Part XI - Union-State Relations • Article

Article 247 Simplified: Power of Parliament to provide for the establishment of certain additional courts

Article 247 empowers Parliament to establish additional courts to ensure the effective administration of laws enacted by Parliament or existing pre-constitutional laws relating to matters in the Union List (List I).

Official Text

Notwithstanding anything in this Chapter, Parliament may by law provide for the establishment of any additional courts for the better administration of laws made by Parliament or of any existing laws with respect to a matter enumerated in the Union List.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

If Parliament makes a law about national crimes (like smuggling or cyber-theft), they can set up special new courts just to handle those cases quickly, instead of using normal local courts.

Student Mode

Article 247 empowers Parliament to establish additional courts for the better administration of laws enacted under the Union List or existing laws. This is essential for creating specialized judicial bodies like CBI Special Courts, NIA Special Courts, or tribunals to handle central subjects without overburdening the state judiciary.

Example

To resolve complex cases of corruption and financial crimes under central laws like the Prevention of Corruption Act (a Union List matter), Parliament established Special CBI Courts under this article for speedier trials.

Key Takeaway

Article 247 gives Parliament the authority to create specialized or additional judicial bodies to enforce federal laws.

FAQs

Why does Parliament need the power to set up additional courts?

To ensure specialized, speedy, and efficient administration of central/Union laws (e.g., NIA or CBI cases) without relying solely on state-maintained lower courts.

Can a State Legislature use Article 247 to set up special courts?

No. Article 247 is an exclusive power of Parliament, and it applies only to laws made by Parliament or existing laws concerning Union List subjects.

Quiz

Under Article 247, who has the power to establish additional courts for Union List laws?

Answer: Parliament

For which subjects can additional courts be established under Article 247?

Answer: Union List subjects only