Question

From which year, Federal Court of India began its functioning?

• A. 1919
• B. 1937
• C. 1946
• D. 1935

Hint:

The Law was made in 1935, but the Court started working in 1937. It was the immediate predecessor to our current Supreme Court.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The Federal Court of India was the judicial body established under the Government of India Act, 1935, to resolve disputes between provinces and the federal government, and to act as an appellate court for constitutional matters.

Step 1: Legislative Basis.
Although the Act that authorized the court was passed in 1935, the actual establishment and staffing of the court took time. The Act of 1935 was the largest piece of legislation ever passed by the British Parliament and changed India's governance structure into a federation.

Step 2: Commencement of Operations.
The Federal Court of India officially began its functioning on October 1, 1937, in Delhi. Its first Chief Justice was Sir Maurice Gwyer. It operated until the establishment of the Supreme Court of India in 1950.

Step 3: Transition to the Supreme Court.
When the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950, the Federal Court was succeeded by the Supreme Court of India. The last judges of the Federal Court became the first judges of the Supreme Court. Unlike the Federal Court (from which appeals could still go to the Privy Council in London), the Supreme Court became the final authority in India.