Question

Supreme Court in SP Gupta V/s. Union of India AIR 1982 SC 149, decided on

• A. Free Legal Aid
• B. Bonded labours
• C. Judges Transfer
• D. Illegal detention

Hint:

Remember the trilogy of "Judges Cases": 1. S.P. Gupta v. UoI (1981 - First Judges Case): Gave primacy to the executive's opinion in appointments. 2. SCAORA v. UoI (1993 - Second Judges Case): Created the "Collegium" system, giving primacy to the judiciary. 3. In re Special Reference (1998 - Third Judges Case): Clarified and expanded the collegium's composition and functioning.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The case of S.P. Gupta v. Union of India is a seminal case concerning the independence of the Indian judiciary.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
This case, popularly known as the First Judges Case, primarily dealt with the executive's power in the appointment and transfer of judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court.
The key issues decided were:
- The meaning of "consultation" with the Chief Justice of India in the appointment of judges.
- The validity of the transfer of judges from one High Court to another.
- The non-appointment of additional judges as permanent judges.
The case also importantly held that lawyers have a locus standi to file petitions on matters concerning the judiciary's independence. The central theme of the case revolved around the appointment and transfer of judges.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Supreme Court in the S.P. Gupta case decided on issues related to the appointment and transfer of judges.