•  Content Creator : Prabhjot
• 2026-04-07

When we talk about the Indian judiciary India has six major types of courts, including:

1. Supreme Court
2. High Court
3. District and Subordinate Courts
4. Tribunal Courts
5. Lok Adalat
6. Fast Track Courts

Among these, the High Court is the highest judicial authority at the state and Union Territory (UT) level, second only to the Supreme Court. It plays a crucial role in maintaining justice, protecting rights, and supervising lower courts. From safeguarding fundamental rights to resolving major legal disputes and monitoring district and subordinate courts, the High Court is a vital pillar of India’s legal system.

Understanding the High Court is essential not only for legal awareness but also for students, aspiring judges, and anyone preparing for competitive exams. Topics such as constitutional articles, writ powers, judge appointments, qualifications, retirement age, and impeachment are directly linked to the High Courts and are frequently discussed in law studies.

In this blog, we will explore the structure, powers, judges, and important constitutional facts about High Courts in India.

What is a High Court?

A High Court is the highest court in a state or Union Territory. It has the authority to protect both fundamental rights and legal rights of citizens. If an individual feels that their rights are being violated by any authority within the state, they can approach the High Court for justice.

One of its most important powers comes under Article 226 of the Constitution, which allows the High Court to issue writs for the protection of rights. This makes the High Court a powerful constitutional body.

Constitutional Articles Related to High Court

High Courts are mentioned in the Indian Constitution under Articles 214 to 231, which cover:

• Establishment of High Courts
• Jurisdiction and powers
• Appointment and transfer of judges
• Common High Courts for multiple states
• Other administrative provisions

For law students and judiciary aspirants, these articles are highly important for exams and legal studies.

How Many High Courts Are There in India?

Currently, India has 25 High Courts. Ideally, every state and UT should have its own High Court.

However, under the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956, two or more states or UTs can share a common High Court.

Examples:

• Kerala and Lakshadweep share the Kerala High Court
• Punjab and Haryana share the Punjab and Haryana High Court

This arrangement improves judicial administration and the efficient use of resources.

The Oldest High Court in India

The Calcutta High Court is the oldest High Court in India, established on 1 July 1862.

The first three High Courts established in 1862 were:

• Calcutta High Court
• Bombay High Court
• Madras High Court

These courts played a significant role in shaping India’s judicial history.

The Heritage Value of India’s Famous High Courts

Some High Courts are renowned not only for their judicial importance but also for their historical and architectural significance.

Examples:

• Bombay High Court
• Punjab and Haryana High Court

Parts of these judicial complexes are associated with UNESCO World Heritage recognition, making them important from both legal and historical perspectives.

Who Is the Head of a High Court?

The head of every High Court is the Chief Justice. Responsibilities include:

• Judicial administration
• Bench formation and case allocation
• Supervision of lower courts in the state

Other judges work under the administrative leadership of the Chief Justice.

Which High Court Has the Most and Fewest Judges?

The number of judges varies across High Courts based on population, judicial workload, and region size.

• Allahabad High Court has the highest number of judges.
• Sikkim High Court has the fewest judges.

This ensures that judge strength aligns with the needs of each state.

How Are High Court Judges Appointed?

High Court judges are appointed by the President of India after consultation with:

• Chief Justice of India (CJI)
• Governor of the respective state
• Chief Justice of the concerned High Court

This process maintains judicial balance and independence.

How Can a High Court Judge Be Removed?

High Court judges enjoy strong constitutional protection. Removal follows a strict impeachment process through Parliament:

1. Motion Introduced: On grounds of proven misbehavior or incapacity.
2. Allegations Examined: Detailed review of evidence.
3. Voting in Both Houses: Motion must pass with a special majority—a majority of total members and at least two-thirds of those present and voting.
4. President Removes the Judge: After both Houses approve, the President officially removes the judge.

This process ensures fairness and protects judges from political influence.

Qualifications to Become a High Court Judge

A person must fulfill at least one of the following:

1. Judicial Experience: Held a judicial office for at least 10 years.
2. Advocate Experience: Practiced as an advocate in any High Court for at least 10 years.

This ensures only experienced legal professionals become judges.

Retirement Age of High Court Judges

The retirement age of a High Court judge is 62 years. This balance allows for experienced judges while creating opportunities for new appointments. Retired judges often move to senior legal roles, tribunals, or even the Supreme Court if elevated earlier.

This is crucial information for law students and competitive exam aspirants.

Final Thoughts

The High Court is one of the most important pillars of the Indian judicial system. Its responsibilities range from protecting fundamental rights under Article 226 to supervising lower courts, ensuring the rule of law across states and UTs.

Its foundation under Articles 214 to 231, the careful appointment of judges, strict qualifications, and secure impeachment process all highlight the Constitution’s commitment to judicial independence and dignity