Explore the 7 pivotal functions of High Courts in India

Unmasking India's High Courts: An Intriguing Exploration of the Power Players Shaping the Nation's Legal Landscape.

Table of Contents

☛ Ensuring Judicial Independence
☛ Appellate Jurisdiction
☛ Writ Jurisdiction
☛ Judicial Review
☛ Administrative Control
☛ Determining State Laws' Constitutionality
☛ Protecting Human Rights
☛ Conclusion

High Courts in India are often considered the backbone of the country's judicial system. These courts play a crucial role in upholding the principles of justice, safeguarding fundamental rights, and ensuring the proper functioning of the legal framework. Let us explore the seven pivotal functions of High Courts in India and understand their significance in maintaining a fair and equitable society.

Here is a list of India's 25 High Courts, along with their dates of establishment and jurisdictions:

High Court	Location	Established	Jurisdiction
Allahabad High Court	Allahabad	17 March 1866	Uttar Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh High Court	Amaravati	1 January 2019	Andhra Pradesh
Bombay High Court	Mumbai	14 August 1862	Maharashtra and Goa
Calcutta High Court	Kolkata	1 July 1862	West Bengal
Chhattisgarh High Court	Bilaspur	1 November 2000	Chhattisgarh
Delhi High Court	New Delhi	31 October 1966	Delhi
Gauhati High Court	Guwahati	1 March 1948	Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh
Gujarat High Court	Ahmedabad	1 May 1960	Gujarat
Himachal Pradesh High Court	Shimla	25 January 1971	Himachal Pradesh
Jammu and Kashmir High Court	Srinagar and Jammu	26 March 1928	Jammu and Kashmir
Jharkhand High Court	Ranchi	15 November 2000	Jharkhand
Karnataka High Court	Bangalore	1 July 1884	Karnataka
Kerala High Court	Kochi	1 July 1948	Kerala
Madhya Pradesh High Court	Jabalpur	1 November 2000	Madhya Pradesh
Madras High Court	Chennai	15 August 1862	Tamil Nadu
Manipur High Court	Imphal	15 January 1972	Manipur
Meghalaya High Court	Shillong	19 January 2013	Meghalaya
Orissa High Court	Cuttack	1 January 1948	Odisha
Patna High Court	Patna	14 February 1916	Bihar
Punjab and Haryana High Court	Chandigarh	15 November 1966	Punjab and Haryana
Rajasthan High Court	Jodhpur	25 January 1949	Rajasthan
Sikkim High Court	Gangtok	25 March 2017	Sikkim
Telangana High Court	Hyderabad	1 January 2019	Telangana
Tripura High Court	Agartala	1 March 1948	Tripura
Uttarakhand High Court	Nainital	20 January 2000	Uttarakhand

Please note that this list is subject to change, as new High Courts may be created or existing High Courts may be reorganized.

Check out this insightful blog post on India's High Courts and discover the power players behind the scenes!

1. Ensuring Judicial Independence

High Courts act as custodians of judicial independence in India. They play a crucial role in ensuring that the judiciary remains independent from undue influence or interference from the executive or legislative branches of the government. This independence is essential for upholding the rights and liberties of citizens and protecting the principles of justice.

2. Appellate Jurisdiction

One of the primary functions of High Courts is to serve as appellate bodies for cases decided by lower courts. High Courts have the authority to review decisions made by subordinate courts and tribunals. This function plays a vital role in correcting errors of law or fact and ensures that justice is delivered fairly.

3. Writ Jurisdiction

High Courts in India possess the power to issue writs, which are court orders primarily used for the protection of fundamental rights. The ability to issue writs, such as habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and quo warranto, highlights the influence of High Courts in safeguarding the enforcement of constitutional rights. This power serves as a crucial safeguard against any infringement of citizens' fundamental rights.

4. Judicial Review

A significant function of High Courts is to exercise judicial review. They are the final authority to examine the constitutionality of laws, both central and state. Judicial review ensures that legislation is in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Constitution. High Court judgments on constitutional matters serve as precedents and have a profound impact on shaping the legal landscape of the country.

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5. Administrative Control

High Courts also exercise administrative control over lower courts and tribunals within their jurisdiction. They supervise the functioning of these courts and tribunals to ensure efficient and effective delivery of justice. By keeping a check on the performance and conduct of lower courts, High Courts play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.

6. Determining State Laws' Constitutionality

High Courts have the authority to examine the constitutionality of state laws. They play a crucial role in maintaining the harmony between state legislation and the Indian Constitution. If a state law is found to be in conflict with the constitution, High Courts have the power to strike it down. This function ensures that the principles enshrined in the constitution prevail over any conflicting state laws.

7. Protecting Human Rights

High Courts actively engage in protecting human rights and promoting social justice in India. They address numerous cases related to the violation of fundamental rights and take measures to safeguard the interests of citizens. In landmark cases, High Courts have played a pivotal role in ensuring justice and protecting the rights of marginalized communities, thereby shaping a more inclusive society.

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Conclusion

High Courts in India hold immense power and responsibility. Their pivotal functions, such as ensuring judicial independence, serving as appellate bodies, exercising writ jurisdiction and judicial review, and maintaining administrative control, define the backbone of India's legal system. These functions collectively contribute to upholding the principles of justice, protecting fundamental rights, and promoting equality in society. The continued role of High Courts in safeguarding the rights and liberties of citizens is crucial for building a fair and equitable India.