Structure of Courts in India | Important Acts and Laws for Judiciary Exams PDF Download

Introduction

• The evolution of courts has a lengthy history, transitioning from informal gatherings to formalized systems headed by judges. In both common law and civil law systems, courts play a central role in the state. They interpret existing laws and ensure fair and just outcomes. Understanding the structure of the court system is essential for accessing its benefits.
• In this paper, we will explore the hierarchy of courts and the judicial system within the context of India. Within the state, three main bodies exist: the Judiciary, the Executive, and the Legislative. The Judiciary operates independently from the other two branches.

Court Structure in India

• Hierarchical Structure:
  • Supreme Court: The Supreme Court occupies the highest position in the Indian court structure.
  • High Courts: High Courts are positioned below the Supreme Court and have authority over specific states or union territories.
  • District/Subordinate/Lower Courts: These courts form the foundation of the judicial system, operating at the grassroots level.
• Source of Authority: The courts in India derive their power and jurisdiction from the Constitution of India, which outlines their roles and responsibilities.

For instance, the Supreme Court serves as the final interpreter of the Constitution and resolves disputes between the Union and states. High Courts deal with issues within their respective jurisdictions, while the District/Subordinate/Lower Courts handle cases at the district level, ensuring justice is delivered at the grassroots.

Supreme Court

Overview of the Supreme Court

• The Supreme Court stands as the highest judicial body within the Indian legal system, situated exclusively in the nation's capital, Delhi.
• Its jurisdiction extends beyond cases originating in high courts to include disputes between two or more states and conflicts between the union government and any state.
• Additionally, the Supreme Court possesses original and appellate jurisdiction, empowering it to address a wide range of legal matters.

Role in Protecting Fundamental Rights

• One of the pivotal functions of the Supreme Court is to safeguard Fundamental Rights as enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
• Article 32 of the Constitution grants individuals the right to approach the Supreme Court in case their Fundamental Rights are infringed.
• For instance, the Court may entertain writ petitions pertaining to violations of Fundamental Rights, ensuring justice and upholding constitutional principles.

Composition and Jurisdiction

• The Chief Justice of India leads the Supreme Court, with Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde currently holding this esteemed position.
• Its establishment and functioning are governed by Part V, Chapter IV of the Indian Constitution, specifically detailed in Articles 124 to 147.
• These articles outline crucial aspects such as the Supreme Court's jurisdiction, composition, and other pertinent regulations.

High Court

• Role in Indian Constitution: As per the Indian Constitution, every state or a group of states must have a High Court. Positioned below the Supreme Court, the High Court stands above lower or district courts. Supreme Court decisions are binding on High Courts, while decisions from other High Courts carry persuasive value.
• Jurisdiction: The High Court's jurisdiction is confined to the specific state, group of states, or Union Territory it serves. It holds original jurisdiction and serves as an appellate court within its territory.
• Writ Petitions: High Courts entertain writ petitions filed in case of fundamental rights violation. Article 226 of the Indian Constitution lays down the provision for this.
• Example: For instance, if a citizen feels their fundamental rights are being infringed upon by any authority, they can approach the High Court through a writ petition under Article 226 for redressal.

District Court Overview

• The establishment of district courts is contingent upon various factors such as population size and caseload, determined by the State government.
• Each district is mandated to have at least one court presiding over it, with larger districts potentially requiring multiple courts.
• Decisions made by the district court are subject to scrutiny and review by the corresponding High Court.

Lower Court

Lower courts typically handle cases related to civil matters, criminal offenses, and revenue disputes. Civil courts deal with non-criminal cases such as property disputes, contract breaches, and family matters. Criminal courts, on the other hand, preside over cases involving violations of criminal law. Revenue courts are responsible for matters related to land revenue, taxes, and other financial disputes.

Higher Court

Higher courts, including the District Judge, District and Session Judge, and Board of Revenue, oversee more complex legal issues and appeals from lower court decisions. The District Judge holds authority over a specific district, while the District and Session Judge presides over both civil and criminal cases at the district level. The Board of Revenue deals with revenue-related disputes and administrative matters.