Correct option is C
- According to Article 131 of the Indian Constitution, the Supreme Court has exclusive original jurisdiction in disputes between the Government of India and one or more States, or between the Government of India and any State or States.
- This means that the Supreme Court is the first and only court that can hear such cases without any previous legal proceedings. It is not an appellate court in these matters, and no lower court has the jurisdiction to hear such disputes.
Additional Information:
- Article 131: This article gives the Supreme Court the power to resolve disputes between the central government and the states, or between two or more states, ensuring that these matters are settled at the highest level in India’s judiciary.
- Types of Jurisdictions in the Supreme Court:
- Advisory Jurisdiction: The President of India can seek the Supreme Court’s advice on legal matters under Article 143.
- Appellate Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court hears appeals in civil, criminal, and other matters from lower courts.
- Writ Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court can issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights, as specified in Article 32.
Other Options:
- Advisory Jurisdiction: This refers to the Supreme Court’s power to advise the President of India on legal questions, not to settle disputes between the Government of India and States.
- Appellate Jurisdiction: This relates to cases that are brought to the Supreme Court for review after a decision is made by lower courts, which is not applicable in disputes between the government and states.
- Writ Jurisdiction: While the Supreme Court can issue writs to protect fundamental rights, this is not relevant to disputes between the Government of India and States.
