The correct option is 1,2 and 3
Explanation
The Supreme Court of India possesses extensive appellate jurisdiction, allowing it to hear appeals against judgments of lower courts. This jurisdiction is broadly categorized into constitutional, civil, and criminal matters, and also includes the power to grant special leave to appeal.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1: The High Court certifies that the case involves a serious matter of interpretation of law or Constitution.
Correct. Article 132 of the Indian Constitution provides for appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in constitutional matters. An appeal lies to the Supreme Court from any judgment, decree, or final order of a High Court in the territory of India, whether in a civil, criminal, or other proceeding, if the High Court certifies that the case involves a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution.
- Statement 2: A lower court has sentenced a person to death in a criminal case.
Correct. Article 134 of the Indian Constitution deals with the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in criminal matters. An appeal lies to the Supreme Court from any judgment, final order, or sentence in a criminal proceeding of a High Court if the High Court has on appeal reversed an order of acquittal of an accused person and sentenced him to death, or has withdrawn for trial before itself any case from any court subordinate to its authority and has in such trial convicted the accused person and sentenced him to death. Additionally, if the High Court certifies that the case is a fit one for appeal to the Supreme Court, an appeal can be made.
- Statement 3: The Supreme Court grants special leave to appeal even if the High Court does not allow it.
Correct. Article 136 of the Indian Constitution grants the Supreme Court the power to 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. This power is discretionary and can be exercised even if the High Court has refused to grant a certificate for appeal. This provision allows the Supreme Court to intervene in cases involving substantial questions of law or grave injustice.
Key Takeaway
The Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction encompasses constitutional, civil, and criminal matters, and includes the extraordinary power of special leave to appeal, allowing it to hear cases certified by High Courts, cases involving death sentences, and cases where it deems intervention necessary.