Comparing Indian and American Supreme Courts

Indian Supreme Court
1. Its original jurisdiction is confined to federal cases.
2. Its appellate jurisdiction covers constitutional, civil and criminal cases.
3. It has a very wide discretion to grant special leave to appeal in any matter against the judgement of any court or tribunal (except military).
4. It has advisory jurisdiction.
5. Its scope of judicial review is limited.
6. It defends rights of the citizen according to the ‘procedure established by law’.
7. Its jurisdiction and powers can be enlarged by Parliament.
8. It has power of judicial superintendence and control over state high courts due to integrated judicial system.

American Supreme Court
1. Its original jurisdiction covers not only federal cases but also cases relating to naval forces, maritime activities, ambassadors, etc.
2. Its appellate jurisdiction is confined to constitutional cases only.
3. It has no such plenary power.
4. It has no advisory jurisdiction.
5. Its scope of judicial review is very wide.
6. It defends rights of the citizen according to the ‘due process of law’.
7. Its jurisdiction and powers are limited to that conferred by the Constitution.
8. It has no such power due to double (or separated) judicial system.