Constitutional state · 2026
Constitution of India
Part V — The Union
Article136
Special leave to appeal by the Supreme Court
(1) Notwithstanding anything in this Chapter, the Supreme Court may, in its discretion, grant special leave to appeal from any judgment, decree, determination, sentence or order in any cause or matter passed or made by any court or tribunal in the territory of India. (2) Nothing in clause (1) shall apply to any judgment, determination, sentence or order passed or made by any court or tribunal constituted by or under any law relating to the Armed Forces.
In plain language
The Supreme Court may grant special leave to hear an appeal from almost any court or tribunal. It is discretionary — a safety net, not a second appeal as of right.
This wording has been in force since 1950 on this desk.
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High
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Often asked
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