The correct option is It enables the government to seek legal opinion to prevent unnecessary litigation later..
Explanation
The Advisory Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is derived from Article 143 of the Constitution of India. It empowers the President to refer any question of law or fact of public importance to the Supreme Court for its opinion.
Analysis of Options:
- It enables the government to seek legal opinion to prevent unnecessary litigation later. is correct: The fundamental utility of the advisory jurisdiction is to allow the Executive to secure an authoritative legal opinion on contentious or complex issues before taking action. By clarifying legal positions beforehand, the government can ensure its decisions are constitutionally sound, thereby preventing unnecessary litigation or legal hurdles in the future.
- It allows the Court to legislate on matters where Parliament is silent. is incorrect: The function of the Judiciary is to interpret laws, not to enact them. Legislating on matters, even where Parliament is silent, falls under the domain of the Legislature, not the Judiciary.
- It makes the President subordinate to the Chief Justice. is incorrect: The opinion tendered by the Supreme Court under Article 143 is advisory in nature and is not binding on the President. Consequently, it does not create a relationship of subordination between the President and the Chief Justice.
- It allows the Court to automatically review all bills passed by Parliament. is incorrect: The Supreme Court exercises the power of Judicial Review only when a law is specifically challenged in court. There is no constitutional provision for the automatic judicial review of all bills passed by Parliament.
Key Takeaway: Article 143 authorizes the Supreme Court to provide non-binding legal advice to the President, serving as a mechanism to resolve legal ambiguities in governance and legislation proactively.