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2 minConstitutional Provision
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Concepts
  4. /
  5. Constitutional Provision
  6. /
  7. High Courts
Constitutional Provision

High Courts

What is High Courts?

High Courts are the highest judicial bodies in a state or a union territory in India, forming a crucial part of the country's integrated judicial system. They exercise original, appellate, and writ jurisdiction over their respective territories.

Historical Background

The first High Courts in India were established in 1862 in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras under the Indian High Courts Act, 1861. Post-independence, the Constitution of India provided for a High Court for each state, or a common High Court for two or more states/union territories.

Supreme Court vs High Courts: Key Differences

A comparative analysis of the Supreme Court and High Courts, highlighting their distinct roles, jurisdictions, and appointment processes within the Indian judicial system.

This Concept in News

2 news topics

2

CJI Urges High Courts to Enhance Women's Representation in Judiciary

9 March 2026

This news specifically highlights the functioning of the Collegium system, which is responsible for recommending judicial appointments to High Courts. It demonstrates the persistent challenge of gender imbalance within the higher judiciary, where women constitute only 14.85% of High Court judges. The CJI's call for High Court collegiums to widen their consideration zone, including women advocates practicing in the Supreme Court from their respective states, reveals a proactive approach to address this structural issue. This development underscores the judiciary's internal efforts towards reform and its commitment to enhancing institutional credibility by ensuring that the justice system better reflects society's diversity. Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing how constitutional bodies like High Courts adapt to contemporary social demands and how judicial appointments, while maintaining merit, can also strive for greater inclusivity.

Supreme Court Must Ensure Consistency in Its Decisions

1 March 2026

The news about the need for consistency in Supreme Court judgments highlights the broader issue of judicial consistency and the role of High Courts in maintaining the rule of law. Conflicting judgments from different High Courts can create legal uncertainty and undermine public confidence in the judicial system. This news event applies to the concept of High Courts by demonstrating the potential for divergent interpretations of laws and the need for a mechanism to resolve these conflicts. It reveals that while High Courts are essential for providing access to justice at the state level, their decisions must be consistent with broader legal principles and precedents. Understanding the concept of High Courts is crucial for properly analyzing this news because it helps to appreciate the challenges of maintaining a unified legal system in a diverse country like India, where multiple High Courts operate independently.

2 minConstitutional Provision
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Concepts
  4. /
  5. Constitutional Provision
  6. /
  7. High Courts
Constitutional Provision

High Courts

What is High Courts?

High Courts are the highest judicial bodies in a state or a union territory in India, forming a crucial part of the country's integrated judicial system. They exercise original, appellate, and writ jurisdiction over their respective territories.

Historical Background

The first High Courts in India were established in 1862 in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras under the Indian High Courts Act, 1861. Post-independence, the Constitution of India provided for a High Court for each state, or a common High Court for two or more states/union territories.

Supreme Court vs High Courts: Key Differences

A comparative analysis of the Supreme Court and High Courts, highlighting their distinct roles, jurisdictions, and appointment processes within the Indian judicial system.

This Concept in News

2 news topics

2

CJI Urges High Courts to Enhance Women's Representation in Judiciary

9 March 2026

This news specifically highlights the functioning of the Collegium system, which is responsible for recommending judicial appointments to High Courts. It demonstrates the persistent challenge of gender imbalance within the higher judiciary, where women constitute only 14.85% of High Court judges. The CJI's call for High Court collegiums to widen their consideration zone, including women advocates practicing in the Supreme Court from their respective states, reveals a proactive approach to address this structural issue. This development underscores the judiciary's internal efforts towards reform and its commitment to enhancing institutional credibility by ensuring that the justice system better reflects society's diversity. Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing how constitutional bodies like High Courts adapt to contemporary social demands and how judicial appointments, while maintaining merit, can also strive for greater inclusivity.

Supreme Court Must Ensure Consistency in Its Decisions

1 March 2026

The news about the need for consistency in Supreme Court judgments highlights the broader issue of judicial consistency and the role of High Courts in maintaining the rule of law. Conflicting judgments from different High Courts can create legal uncertainty and undermine public confidence in the judicial system. This news event applies to the concept of High Courts by demonstrating the potential for divergent interpretations of laws and the need for a mechanism to resolve these conflicts. It reveals that while High Courts are essential for providing access to justice at the state level, their decisions must be consistent with broader legal principles and precedents. Understanding the concept of High Courts is crucial for properly analyzing this news because it helps to appreciate the challenges of maintaining a unified legal system in a diverse country like India, where multiple High Courts operate independently.

Supreme Court vs High Courts

FeatureSupreme CourtHigh Courts
Constitutional BasisPart V, Chapter IV (Art 124-147)Part VI, Chapter V (Art 214-231)
JurisdictionApex court, final appealHighest court in a state/UT
Judges Strength (Max)CJI + 33 (Total 34)Varies per HC (determined by President)
Appointment ProcessPresident on SC Collegium's recommendation (CJI + 4 senior-most judges)President on SC Collegium's recommendation (CJI + 2 senior-most judges, HC CJ + 2 senior-most judges)
Retirement Age65 years62 years
Writ JurisdictionArt 32 (only for Fundamental Rights)Art 226 (for Fundamental Rights & other legal rights - broader)
Supervisory PowerNo direct supervision over HCsArt 227 (supervises all subordinate courts/tribunals in its territory)
SeatDelhi (can sit elsewhere with President's approval)Principal seat in state capital (benches can be established)
Salaries/AllowancesCharged on Consolidated Fund of IndiaCharged on Consolidated Fund of the State

💡 Highlighted: Row 0 is particularly important for exam preparation

High Courts in India (March 2026)

A map showing the locations of India's 25 High Courts, with a highlight on Andhra Pradesh where Justice Lisa Gill was recently recommended as Chief Justice.

Geographic Context

Map Type: india_states

Key Regions:
Andhra Pradesh
Legend:
Recent CJ appointment (woman)
High Courts with relatively more women judges

Supreme Court vs High Courts

FeatureSupreme CourtHigh Courts
Constitutional BasisPart V, Chapter IV (Art 124-147)Part VI, Chapter V (Art 214-231)
JurisdictionApex court, final appealHighest court in a state/UT
Judges Strength (Max)CJI + 33 (Total 34)Varies per HC (determined by President)
Appointment ProcessPresident on SC Collegium's recommendation (CJI + 4 senior-most judges)President on SC Collegium's recommendation (CJI + 2 senior-most judges, HC CJ + 2 senior-most judges)
Retirement Age65 years62 years
Writ JurisdictionArt 32 (only for Fundamental Rights)Art 226 (for Fundamental Rights & other legal rights - broader)
Supervisory PowerNo direct supervision over HCsArt 227 (supervises all subordinate courts/tribunals in its territory)
SeatDelhi (can sit elsewhere with President's approval)Principal seat in state capital (benches can be established)
Salaries/AllowancesCharged on Consolidated Fund of IndiaCharged on Consolidated Fund of the State

💡 Highlighted: Row 0 is particularly important for exam preparation

High Courts in India (March 2026)

A map showing the locations of India's 25 High Courts, with a highlight on Andhra Pradesh where Justice Lisa Gill was recently recommended as Chief Justice.

Geographic Context

Map Type: india_states

Key Regions:
Andhra Pradesh
Legend:
Recent CJ appointment (woman)
High Courts with relatively more women judges

Key Points

8 points
  • 1.

    Constitutional Basis: Article 214 states that there shall be a High Court for each state. Article 231 allows for a common High Court for two or more states or for a state and a Union Territory.

  • 2.

    Composition: Each High Court consists of a Chief Justice and such other judges as the President may from time to time deem necessary to appoint.

  • 3.

    Appointment of Judges: Appointed by the President after consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), the Governor of the concerned state, and in the case of appointment of a judge other than the Chief Justice, the Chief Justice of the High Court. The process is governed by the Collegium system.

  • 4.

    Tenure: Judges hold office until they attain the age of 62 years.

  • 5.

    Removal: Similar to Supreme Court judges, through a parliamentary impeachment process.

  • 6.

    Jurisdiction: Includes Original Jurisdiction (e.g., admiralty, election petitions), Writ Jurisdiction (under Article 226, broader than SC's Article 32), Appellate Jurisdiction (from subordinate courts), and Supervisory Jurisdiction (under Article 227, over all subordinate courts and tribunals).

  • 7.

    Control over Subordinate Courts: Exercises control over district courts and other subordinate courts (Article 235).

  • 8.

    Transfer of Judges: Can be transferred from one High Court to another by the President after consultation with the CJI (governed by the Collegium).

Visual Insights

Supreme Court vs High Courts: Key Differences

A comparative analysis of the Supreme Court and High Courts, highlighting their distinct roles, jurisdictions, and appointment processes within the Indian judicial system.

FeatureSupreme CourtHigh Courts
Constitutional BasisPart V, Chapter IV (Art 124-147)Part VI, Chapter V (Art 214-231)
JurisdictionApex court, final appealHighest court in a state/UT
Judges Strength (Max)CJI + 33 (Total 34)Varies per HC (determined by President)
Appointment ProcessPresident on SC Collegium's recommendation (CJI + 4 senior-most judges)President on SC Collegium's recommendation (CJI + 2 senior-most judges, HC CJ + 2 senior-most judges)
Retirement Age65 years62 years
Writ JurisdictionArt 32 (only for Fundamental Rights)Art 226 (for Fundamental Rights & other legal rights - broader)
Supervisory PowerNo direct supervision over HCsArt 227 (supervises all subordinate courts/tribunals in its territory)
SeatDelhi (can sit elsewhere with President's approval)Principal seat in state capital (benches can be established)
Salaries/AllowancesCharged on Consolidated Fund of IndiaCharged on Consolidated Fund of the State

High Courts in India (March 2026)

A map showing the locations of India's 25 High Courts, with a highlight on Andhra Pradesh where Justice Lisa Gill was recently recommended as Chief Justice.

  • 📍Andhra Pradesh High Court — Justice Lisa Gill recommended as CJ
  • 📍Punjab and Haryana High Court — Justice Lisa Gill previously served here
  • 📍Bombay High Court — Around a dozen women judges
  • 📍Madras High Court — Around a dozen women judges

Recent Real-World Examples

2 examples

Illustrated in 2 real-world examples from Mar 2026 to Mar 2026

CJI Urges High Courts to Enhance Women's Representation in Judiciary

9 Mar 2026

This news specifically highlights the functioning of the Collegium system, which is responsible for recommending judicial appointments to High Courts. It demonstrates the persistent challenge of gender imbalance within the higher judiciary, where women constitute only 14.85% of High Court judges. The CJI's call for High Court collegiums to widen their consideration zone, including women advocates practicing in the Supreme Court from their respective states, reveals a proactive approach to address this structural issue. This development underscores the judiciary's internal efforts towards reform and its commitment to enhancing institutional credibility by ensuring that the justice system better reflects society's diversity. Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing how constitutional bodies like High Courts adapt to contemporary social demands and how judicial appointments, while maintaining merit, can also strive for greater inclusivity.

Supreme Court Must Ensure Consistency in Its Decisions

1 Mar 2026

The news about the need for consistency in Supreme Court judgments highlights the broader issue of judicial consistency and the role of High Courts in maintaining the rule of law. Conflicting judgments from different High Courts can create legal uncertainty and undermine public confidence in the judicial system. This news event applies to the concept of High Courts by demonstrating the potential for divergent interpretations of laws and the need for a mechanism to resolve these conflicts. It reveals that while High Courts are essential for providing access to justice at the state level, their decisions must be consistent with broader legal principles and precedents. Understanding the concept of High Courts is crucial for properly analyzing this news because it helps to appreciate the challenges of maintaining a unified legal system in a diverse country like India, where multiple High Courts operate independently.

Related Concepts

Supreme CourtCollegium SystemArticle 14Article 15Judicial RestraintRule of LawArticle 141 of the ConstitutionDeath PenaltyTrial CourtsRight to Life and Personal LibertyInterim Relief

Source Topic

CJI Urges High Courts to Enhance Women's Representation in Judiciary

Polity & Governance

UPSC Relevance

Very important for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance). Questions on the jurisdiction, powers, appointment of judges, and role of High Courts in the judicial system are common in both Prelims and Mains. Essential for understanding the federal structure of the judiciary.

On This Page

DefinitionHistorical BackgroundKey PointsVisual InsightsReal-World ExamplesRelated ConceptsUPSC RelevanceSource Topic

Source Topic

CJI Urges High Courts to Enhance Women's Representation in JudiciaryPolity & Governance

Related Concepts

Supreme CourtCollegium SystemArticle 14Article 15Judicial RestraintRule of LawArticle 141 of the ConstitutionDeath Penalty+3 more

Key Points

8 points
  • 1.

    Constitutional Basis: Article 214 states that there shall be a High Court for each state. Article 231 allows for a common High Court for two or more states or for a state and a Union Territory.

  • 2.

    Composition: Each High Court consists of a Chief Justice and such other judges as the President may from time to time deem necessary to appoint.

  • 3.

    Appointment of Judges: Appointed by the President after consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), the Governor of the concerned state, and in the case of appointment of a judge other than the Chief Justice, the Chief Justice of the High Court. The process is governed by the Collegium system.

  • 4.

    Tenure: Judges hold office until they attain the age of 62 years.

  • 5.

    Removal: Similar to Supreme Court judges, through a parliamentary impeachment process.

  • 6.

    Jurisdiction: Includes Original Jurisdiction (e.g., admiralty, election petitions), Writ Jurisdiction (under Article 226, broader than SC's Article 32), Appellate Jurisdiction (from subordinate courts), and Supervisory Jurisdiction (under Article 227, over all subordinate courts and tribunals).

  • 7.

    Control over Subordinate Courts: Exercises control over district courts and other subordinate courts (Article 235).

  • 8.

    Transfer of Judges: Can be transferred from one High Court to another by the President after consultation with the CJI (governed by the Collegium).

Visual Insights

Supreme Court vs High Courts: Key Differences

A comparative analysis of the Supreme Court and High Courts, highlighting their distinct roles, jurisdictions, and appointment processes within the Indian judicial system.

FeatureSupreme CourtHigh Courts
Constitutional BasisPart V, Chapter IV (Art 124-147)Part VI, Chapter V (Art 214-231)
JurisdictionApex court, final appealHighest court in a state/UT
Judges Strength (Max)CJI + 33 (Total 34)Varies per HC (determined by President)
Appointment ProcessPresident on SC Collegium's recommendation (CJI + 4 senior-most judges)President on SC Collegium's recommendation (CJI + 2 senior-most judges, HC CJ + 2 senior-most judges)
Retirement Age65 years62 years
Writ JurisdictionArt 32 (only for Fundamental Rights)Art 226 (for Fundamental Rights & other legal rights - broader)
Supervisory PowerNo direct supervision over HCsArt 227 (supervises all subordinate courts/tribunals in its territory)
SeatDelhi (can sit elsewhere with President's approval)Principal seat in state capital (benches can be established)
Salaries/AllowancesCharged on Consolidated Fund of IndiaCharged on Consolidated Fund of the State

High Courts in India (March 2026)

A map showing the locations of India's 25 High Courts, with a highlight on Andhra Pradesh where Justice Lisa Gill was recently recommended as Chief Justice.

  • 📍Andhra Pradesh High Court — Justice Lisa Gill recommended as CJ
  • 📍Punjab and Haryana High Court — Justice Lisa Gill previously served here
  • 📍Bombay High Court — Around a dozen women judges
  • 📍Madras High Court — Around a dozen women judges

Recent Real-World Examples

2 examples

Illustrated in 2 real-world examples from Mar 2026 to Mar 2026

CJI Urges High Courts to Enhance Women's Representation in Judiciary

9 Mar 2026

This news specifically highlights the functioning of the Collegium system, which is responsible for recommending judicial appointments to High Courts. It demonstrates the persistent challenge of gender imbalance within the higher judiciary, where women constitute only 14.85% of High Court judges. The CJI's call for High Court collegiums to widen their consideration zone, including women advocates practicing in the Supreme Court from their respective states, reveals a proactive approach to address this structural issue. This development underscores the judiciary's internal efforts towards reform and its commitment to enhancing institutional credibility by ensuring that the justice system better reflects society's diversity. Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing how constitutional bodies like High Courts adapt to contemporary social demands and how judicial appointments, while maintaining merit, can also strive for greater inclusivity.

Supreme Court Must Ensure Consistency in Its Decisions

1 Mar 2026

The news about the need for consistency in Supreme Court judgments highlights the broader issue of judicial consistency and the role of High Courts in maintaining the rule of law. Conflicting judgments from different High Courts can create legal uncertainty and undermine public confidence in the judicial system. This news event applies to the concept of High Courts by demonstrating the potential for divergent interpretations of laws and the need for a mechanism to resolve these conflicts. It reveals that while High Courts are essential for providing access to justice at the state level, their decisions must be consistent with broader legal principles and precedents. Understanding the concept of High Courts is crucial for properly analyzing this news because it helps to appreciate the challenges of maintaining a unified legal system in a diverse country like India, where multiple High Courts operate independently.

Related Concepts

Supreme CourtCollegium SystemArticle 14Article 15Judicial RestraintRule of LawArticle 141 of the ConstitutionDeath PenaltyTrial CourtsRight to Life and Personal LibertyInterim Relief

Source Topic

CJI Urges High Courts to Enhance Women's Representation in Judiciary

Polity & Governance

UPSC Relevance

Very important for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance). Questions on the jurisdiction, powers, appointment of judges, and role of High Courts in the judicial system are common in both Prelims and Mains. Essential for understanding the federal structure of the judiciary.

On This Page

DefinitionHistorical BackgroundKey PointsVisual InsightsReal-World ExamplesRelated ConceptsUPSC RelevanceSource Topic

Source Topic

CJI Urges High Courts to Enhance Women's Representation in JudiciaryPolity & Governance

Related Concepts

Supreme CourtCollegium SystemArticle 14Article 15Judicial RestraintRule of LawArticle 141 of the ConstitutionDeath Penalty+3 more