The correct answer is Both 1 and 2. Explanation & Key Takeaways: • Statement 1: The Supreme Court can transfer a case from one High Court to another. • This power of the Supreme Court is derived from Article 139A(2) of the Indian Constitution. • It allows the Supreme Court to transfer cases from one High Court to another if it is in the interest of justice or if the cases involve similar issues requiring a unified decision. • The Supreme Court exercises this power to avoid conflicting judgments across High Courts on the same subject matter and to ensure judicial consistency. Hence, statement 1 is correct. • Statement 2: Article 139A was added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment. • The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, also known as the "Mini Constitution," introduced Article 139A to the Constitution. • This Article empowers the Supreme Court to transfer cases involving the same or substantially the same questions of law, which are pending before different High Courts, to itself or to one High Court for a decision. • The addition of this Article aimed to strengthen the unity of the judicial system and prevent contradictory rulings by different High Courts. Hence, statement 2 is correct. • Hence, the correct answer is Both 1 and 2. Related Concepts: • Article 139A of the Indian Constitution: • Clause (1): It enables the Supreme Court to withdraw cases pending before one or more High Courts if they involve the same or substantially similar questions of law. The Supreme Court can decide these cases itself. • Clause (2): It authorizes the Supreme Court to transfer cases from one High Court to another in the interest of justice or to avoid conflicting judgments. • 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976: • This amendment is one of the most comprehensive amendments to the Indian Constitution, also called the "Mini Constitution." • Besides adding Article 139A, it also brought significant changes to the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, and the powers of the judiciary and executive. • It aimed to strengthen the central government's authority and bring uniformity in judicial decisions. • Importance of Judicial Transfer of Cases: • The transfer of cases ensures uniformity in judicial decisions across different High Courts. • It prevents conflicting judgments on the same subject matter, which could cause confusion and weaken the legal system. • This power is often used in cases involving constitutional interpretation, inter-state disputes, or matters of national importance. Important Notes: • Judicial Precedents on Article 139A: • The Supreme Court has invoked Article 139A in cases that involve similar legal issues being heard in multiple High Courts, such as tax disputes, inter-state water disputes, or constitutional interpretation. • Example: In the Ayodhya Land Dispute, the Supreme Court consolidated multiple cases from various courts to ensure a uniform verdict. • Role of the Judiciary: • The judiciary acts as the guardian of the Constitution and ensures uniformity in the interpretation and application of laws across the country. • Through Articles like 139A, the judiciary maintains consistency and avoids ambiguity in legal principles.