What is the minimum number of judges required to sit for the purpose of hearing any case involving a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution under Article 145(3)?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Article 145 clause 3 of the Indian Constitution explicitly mandates that any case involving a substantial question of law concerning the interpretation of the Constitution must be heard by a bench comprising a minimum of five judges. Such specialized panels are universally designated as Constitution Benches and are convened exclusively by the Chief Justice of India. Smaller benches of two or three judges handle regular appellate and writ matters, lacking the constitutional authority to interpret fundamental provisions definitively. Questions regarding Supreme Court quorum and constitutional benches frequently appear in Indian polity papers.