The High Court is the highest court in a state. India has a single integrated judiciary with the Supreme Court at the top, High Courts in the middle and subordinate courts at the bottom. Provisions about High Courts are given in Articles 214 to 231.
Structure of the Judiciary
The Indian judiciary is a pyramid. The Supreme Court is the apex body. Below it are the High Courts at the state level, and then the district and subordinate courts. All courts work under one unified system, unlike the dual system in some other countries.
High Court Basics
- Article 214 – there shall be a High Court for each state.
- The first High Courts were set up in 1862 at Calcutta, Bombay and Madras.
- Judges are appointed by the President.
- High Court judges retire at the age of 62 years.
- One High Court can serve more than one state.
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Jurisdiction of High Courts
- Original jurisdiction – in certain matters like elections.
- Appellate jurisdiction – appeals from lower courts.
- Writ jurisdiction – issues writs under Article 226.
- Supervisory power – over all subordinate courts under Article 227.
Writ Power
Under Article 226, High Courts can issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights and for other purposes. This power is wider than that of the Supreme Court under Article 32, which is limited to Fundamental Rights.
Quick Revision Points
- India has a single integrated judiciary.
- High Courts are covered under Articles 214-231.
- First High Courts set up in 1862 (Calcutta, Bombay, Madras).
- High Court judges retire at 62 years.
- High Courts issue writs under Article 226.
- Article 226 power is wider than Article 32.
- A single High Court can serve two or more states.