Composition and Jurisdiction — Current Affairs 2026

Current Affairs Connections

Recent developments and news linked to Composition and Jurisdiction.

Supreme Court Collegium Recommends New Appointments Amid Pendency Crisis

October 2024

The Supreme Court collegium's recent recommendations for filling vacant positions highlight the ongoing challenges in judicial appointments and the impact of vacancies on case pendency. With several positions vacant and over 70,000 cases pending, the collegium system's efficiency in making timely appointments has come under scrutiny. The recommendations also reflect the collegium's consideration of diversity, regional representation, and specialized expertise in appointments, showing how the composition directly affects the Court's functioning and jurisdiction exercise.

UPSC Angle: Current affairs questions may test knowledge of the collegium system's functioning, the impact of vacancies on judicial administration, and recent reforms in the appointment process. Mains questions could explore the relationship between judicial composition and effective justice delivery.

Supreme Court Constitutes Constitutional Bench for Electoral Bonds Case

September 2024

The constitution of a five-judge constitutional bench to hear the electoral bonds case demonstrates how the Chief Justice's administrative powers in case allocation affect the exercise of the Court's jurisdiction. Constitutional benches, typically comprising five or more judges, are formed for matters of constitutional importance, showing the intersection between composition and jurisdiction. The case also highlights the Court's original writ jurisdiction under Article 32 in matters affecting democratic processes and transparency.

UPSC Angle: Questions may focus on the criteria for constituting constitutional benches, the Chief Justice's role in case allocation, and how bench composition affects the exercise of different types of jurisdiction. This connects composition with the Court's role in protecting democratic institutions.

Background (2024)

Earlier events that provide context for this topic.

Supreme Court Issues Guidelines for Virtual Hearings and Hybrid Court Functioning

August 2024

The Court's adaptation to technology through virtual hearings represents an evolution in how jurisdiction is exercised without changing constitutional provisions. The guidelines affect access to justice, particularly for litigants from distant locations approaching the Court under its appellate and special leave petition jurisdiction. This technological adaptation shows how the Court's functioning evolves while maintaining its constitutional composition and jurisdictional framework.

UPSC Angle: Current affairs questions may test understanding of how technological changes affect court functioning, access to justice, and the practical exercise of jurisdiction. This could be linked to broader themes of judicial reforms and modernization.