Every state and union territory of India is governed by specific High Courts operating within the Indian Land. The High Courts serve as the primary civil and criminal tribunals with original jurisdiction. In addition, they have supervisory power over all subordinate courts under their purview and function as appellate courts. Articles 214 to 231 of the Indian Constitution create the High Courts as constitutional courts. At the state or union territory level, these are the highest courts.
Under Articles 226 and 227, they have original jurisdiction over some cases, such as writ petitions, and they also hear appeals from lower courts (district and subordinate courts). A Chief Justice and additional judges chosen by the Indian President usually make up a High Court. Depending on the situation, they might sit on full, division, or single benches. Administrative tasks are managed by a registry at each High Court.
Jurisdiction of High Courts in India
The Jurisdiction of High Courts in India comprises of four parts namely:
- Original Jurisdiction: primarily writ and civil cases.
2. Appellate Jurisdiction: appeals from subordinate courts in criminal and civil proceedings.3. Write Jurisdiction: Under Article 226 of the Constitution, High Courts have the authority to grant writs such as habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari.
4. Supervisory Jurisdiction: This refers to all subordinate courts and tribunals that fall under its purview.
It should be noted that India has 25 High Courts. The President of India appoints judges after consulting the Chief Justice of India (CJI), the state governor, and the Chief Justice of the relevant High Court. It is crucial to note that judges need to have held the position as advocates or have at least ten years of experience.
High Court Judgments India
The High Court Judgments of India has portrayed legal commitments to upholding legal principles and ensuring justice. The courts have played a significant role in maintaining the rule of law in the area and influencing legal discourse.
1. Bombay High Court
The Bombay High Court, one of India’s oldest and most prominent judicial institutions, continues to play a pivotal role in interpreting and upholding the law. Established in 1862, it has jurisdiction over the states of Maharashtra, Goa, and the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
Dismissal of L&T’s Pleas Against MMRDA’s Bid Process, Date: May 20, 2025
Judgment: Larsen & Toubro (L&T) filed petitions challenging the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) decision to move forward with opening financial bids for the Thane-Ghodbunder to Bhayandar tunnel and elevated road projects. The Bombay High Court dismissed their arguments against the MMRDA’s bid process on May 20, 2025.
2. Calcutta High Court
The Calcutta High Court, established in 1862, is one of India’s oldest and most esteemed judicial institutions. It holds jurisdiction over the state of West Bengal and the Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Legal Updates from High Court are important as it set precedents for subordinate courts. These rulings guide interpretation and application of laws in future cases, ensuring consistency and fairness in justice delivery.
Safety for SSC Teachers Protesting
The court ordered the police not to use force against fired School Service Commission (SSC) teachers who were demonstrating in Kolkata on May 23, 2025. Due to the intense heat, the court also ordered the state government to provide the demonstrators with temporary shelters and other necessities in a humane manner.
3. Madras High Court
Established on 15 August 1862 under the Indian High Courts Act, 1861.It is one of the three chartered High Courts in India, the others being in Bombay (Mumbai) and Calcutta (Kolkata). The Madras High Court is renowned for its aggressive rulings on public administration, environmental protection, school reform, and women’s rights. The court has been adept at addressing important constitutional questions pertaining to state legislation and governance in Tamil Nadu.
- Continue to view the NEET-UG 2025 Results
After 13 students complained that there was a power outage during the exam at a venue close to Chennai, the court decided to postpone the announcement of the NEET-UG 2025 results. The deadline for the National Testing Agency’s response is June 2.• Continue to appear in the NIRF 2025 Rankings
Citing worries about data manipulation and transparency, the Madurai Bench of the court granted an interim stay to stop the National Board of Accreditation and the Ministry of Education from releasing the 2025 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings.
4. Delhi High Court
In accordance with the Delhi High Court Act of 1966, the Delhi High Court was founded on October 31, 1966.Both civil and criminal cases that originate in Delhi’s National Capital Territory (NCT) fall under its jurisdiction. It is the primary court of appeal for cases from Delhi’s lower courts because it is a high court. In some circumstances, such as writ petitions pertaining to fundamental rights, constitutional issues, and disagreements involving the Delhi government, it also has original jurisdiction. After consulting with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of Delhi, the President of India appoints the Chief Justice and many other justices to the court.
Constitutional law, criminal law, civil issues, taxation, corporation law, service matters, and public interest litigation are only a few of the many cases it handles. The court can be found in New Delhi on Shershah Road, close to India Gate. The Delhi High Court is essential to the interpretation of laws and defense of Delhi residents’ constitutional rights. It deals with important cases that affect the national capital, the Union Territories, and the central government. It ensures justice and the rule of law in Delhi and serves as a crucial component of the Indian judicial system.
In 2025, the Delhi High Court rendered a number of important rulings that have an effect on a number of areas, including intellectual property, women rights, education, and national security.
- Espionage Case – No Bail Granted
No bail was granted in the espionage case.
Mohsin Khan, who was charged with espionage for allegedly sending the Pakistan High Commission classified material from the Indian Army, was granted bail by the Delhi High Court on May 24, 2025. The seriousness of the crime and its danger to national security were underlined by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who also pointed out that situations like these call for a higher bar for bail. - CLAT 2025 Answer Key Discrepancies
Citing mistakes in two questions, the Delhi High Court ordered the Consortium of National Law Universities to amend the results of the CLAT 2025 undergraduate exam in December 2024. The court stressed that when mistakes are clearly incorrect, judges shouldn’t take a “hands-off” stance.
5. Gujarat High Court
Gujarat High Court was founded on May 1st, 1960. It handles civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative cases that originate in Gujarat and has authority over the entire state. As Gujarat’s highest court, it serves as the main court of appeal for the state’s lower courts and tribunals. Additionally, it considers original cases in specific areas, such as constitutional issues and writ petitions for the defense of basic rights.
The President of India appoints the Chief Justice and additional justices to the court after consulting with the Gujarat Governor and the Chief Justice of India. Gujarat’s largest city, Ahmedabad, is home to the Gujarat High Court. Civil, criminal, service, company, tax, and constitutional issues are among the many types of cases it decides. It is essential to Gujarat’s interpretation of the law and protection of rights. If required, the court may also move cases from one subordinate court to another. It is a crucial component of Gujarat’s legal system and supports the state’s legal development, constitutional rights protection, and administration of justice.
GST on Leasehold Rights Transfer
The Gujarat High Court held in a historic ruling on January 3, 2025, that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) does not apply to the transfer of leasehold rights on land allotted by the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC). This ruling resolves long-standing issues with double taxation and offers substantial relief to companies who operate in industrial estates.
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