Constitutional, Civil and Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction of Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of India exercises extensive appellate jurisdiction over judgments, decrees, or final orders passed by High Courts in constitutional, civil, and criminal matters. This authority is governed by Articles 132 to 134A of the Constitution of India. 

1. Constitutional Appellate Jurisdiction (Article 132)

This applies to cases requiring ianterpretation of the Constitution, allowing appeals if the High Court certifies under Article 134A that a substantial question of law exists. It covers any final judgment or order in civil, criminal, or other proceedings. A notable example is the formulation of the "Basic Structure Doctrine" in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973). 

2. Civil Appellate Jurisdiction (Article 133)

Appeals in civil matters require the High Court to certify that the case involves a substantial question of law of general importance that necessitates a decision by the Supreme Court. Following the 30th Amendment (1972), the monetary value of the suit is no longer a criterion. 

3. Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction (Article 134)

Appeals are permitted, as of right, if the High Court reverses an acquittal and imposes a death sentence, or withdraws a case from a lower court and sentences the accused to death. Additionally, appeals are allowed if the High Court certifies the case as "fit" for appeal. The Supreme Court (Enlargement of Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction) Act, 1970 also enables appeals where the High Court reverses an acquittal and imposes life imprisonment or a 10-year+ sentence. 

4. Certificate for Appeal (Article 134A)

Introduced by the 44th Amendment (1978), this article streamlines the process, requiring the High Court to consider granting a certificate for appeal immediately after passing a judgment.