Navigating Justice Across India: A Guide to All 25 High Courts

India’s vast judicial system relies on a network of High Courts, the highest courts in each state and union territory. These courts act as pillars of justice, safeguarding rights and ensuring fairness within the legal framework. This blog post embarks on a journey across India, exploring all 25 High Courts and their crucial roles in upholding the law.

Standing Tall: The Individual High Courts

• Allahabad High Court: Established in 1866, it serves the state of Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s most populous states.
• Andhra Pradesh High Court: Established in 2019, it caters to the legal needs of Andhra Pradesh.
• Bombay High Court: Founded in 1862, it’s one of the oldest High Courts in India, serving the state of Maharashtra.
• Calcutta High Court: Holding the distinction of being the oldest High Court (established in 1862), it has jurisdiction over West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Chhattisgarh High Court: Established in 2000, it serves the state of Chhattisgarh.
• Delhi High Court: Established in 1966, it caters to the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
• Gauhati High Court: Established in 1948, it has jurisdiction over a larger region, encompassing Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
• Gujarat High Court: Established in 1960, it serves the state of Gujarat.
• Himachal Pradesh High Court: Established in 1971, it caters to the legal matters of Himachal Pradesh.
• Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court: Established post the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, this single High Court serves both the union territories.
• Jharkhand High Court: Established in 2000, it has jurisdiction over the state of Jharkhand.
• Karnataka High Court: Established in 1884, it serves the state of Karnataka.
• Kerala High Court: Established in 1956, it caters to the state of Kerala.
• Madhya Pradesh High Court: Established in 1956, it serves the state of Madhya Pradesh.
• Madras High Court: Established in 1862, it’s one of the oldest High Courts, having jurisdiction over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
• Manipur High Court: Established in 2021, it caters to the state of Manipur.
• Meghalaya High Court: Established in 2013, it serves the state of Meghalaya.
• Orissa High Court: Established in 1950, it has jurisdiction over the state of Odisha.
• Patna High Court: Established in 1916, it serves the state of Bihar.
• Punjab and Haryana High Court: Established in 1947, this single High Court caters to both Punjab and Haryana.
• Rajasthan High Court: Established in 1949, it serves the state of Rajasthan.
• Sikkim High Court: Established in 1975, it has jurisdiction over the state of Sikkim.
• Telangana High Court: Established in 2019, it serves the state of Telangana.

Shared Strength: High Courts Serving Multiple States/UTs

• Gauhati High Court: As mentioned earlier, it has jurisdiction over five states and union territories in the northeast.
• Punjab and Haryana High Court: This single High Court efficiently serves the legal needs of both Punjab and Haryana.
• Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court: This recently established High Court serves both the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Guardians of Justice: The Roles and Significance of High Courts

Each High Court plays a pivotal role in ensuring justice prevails:

• Appellate Jurisdiction: They review judgments passed by lower courts within their jurisdiction, rectifying any errors.
• Original Jurisdiction: They handle specific cases involving fundamental rights, elections, and disputes between the state and central government.
• Issuing Writs: High Courts have the power to issue writs, powerful tools to safeguard fundamental rights.
• Supervision of Lower Courts: They oversee and ensure proper functioning of lower courts within their jurisdiction.

Conclusion

India’s network of 25 High Courts stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to a just and equitable legal system. By understanding their roles and significance, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate framework that upholds the rule of law and safeguards the rights of every Indian citizen.