A Special Leave Petition (SLP) is a unique legal remedy that allows an individual to appeal directly to the Supreme Court of India against any judgment or order passed by a lower court or tribunal. Governed by Article 136 of the Constitution, an SLP is not an automatic right but a special privilege granted at the Court’s discretion when a case involves a substantial question of law or a grave miscarriage of justice.
SLPs can be filed in civil, criminal, or constitutional matters, making them a powerful tool for seeking justice when all other legal avenues have been exhausted. However, the Supreme Court admits only cases that merit its attention, ensuring that this extraordinary jurisdiction is used sparingly and judiciously.
By providing a “last resort” mechanism, Special Leave Petitions reinforce the principle that justice must prevail, even in the most complex and challenging legal situations. They embody the Supreme Court’s role as the ultimate guardian of rights and fairness in the Indian judicial system.