High Courts in the State

               High Courts in the State

Article 214 of the Constitution of India mandates the establishment of a High Court for each state in India. The Judiciary in the State is headed by the Chief Justice of the High Court. The President of India is the authority appointing the Chief Justice and other Judges of the High Courts. The High Court of Himachal is situated at Shimla having strength of eleven High Court Judges including the Chief Justice.

                               Powers of High Court

The High Court in the State is empowered to deal with matters in connection with its Original Jurisdiction and Appellate Jurisdiction. Under Article 226 of the Constitution, the High Court is empowered to issue directions, orders or writs for enforcement of any of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and also for any other purpose, under its original jurisdiction. That means any party aggrieved by an action taken by the Government, its officers or the instrumentalities or the local authorities, can directly approach the High Court of local limits by filing a Writ Petition under Article 226. While sitting as a Constitutional Court or Court having writ jurisdiction, the High Court has the power to issue writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari.

Subordinate Courts

Subordinate courts in India are not entrusted with any constitutional function, as in the case of the Supreme Courts or High Courts. According to the nature of disputes, either civil or criminal.