Question

Two statements are given. Choose the correct option based on the statements
Statements :
1. The Supreme Court can review its own judgements
2. Public Interest Litigation can be filed directly in the Supreme Court

• A. Only (1) is true
• B. Only (2) is true
• C. Both (1) and (2) are true
• D. Both (1) and (2) are false

Hint:

Under Article 137, the Supreme Court is not bound by its own previous decisions and can review them.
PILs are a powerful tool for social change and can be filed in either the SC (under Article 32) or any HC (under Article 226).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question contains two statements regarding the procedural powers of the Supreme Court of India: its power of judicial review of its own judgments, and the filing of Public Interest Litigations (PIL).

Step 2: Key Concept or Approach:
Refer to Article 137 of the Constitution (review jurisdiction) and the judicial evolution of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Let us analyze

Statement 1: "The Supreme Court can review its own judgements"
- Under

Article 137 of the Constitution of India, the Supreme Court has the power to review any judgment pronounced or order made by it.
- This power is exercised to correct any "error apparent on the face of the record" or to prevent a miscarriage of justice.
- Therefore, Statement 1 is true.

• Let us analyze

Statement 2: "Public Interest Litigation can be filed directly in the Supreme Court"
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a legal mechanism introduced in India in the late 1970s and early 1980s (championed by Justice P.N. Bhagwati and Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer).
- It relaxes the traditional rule of "locus standi", allowing any public-spirited citizen or organization to file a petition on behalf of marginalized sections of society.
- A PIL can be filed directly in the Supreme Court under

Article 32 of the Constitution (if a fundamental right of the public is violated) or in High Courts under

Article 226.
- Therefore, Statement 2 is true.

• Since both statements are true, the correct option is Option (C).


Step 4: Final Answer:
Both Statement 1 and 2 are true, which corresponds to Option (C).