The correct option is Original Jurisdiction.
Explanation
The Supreme Court of India functions as a federal court with the authority to resolve disputes between the constituent units of the Indian Federation. This power is exercised under its Original Jurisdiction as defined in Article 131 of the Constitution.
Detailed Analysis:
- Original Jurisdiction (Article 131): This jurisdiction allows the Supreme Court to hear a case in the first instance, rather than by way of appeal. It is exclusive to the Supreme Court for disputes involving:
- The Government of India and one or more States;
- The Government of India and any State(s) on one side and one or more other States on the other; or
- Two or more States.
- Appellate Jurisdiction: This refers to the Court's authority to review, amend, and overrule decisions of lower courts (High Courts) in civil, criminal, and constitutional matters. It does not apply to primary disputes between federal units.
- Advisory Jurisdiction (Article 143): This empowers the President of India to refer specific questions of law or fact of public importance to the Supreme Court for its opinion. It is not used for adversarial litigation between the Union and States.
- Writ Jurisdiction (Article 32): This is invoked specifically for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights, not for settling federal disputes regarding legislative or administrative powers.
Key Takeaway:
Article 131 confers exclusive Original Jurisdiction on the Supreme Court to adjudicate federal disputes between the Centre and States or between States themselves.