Composition and Jurisdiction — Amendments

Amendment	Year	Description	Impact
15th Amendment	1963	Extended the Supreme Court's jurisdiction by allowing it to hear appeals in cases involving substantial questions of law of general importance, even in civil matters not involving constitutional questions.	Significantly expanded the Court's appellate jurisdiction beyond constitutional matters, making it accessible for important civil law questions and establishing its role as the final interpreter of all laws, not just constitutional provisions.
42nd Amendment	1976	Attempted to limit the Supreme Court's jurisdiction by excluding certain matters from judicial review and restricting the Court's power to question constitutional amendments.	This amendment was largely neutralized by the Minerva Mills case (1980), which struck down provisions attempting to place constitutional amendments beyond judicial review, reaffirming the Court's role as the Constitution's guardian.
44th Amendment	1978	Restored several provisions that had been altered by the 42nd Amendment, including restoring the Supreme Court's jurisdiction in certain matters and removing restrictions on judicial review.	Restored the balance between legislative power and judicial review, ensuring the Supreme Court's continued role in protecting constitutional principles and fundamental rights from legislative excess.
99th Amendment	2014	Established the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) to replace the collegium system for judicial appointments, involving the executive and civil society in the appointment process.	This amendment was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015 as violating judicial independence, reaffirming the collegium system and establishing that judicial independence is part of the Constitution's basic structure.

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