Why this matters now
High Courts are tested for their jurisdiction (especially the wider writ jurisdiction vs the Supreme Court), appointment of judges and the integrated judiciary. The collegium and judicial appointments are live current-affairs topics.
Constitutional basis and composition
Articles 214-231 deal with the High Courts. Each state has a High Court (some are common to more than one state/UT). A High Court has a Chief Justice and other judges, appointed by the President (in consultation with the CJI, the Governor and the Chief Justice of the High Court — through the collegium system). Judges hold office until age 62.
Jurisdiction
- Original jurisdiction — certain matters directly (e.g. elections, some revenue);
- Writ jurisdiction (Article 226) — to issue writs for Fundamental Rights and for other purposes, making it wider than the Supreme Court’s (Article 32);
- Appellate jurisdiction — appeals in civil and criminal cases from subordinate courts;
- Supervisory jurisdiction (Article 227) — superintendence over all courts and tribunals in its territory.
The subordinate judiciary
Below the High Court are the district and subordinate courts (Articles 233-237): on the civil side the District Judge (and subordinate civil judges), and on the criminal side the Sessions Judge (and magistrates). The High Court exercises control over the district judiciary (appointment, posting and promotion of district judges in consultation with the Governor).
An integrated judiciary
India has a single, integrated judicial system — the Supreme Court at the apex, High Courts below, and subordinate courts beneath them — enforcing both central and state laws (unlike the US dual system). This ensures uniformity and a single hierarchy of appeals.
UPSC angle
Remember Article 226 writ jurisdiction is WIDER than the SC’s Article 32 (“and for any other purpose”), the retirement age 62 (HC) vs 65 (SC), and the integrated single judiciary.
Frequently asked questions
Which articles deal with the High Courts?
Articles 214-231 of the Constitution.
How is the High Court’s writ jurisdiction wider than the Supreme Court’s?
Under Article 226 a High Court can issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights and for any other purpose, whereas the Supreme Court’s Article 32 is limited to Fundamental Rights.
What is the retirement age of a High Court judge?
62 years (compared with 65 for a Supreme Court judge).
What is meant by an integrated judiciary?
A single judicial system — Supreme Court, High Courts and subordinate courts — that enforces both central and state laws, unlike the dual system in the US.