, or covenant entered into before the commencement of the Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because Article 131 grants the Supreme Court original jurisdiction in any dispute between the Centre and one or more states, or between different states. Statement 2 is incorrect because the proviso to Article 131 expressly excludes disputes arising out of any treaty, covenant, engagement, or similar instrument which was entered into before the commencement of the Constitution and continues in operation. This exclusive jurisdiction ensures federal disputes are adjudicated neutrally at the apex judicial level. The Supreme Court's original jurisdiction does not cover private civil suits.