Part V - The Union • Article

Article 130 Simplified: Seat of Supreme Court

Article 130 (Seat of Supreme Court) defines the official seat (location) of the Supreme Court of India. It designates New Delhi as the primary seat but empowers the Chief Justice of India, with the prior approval of the President, to declare other places as temporary or permanent seats.

Official Text

The Supreme Court shall sit in Delhi or in such other place or places, as the Chief Justice of India may, with the approval of the President, from time to time, appoint.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

This rule says that the Supreme Court's main office is in New Delhi, but the Chief Judge can choose other places for the judges to meet if the President agrees.

Student Mode

Declares the seat of the Supreme Court (Article 130), vesting discretion in the Chief Justice of India to sit in other locations subject to executive approval by the President.

Example

While a company's main head office is located in one specific city, the board can decide to set up regional office branches in other cities if the work demands it.

Key Takeaway

Sets Delhi as the seat of the Supreme Court, with flexibility to sit elsewhere with presidential approval.

FAQs

Where is the seat of the Supreme Court located?

The Supreme Court sits in New Delhi permanently. Under Article 130, the CJI may appoint other places as sittings of the Court with the President approval. Despite decades of demand from southern and northeastern states for circuit benches, this power has never been exercised. The Law Commission of India repeatedly recommended circuit benches but the Supreme Court itself has resisted, citing concerns about institutional unity.

Can the Supreme Court sit in multiple places simultaneously?

Yes, if the Chief Justice of India appoints other places with the President's approval.

Quiz

According to Article 130, where shall the Supreme Court sit?

Answer: Delhi

Who must approve if the Chief Justice wants the Supreme Court to hold sittings in another city?

Answer: The President