About:
- Article 142 empowers the Supreme Court to pass orders necessary for doing complete justice in any case or matter pending before it, underscoring its role in ensuring justice is served comprehensively.
Constructive Uses:
- Historical Impact: Initially hailed for enabling the Supreme Court to deliver justice to marginalized sections and protect the environment, such as cleaning the Taj Mahal and securing rights for undertrials.
Debate on Judicial Overreach:
- Concerns: Recent years have seen debates around the Supreme Court’s expansive use of Article 142, with criticisms of overreaching into legislative and executive domains, challenging the separation of powers—a core constitutional principle.
- Controversial Applications: Examples include the broad ban on alcohol sales near national and state highways, extending beyond central directives, and raising questions about the balance between judicial intervention and legislative authority.
Implications:
- Legal and Social Impact: While Article 142 serves as a powerful tool for justice, its broad application has stirred discussions on judicial limits, fundamental rights, and the balance of power among India’s governmental branches.
Why in News:
- Recently, the Supreme Court quashed the Chandigarh mayor’s election result using Article 142 for complete justice.