Eduqo
Indian Polity & Constitution›Ch 5: Judiciary›High Courts and Subordinate Courts
Judicial hierarchy from Article 214 up to District Courts with writ powers
Article 214 mandates a High Court for each state, enjoying extensive writ jurisdiction under Article 226. Below them, district and subordinate courts function under complete state judicial control.
Memory Hooks
| Court Level | Article / Head | Appointing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| High Court Judges | Article 217 | President of India |
| District Judges | Article 233 | State Governor |
| Common High Court | Article 231 | Parliament by Law |
Article 214
(HC for every state)
HC for every state
Every state in India must establish a High Court.
Article 226
(Writ Jurisdiction)
Writ Jurisdiction
HC issues writs for fundamental and legal rights.
Age 62
(HC Retirement)
HC Retirement
Judges of High Courts retire at 62 years of age.
Article 233
(District Appointments)
District Appointments
Governor appoints district judges in consultation with HC.
HC judges retire at age 65HC judges retire at age 62
Supreme Court judges retire at 65, High Court judges at 62.
Governor appoints High Court judgesPresident appoints High Court judges
Governor appoints district judges, but President appoints HC judges.
Supreme Court has wider writ jurisdictionHigh Court has wider writ jurisdiction
Article 226 allows HC to issue writs for legal rights too, unlike SC.
Q1.Under which Article can a common High Court be established for two or more states?
Q2.What is the retirement age of a judge of a High Court?