Article 144 of Indian Constitution: Civil and judicial authorities to act in aid of the Supreme Court.
Article 144 Civil and judicial authorities to act in aid of the Supreme Court – Constitution Of India
All authorities, civil and judicial, in the territory of India shall act in aid of the Supreme Court. Article 144A Special provisions as to disposal of questions relating to constitutional validity of laws.] Rep. by the Constitution (Forty-third Amendment) Act, 1977, s. 5 (w.e.f. 13-4-1978).
🔹 Article 144 – Civil and Judicial Authorities to Act in Aid of the Supreme Court
Text:
“All authorities, civil and judicial, in the territory of India shall act in aid of the Supreme Court.”
✅ Summary:
- All civil and judicial authorities (such as police, government officials, courts, etc.) across India are legally bound to assist the Supreme Court.
- This ensures that Supreme Court orders and processes are enforceable and not obstructed.
- It reinforces the supremacy and authority of the Supreme Court as the highest court in India.
🔹 Article 144A – [Repealed]
Title: Special provisions as to disposal of questions relating to constitutional validity of laws.
Status: Repealed by the 43rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1977, Section 5, w.e.f. 13 April 1978.
📌 What it used to say (before repeal):
- Article 144A required that a minimum of 7 Judges of the Supreme Court had to sit for deciding any question regarding the constitutional validity of a central or state law.
- A law could only be struck down if two-thirds of the Bench agreed.
❌ Why it was repealed:
- Seen as a restriction on judicial review.
- The 43rd Amendment was passed to restore judicial powers, reversing several provisions of the 42nd Amendment (which had curtailed the judiciary during the Emergency).
🧾 At a Glance:
| Article | Subject | Current Status | Key Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 144 | Civil and judicial authorities to assist the SC | In force | Ensures SC orders are respected and implemented |
| 144A | Special rules for constitutional validity decisions | Repealed in 1978 | Removed limits on SC’s power of constitutional review |