Home The Constitution Part V Article 141

Art. 141 Part V: The Union

Law Declared by Supreme Court to Be Binding on All Courts

Exact text — Constitution of India

The law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding on all courts within the territory of India.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

A short but foundational Article — it establishes that whatever legal principle the Supreme Court declares in its judgments becomes binding precedent for every other court in India, creating a genuinely unified, hierarchical judicial system where the highest court's interpretation of the law is authoritative nationwide.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why lower courts and High Courts across India must follow Supreme Court precedents — it's not merely persuasive guidance but constitutionally BINDING law, ensuring consistent legal interpretation across the entire country regardless of which court a case happens to be heard in.

Read alongside this one

Art. 137 — Review of Judgments or Orders by the Supreme Court

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 141

Does this Article bind the Supreme Court itself to its own past decisions?

The Article's text specifically says the Supreme Court's law binds 'all courts' — and by long-standing practice and separate doctrine, the Supreme Court generally follows its own prior decisions too (the principle of stare decisis), though it retains power to overrule its own past rulings in appropriate cases, unlike lower courts which cannot do so.

← PreviousArticle 140: Ancillary Powers of the Supreme Court Next →Article 142: Enforcement of Decrees and Orders of Supreme Court and Orders as to Discovery, etc.

The text above reproduces Article 141 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.