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3. Appellate Jurisdiction

As mentioned earlier, the Supreme Court has not only succeeded the Federal Court of India but also replaced the British Privy Council as the highest court of appeal. The Supreme Court is primarily a court of appeal and hears appeals against the judgements of the lower courts. It enjoys a wide appellate jurisdiction which can be classified under four heads:

(a) Appeals in constitutional matters.

(b) Appeals in civil matters.

(c) Appeals in criminal matters.

(d) Appeals by special leave.