A leading expert on Indian judiciary, George Gadbois offers a compelling biography of the Supreme Court of India, a powerful institution. Written and researched when he was a graduate student in the 1960s, this book provides the first comprehensive account of the Courtâs foundation and early years. Gadbois opens with Hari Singh Gourâs proposal in 1921 to establish an indigenous ultimate court of appeal. After analyzing events preceding the Federal Courtâs creation under the Government of India Act, 1935, Gadbois explores the Courtâs largely overlooked role and record. He goes on to discuss the Constituent Assemblyâs debates about Indian judiciary and the Supreme Courtâs powers and jurisdiction under the Constitution. He pays particular attention to the history and practice of judicial appointments in India. In the bookâs later chapters, Gadbois assesses the functioning of the Supreme Court during its first decade and a half. He critically analyzes its first decisions on free speech, equality and reservations, preventive detention, and the right to property. The book is an institutional tour de force beginning with the Federal Courtâs establishment in December 1937, through the Supreme Courtâs inauguration in January 1950, and until the death of Jawaharlal Nehru in May 1964.