Article 142
About
- Article 142 of the Indian constitution grants the Supreme Court the extraordinary power to pass any order deemed necessary for ‘complete justice’ in any case or matter pending before it.
- It also makes such decree or order enforceable throughout the territory of India.
| Did you know? Article 142 traces its roots back to Section 210 of the Government of India Act, 1935, which was passed by the British Parliament. |
- This provision has been pivotal in shaping some of India’s landmark decisions like facilitating compensation for victims of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, establishing Visakha guidelines to address sexual harassment at workplaces, etc.
- Article 142 gives the Supreme Court a unique power to transcend the limitations of law or statute in order to ensure justice for the parties involved.
- It enhances the Supreme Court’s role as the guardian of the constitution and the final arbiter of the law, and as a source of judicial activism and innovation.