The Supreme Court of India has a broad and significant jurisdiction, which can be categorized into three main types:

Original Jurisdiction:
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in disputes between the central government and one or more states, or between states.
It can also hear cases involving a violation of fundamental rights, with the power to issue writs such as habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari.
This original jurisdiction allows the Supreme Court to act as the court of first instance in certain types of disputes.
Appellate Jurisdiction:
The Supreme Court has the power to hear appeals against the judgments and orders of the High Courts, either directly or through special leave.
It can hear appeals in civil, criminal, and constitutional matters, serving as the final court of appeal in the country.
The Supreme Court’s appellate jurisdiction is crucial in ensuring the uniformity and consistency of the interpretation of laws across the country.
Advisory Jurisdiction:
The President of India can refer any question of law or fact to the Supreme Court for its opinion.
This advisory jurisdiction allows the Supreme Court to provide guidance to the government on complex legal and constitutional issues, without being bound by the principles of finality and res judicata.
Role in Interpreting the Constitution:

The Supreme Court plays a vital role in interpreting the Constitution, exercising the power of judicial review to determine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions.
Through landmark judgments, the Supreme Court has expansively interpreted the fundamental rights and the basic structure of the Constitution, establishing important constitutional doctrines.
The court’s interpretation of the Constitution has significantly shaped the evolution of India’s legal and political landscape.
Adjudication of Disputes and Provision of Guidance:

The Supreme Court’s jurisdiction allows it to adjudicate a wide range of disputes between the central government, state governments, and individuals.
It has the power to provide authoritative interpretations of the law and offer guidance to the government on complex legal and policy issues.
The court’s rulings and opinions carry significant weight and influence the decision-making process of the executive and legislative branches.
Comparative Perspective:

The powers and functions of the Supreme Court of India are comparable to those of the apex courts in other major democracies, though with some variations:
In the United States, the Supreme Court exercises judicial review and has both original and appellate jurisdiction, but does not have an advisory jurisdiction.
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, as the final court of appeal, focuses primarily on appellate jurisdiction, with a limited advisory role.
The High Court of Australia has original jurisdiction in specific types of disputes, along with appellate and advisory functions.
The Supreme Court of India’s broad jurisdiction, its role in interpreting the Constitution, and its ability to provide guidance to the government make it a powerful and influential institution within the Indian democratic framework. The court’s rulings and interventions have had a significant impact on the country’s legal, political, and social landscape, serving as a crucial check on the other branches of government.