Home The Constitution Part V Article 131A

Art. 131A Part V: The Union

(Repealed) Exclusive Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in Regard to Questions as to Constitutional Validity of Central Laws

Exact text — Constitution of India

[This Article, inserted by the 42nd Amendment, 1976 during the Emergency to give the Supreme Court EXCLUSIVE jurisdiction over challenges to central laws' constitutional validity (removing this power from High Courts), was repealed by the 43rd Amendment, 1977, restoring High Courts' concurrent power to hear such challenges.]

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This was another Emergency-era centralising provision — by concentrating the power to rule on central laws' constitutional validity exclusively in the Supreme Court, it would have significantly reduced High Courts' role in constitutional review. Like several other Emergency-era changes, it was reversed once democratic government resumed.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This Article's insertion and swift repeal is part of the broader pattern of the 1975-77 Emergency period producing centralising, judiciary-limiting constitutional changes that were specifically reversed by the 43rd and 44th Amendments once the political climate shifted back toward restoring institutional balance.

Read alongside this one

Art. 226 — High Courts' Power to Issue Writs

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 131A

Can High Courts today rule on whether a central (Parliament-made) law is constitutional?

Yes — following this Article's repeal, High Courts retain their normal concurrent power (alongside the Supreme Court) to examine and rule on the constitutional validity of central laws, under their general writ jurisdiction (Article 226).

← PreviousArticle 131: Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court Next →Article 132: Appellate Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in Appeals From High Courts in Certain Cases

The text above reproduces Article 131A of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.