The Supreme Court holds original, appellate and advisory jurisdiction, and Article 32 lets it issue five writs

Background

The Supreme Court of India has original, appellate and advisory jurisdiction.
Its exclusive original jurisdiction covers disputes between the Government of India and one or more States, and between two or more States, where the dispute involves a question on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends.
Article 32 gives the Court a wide original jurisdiction to enforce Fundamental Rights, and it may issue directions, orders or writs in the nature of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari.
Appeals come by a certificate of the High Court under Article 132(1), 133(1) or 134, and under Article 136 the Court may in its discretion grant special leave to appeal from any judgment or order of any court or tribunal in India.
Advisory jurisdiction is exercised on a reference made by the President under Article 143.
Articles 129 and 142 vest the Court with the power to punish for contempt, including contempt of itself.
International Commercial Arbitration may also be initiated in the Supreme Court under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.