Understanding High Courts in India

The Indian judiciary is a crucial pillar of the country's democratic structure. At the state level, the High Court is the highest court of appeal. The Constitution of India provides for a High Court for each state, but Parliament also has the power to establish a common High Court for two or more states or for two or more states and a Union Territory.

Number of High Courts in India as of November 2020

The question asks about the total number of High Courts functioning in India as of November 2020. The number of High Courts has increased over the years with the creation of new states and the establishment of new High Courts for existing states or Union Territories.

As of November 2020, India had a specific number of High Courts. The most recent High Court to be established before this date played a significant role in reaching this total.

Let's consider the options provided:

• 15
• 29
• 21
• 25

To determine the correct number, we need to recall the status of the Indian judiciary's High Court system around November 2020.

Prior to 2013, India had 21 High Courts. In 2013, three new High Courts were created for the newly formed states of Meghalaya, Manipur, and Tripura, increasing the total to 24.

Following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, a separate High Court for Andhra Pradesh was established. This new High Court, located in Amravati, began functioning on January 1, 2019. This addition brought the total number of High Courts in the country to 25.

Therefore, as of November 2020, the total number of High Courts in India was 25.

Establishment of High Courts

High Courts in India are established under Article 214 of the Constitution, which states that there shall be a High Court for each State. However, Article 231 allows for the establishment of a common High Court for two or more States or for two or more States and a Union Territory by an Act of Parliament. The number of judges in a High Court is not fixed by the Constitution but is determined by the President of India from time to time.

Revision Table: Key Facts about High Courts

Additional Information on Indian Judiciary

The Indian judiciary follows a hierarchical structure. At the apex is the Supreme Court of India. Below the Supreme Court are the High Courts in each state or for groups of states/Union Territories. Subordinate courts, including District Courts and other lower courts, function under the High Courts.

• The Calcutta High Court is the oldest High Court in India, established in 1862.
• Some High Courts have jurisdiction over more than one state or Union Territory. For example, the Gauhati High Court has jurisdiction over Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. The Punjab and Haryana High Court is a common High Court for the states of Punjab and Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
• The creation of new High Courts or changes in their jurisdiction often follows the reorganisation of states.

Understanding the structure and key facts about the Indian judiciary, including the number of High Courts and their jurisdiction, is important for various competitive exams.