The concept of law has been in existence in India since time immemorial. With the passage of time, as the society progressed, the need for development of law to meet the challenges of changing time to regulate the social conduct has been increasingly felt.  A clear approach to jurisprudence could be seen in Kautilya’s Arthashastra which dates back to 300 B.C. Manu, Yajnavalkya, Narada and others have made substantial contribution to the development of law in subsequent historical period.  A number of texts such as Nitisara of Kamandka written during Gupta period, and Nitivakyamtra of Somadeva Suri, of 10^th century A.D. etc., formed the corpus of ancient law and justice.  In Medieval time, the Muslim rulers introduced Islamic law, while the Britishers introduced the Western Judicial system in 19^th Century A.D.

The Federal Court of India which preceded the Supreme Court had its inaugural sitting in 1937, in the Chamber of Princes, where it sat for 12 years until it was replaced by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court of India came into existence on 26^th January, 1951 , at the Parliament House.  Its inaugural session was held on 28^th January, 1950 in the Chamber of Princes.  The Supreme Court functioned from the same chamber until 1958, when it shifted to the present building.

The Federal Court left behind a legacy of wisdom, independence and strength which the Supreme Court has maintained till today.  The Supreme Court so far successfully played a key role in upholding the Constitution besides exercising necessary advisory jurisdiction. It has immensely contributed in upholding the rule of law and dispensing justice.

A rich treasure of archival materials having original records of landmark trials, judgment and other important documents and exhibits relating to judicial system have not been allowed access to the common people.  Therefore, a need was felt to set up a Museum, w here old photographs, documents relating to judgments of great importance, old furniture used by the Hon’ble Judges and other important artifacts etc. could be preserved and displayed for general public.

The idea to set up a Museum was first mooted by the then Hon’ble Chief Justice of India Shri M.N. Venkatachaliah in the inaugural meeting of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations Committee on 27^th September, 1994 .  The Foundation Stone of the Museum Building was laid by the then Hon’ble Chief Justice of India Shri A.M. Ahmadi on 11^th  February,  1997 .   The Museum Building was inaugurated on 27^th September, 2001 by the then Hon’ble Chief Justice of India Dr. A.S.Anand.

The Museum Building is located within the campus of the Supreme Court.  It is a single pillar round building with basement and ground floor.  It is a beautiful piece of architecture. The Museum is divided into two sections.  The first section deals with the evolution and development of judiciary in India and the second portrays the Federal Court and Supreme Court.

The ground floor Gallery traces the history of Indian legal system from ancient period to British time.  It depicts Indian legal system through various periods with the help of relevant texts, artifacts and other exhibits.  An impression is created at the entrance of ground floor by displaying the logo of the Supreme Court (Dharamchakra upheld by the Lion Capital of 3^rd Century B.C.) in an appropriate ambience.

The Harappan seals and the head of a priest are displayed to focus on the existence of some sort of law in the ancient urban civilization.  Other important exhibits displayed here include Ashokan edict (Girnar, Gujarat ) and Nalanda Copper plate of 9^th Century A.D.