On which date was the Supreme Court of India first inaugurated and formally began its work in New Delhi?

Introduction / Context:
The inauguration of the Supreme Court of India marks a major milestone in the country judicial history. It signalled the beginning of a new apex court under the Constitution, replacing earlier colonial era arrangements. While many students remember the year 1950, exams often demand the exact date as well. This question specifically asks for the day and month on which the Supreme Court opened its doors in New Delhi and began functioning as the highest court.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about the first inauguration date of the Supreme Court of India.
• Options include several important national dates such as 15 August 1947 and 26 January 1950.
• We assume that the learner knows the Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950 and must link this with the Supreme Court inauguration.

Concept / Approach:
The Supreme Court of India was inaugurated on 28 January 1950, two days after the Constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950. Before this, the Federal Court and the Privy Council had roles in the judicial system. The new court symbolised the end of appeals to London and the assertion of complete judicial sovereignty. Therefore, although 26 January 1950 is the Republic Day when the Constitution started operating, the actual day the Supreme Court began work is 28 January 1950.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950.Step 2: Remember that the Supreme Court was inaugurated two days later, on 28 January 1950.Step 3: Examine the options and identify 28 January 1950 as the only one that matches this sequence.Step 4: Recognise that 26 November 1949 is the date on which the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution text, not the launch of the Supreme Court.Step 5: Observe that 15 August 1947 is Independence Day and is not directly linked with the inauguration of the new Supreme Court in New Delhi.

Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify is to think about the short timeline in January 1950: first, Republic Day on 26 January, when the Constitution begins to operate, and then the inauguration of the Supreme Court two days later on 28 January. Standard polity and legal history books always treat these two dates together when introducing the Supreme Court chapter. This repeated pairing confirms that 28 January 1950 is the correct date.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
26 November 1949 is the day the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution, but the document did not start operating fully until January 1950. 30 January 1949 is not connected with the Supreme Court inauguration in constitutional history. 15 August 1947 marks the end of British rule and independence, but the apex court under the Constitution was not yet in place. 26 January 1950 is indeed a very important date, yet it relates to the Constitution coming into force, not the actual inauguration ceremony of the Supreme Court.

Common Pitfalls:
Examinees often select 26 January 1950 because it is a famous national date and they know that the Supreme Court started around that time. Others may confuse the adoption date of the Constitution in November 1949 with its enforcement date or with the court inauguration. A good practice is to memorise key constitutional dates in order: 26 November 1949 adoption, 26 January 1950 enforcement and Republic Day, and 28 January 1950 inauguration of the Supreme Court.

Final Answer:
28 January 1950