In which Article does the Constitution confer 'plenary' power on the Supreme Court to do 'complete justice' in any cause or matter?
AArticle 142 — power to pass any decree or order for complete justice
BArticle 136 — special leave to appeal from any judgment in India
CArticle 141 — binding nature of Supreme Court decisions on all Indian courts
DArticle 32 — writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights in Part III
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Article 142 — power to pass any decree or order for complete justice
1. Article 142(1) provides that the Supreme Court, in the exercise of its jurisdiction, may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it.
2. Article 32 deals with writ jurisdiction for FRs; Article 136 with special leave to appeal; Article 141 with binding nature of Supreme Court decisions.
3. Article 142 has been invoked in landmark cases (Babri demolition, Bhopal Gas, etc.).
4. Hence Article 142 is the 'complete justice' provision.
_Source: Constitution of India (Bare Act, updated to 105th Amendment Act 2021), Govt. of India Legislative Dept., Article 142(1)_
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