Home The Constitution Part V Article 135

Art. 135 Part V: The Union

Jurisdiction and Powers of the Federal Court Under Existing Law to Be Exercisable by the Supreme Court

Exact text — Constitution of India

Until Parliament by law otherwise provides, the Supreme Court shall also have jurisdiction and powers with respect to any matter to which the provisions of article 133 or article 134 do not apply if jurisdiction and powers in relation to that matter were exercisable by the Federal Court immediately before the commencement of this Constitution under any existing law.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

A transitional continuity Article — it ensured the new Supreme Court inherited any jurisdiction the old pre-1950 Federal Court had exercised under existing laws, even for matters not specifically covered by the Constitution's own Articles 133/134, avoiding any jurisdictional gap during the institutional handover.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This Article worked alongside Article 374's judge-transfer provision to ensure completely seamless institutional continuity from the Federal Court to the Supreme Court — no jurisdiction gap, no personnel gap, during India's transition to full constitutional government.

Read alongside this one

Art. 374 — Provisions as to Judges of the Federal Court

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 135

Is this Article still practically significant today?

Its main historical purpose (bridging the immediate 1950 transition) has long been fulfilled, though the underlying continuity principle it established remains part of the Supreme Court's institutional foundation.

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The text above reproduces Article 135 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.