Your Law Companion
Your friendly guide to the Apex Court of India
Understand how the Supreme Court works, which remedy fits your situation, and the time limits that matter, explained in plain language.
General legal information, not legal advice.
Jurisdictions
The powers of the Supreme Court
Article 124 of the Constitution establishes the Supreme Court. These are the main ways a matter reaches it.
Writ Jurisdiction
Direct approach to the Supreme Court to enforce fundamental rights through habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari and quo warranto.
Original Jurisdiction
Exclusive jurisdiction over disputes between the Union and one or more States, or between States.
Appellate Jurisdiction
Constitutional, civil and criminal appeals from High Court judgments in the cases the Constitution provides for.
Special Leave to Appeal
Discretionary power to grant leave to appeal from any judgment or order of any court or tribunal in India (except military tribunals).
Review
Power to review its own judgments or orders, usually heard by the same Bench in chambers.
Curative Petition
A last remedy after a review is dismissed, recognised in Rupa Ashok Hurra v. Ashok Hurra (2002), to prevent gross miscarriage of justice.
Transfer Jurisdiction
Transfer of cases between High Courts, and of civil and criminal cases from one State to another.
Advisory Jurisdiction
Opinion on questions of law or fact of public importance referred by the President.
Complete Justice
Power to pass any decree or order necessary to do complete justice in any matter pending before it.
Remedy Finder
What is your situation?
Choose the situation closest to yours to see the usual legal route, forum and first steps.
Suggested route
Writ Petition
Supreme Court (Art. 32) or High Court (Art. 226)
- 1Identify the right violated and the authority responsible
- 2Make a representation to the authority where appropriate
- 3File a writ petition with supporting documents
- 4Seek interim relief if the harm is urgent
No fixed limitation, but unexplained delay (laches) can defeat the petition.
General information only. Every case is different; speak to an advocate before acting.
Infographic
How courts and tribunals connect
Most matters climb a ladder of forums before reaching the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court of India
Apex court · New Delhi
High Courts
25 High Courts · writs, appeals, revisions
District & Sessions Courts
Principal civil and criminal courts of each district
Subordinate Courts
Civil Judges and Judicial Magistrates
Specialised tracks
Company & Insolvency
Consumer
Service
Environment
Time Matters
Common limitation periods
Missing a deadline can cost you a remedy. These are general periods; delay can sometimes be condoned for sufficient cause.
| Matter | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| SLP against a High Court judgment | 90 days | Supreme Court Rules, 2013 |
| Review petition in the Supreme Court | 30 days | Supreme Court Rules, 2013 |
| Challenge to an arbitral award (S. 34) | 3 months + 30 days | Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996 |
| Consumer complaint | 2 years | Consumer Protection Act, 2019 |
| Appeal to National Consumer Commission | 30 days | Consumer Protection Act, 2019 |
| Original Application before CAT | 1 year | Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 |
FAQ
Questions clients often ask
What is an Advocate-on-Record?
Only an Advocate-on-Record (AoR), who has passed the Supreme Court's AoR examination, can file cases and appear for a party in the Supreme Court. Other advocates may argue, but filings must be made through an AoR.
What is a Special Leave Petition (SLP)?
An SLP under Article 136 asks the Supreme Court for permission to appeal against a judgment or order of any court or tribunal. If leave is granted, the SLP is converted into a regular appeal.
Can I approach the Supreme Court directly?
Yes, under Article 32 for enforcement of fundamental rights. For most other matters, you must first go through the appropriate lower court, High Court or tribunal.
What is a vakalatnama?
A vakalatnama is the document by which you authorise an advocate to appear and act on your behalf in a case.
Is mediation binding?
A settlement reached in mediation and signed by the parties is binding. Under the Mediation Act, 2023, a mediated settlement agreement is enforceable like a court judgment.
How do I track my case with Neocalp?
Create a free client account. Your portal shows each case's status, hearing dates, documents and invoices in one place.