Composition:

The Supreme Court located in New Delhi consists of eight judges including the Chief Justice at the time of the commencement of constitution. Bat in 1956 this number was raised to eleven and then fourteen in 1960. In 1977 the maximum number of judges of Supreme Court . was increased to eighteen including the Chief Justice. SAT present it has one Chief Justice and not more than 24 other judges.

Appointment:

The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President of India. The appointment of the other judges is carried by the consultation of the President and the Chief Justice. However, the President is not bound to follow the advice of the Chief Justice.

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Tenure:

The Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court hold the office upto the age of 65 years. A judge may resign in between his tenure by submitting his resignation in writing to President. In case of discrepancies about the age of judge, the decision of the President is considered final.

Removal:

The judge of the Supreme Court can be removed from office by the President after an address by each house of Parliament, supported by the total membership of that house to the minimum of two-third majority.

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Salaries and Allowances:

The Chief Justice of Supreme Court gets a salary of Rs. 33,000 per month and other judges Rs. 30,000 per month. The official residence is allotted free and any journey linked to their duties is free.

Seat of the Supreme Court:

The seat of the Supreme Court is New Delhi but the Chief Justice may call its meetings at some other place as well, with the consent of the President.

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Appellate Jurisdiction:

(a) Constitutional appeals involving interpretation of the Constitution certified by a High Court; (b) criminal appeals-if a High Court passed a death sentence reversing the order of acquittal of an inferior court; (c) civil appeals-if the High Court certifies that the case is fit for appeal and involves a substantial question of law or fact, it can be admitted by the Supreme Court.

Advisory Powers:

The President is empowered to seek legal advice from the Supreme Court on any question of public importance. The Supreme Court renders its advice after full consideration. The President may seek the advice of the Supreme Court about such a treaty between the Centre and a State to which the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court does not extend.