High Court
A High Court is the highest court at the state level in the Indian judicial system.
- Operates under Articles 214 to 231 of the Constitution of India.
- Every state has a High Court, and some High Courts serve more than one state/UT.
๐ PYQ (BPSC 66th): Which Article of the Constitution deals with High Courts? โ Article 214
Structure of the High Court
- Chief Justice: Head of the High Court
- Other Judges: Appointed based on workload
- Appointed by the President, in consultation with:
- Chief Justice of India (CJI)
- Governor of the concerned state
- Chief Justice of the High Court
๐ PYQ (BPSC 65th): Who appoints the Chief Justice of a High Court? โ President of India
Qualification of High Court Judges
- Citizen of India
- At least 10 years as an advocate in High Court
- OR 10 years of judicial office in India
Tenure and Removal
- No fixed term
- Holds office until age 62 years
- Can resign to the President
- Removed by the President on recommendation of Parliament (same as Supreme Court Judge removal process)
๐ Expected MCQ: Retirement age of High Court judges? โ 62 years
Jurisdiction of High Court
1. Original Jurisdiction
- Matters relating to the state, fundamental rights, and writs
- Can hear election petitions for State Legislature
2. Appellate Jurisdiction
- Civil and criminal appeals from subordinate courts
3. Writ Jurisdiction (Article 226)
- Can issue writs for enforcement of fundamental rights and other legal rights
- Wider scope than Article 32 (Supreme Court)
๐ PYQ (BPSC 67th): Which Article gives High Court writ power? โ Article 226
Powers of High Court
- Superintendence over all lower courts in its jurisdiction (except military courts)
- Power to transfer cases from one court to another within the state
- Power to punish for its contempt
Subordinate Courts
- High Court controls District Courts, Sessions Courts, Magistrate Courts
- Ensures administrative control, promotions, postings, and disciplinary actions
High Court of Bihar
- Located at Patna
- Established in 1916
- One of the oldest High Courts in India
- Has jurisdiction over the entire state of Bihar
Current Chief Justice (as of 2025):
- Vipul M. Pancholi
Landmark Judgments from Patna High Court
- Orders on Ganga pollution control, Bihar caste survey implementation, service regularization of contractual teachers, etc.
Quick Revision Points
- Article 214โ231: Provisions on High Courts
- Judge's retirement age โ 62 years
- Writs under Article 226
- High Court has original + appellate + writ jurisdiction
- Controls subordinate courts
- Patna High Court โ Established in 1916
Sources Used
- NCERT Class 11 โ Indian Constitution at Work
- Laxmikanth โ Indian Polity (6th Edition)
- Lucent GK โ Judiciary Section
- Ghatna Chakra PYQs โ BPSC & DPCS
- Official Patna High Court Website