List of High Courts in India: State-Wise High Court Names, Benches and Jurisdictions

High Courts are at the top of the structure of the judiciary system in India. These courts function below the Supreme Court and have an important role in protecting fundamental rights. Ensure the control over subordinate courts, and interpreting the laws of states and the Centre.

The highest court at the state level and help uphold the Constitution, basic rights, and the rule of law. Every state has a High Court according to Article 214 of the Constitution of India. At present, there are 25 High Courts in the country some of which share the judicial authority.

What is a High Court?

A High Court is the state’s apex court as it is the second highest court in the country below the Supreme Court of India. The high court has original, appellate and writ jurisdiction. It is authorized to issue writs like Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Certiorari, Prohibition and Quo Warranto and other types of writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights and other legal matters.

Constitutional Provisions Regarding High Courts

• Article 214: Provides for the establishment of a high court in each state.

• Article 215: States that high courts are courts of record.

• Article 216: Provides for the constitution of high courts.

• Article 217: Deals with the appointment, terms, and tenure of high court judges by the president of the country.

• Article 226: Provides the high courts with the authority to issue writs like Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Quo Warranto and Certiorari for the enforcement of fundamental rights.

• Article 227: Provides the powers of superintendence over all subordinate courts.

• Article 231: mention about the power of Parliament to establish a common high court for two or more states or union territories.

How Many High Courts are there in India? 

India currently has 25 High Courts. Most states have their High Court but there are some High Courts which have jurisdiction over several states or Union Territories. While the state of Delhi and the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have separate High Courts some UTs lie under the jurisdiction of High Courts of neighboring states. 

List of 25 High Courts in India: Principal Seats, Benches and Jurisdictions 

High Courts with Jurisdiction over more than One State / UTs

Certain High Courts in India exercise jurisdiction over more than one state or union territory:

• The Bombay High Court has jurisdiction over the states of Maharashtra and Goa as well as the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

• The Calcutta High Court has jurisdiction over West Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

• The Gauhati High Court has jurisdiction over Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.

• The Kerala High Court has jurisdiction over Kerala and Lakshadweep.

• The Madras High Court has jurisdiction over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

• The Punjab and Haryana High Court has jurisdiction over the states of Punjab and Haryana and Union Territory of Chandigarh.

• The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has jurisdiction over Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. 

Functions and Powers of High Courts in India 

Under the Constitution of India, High Courts are the highest judicial bodies at the state level that have administrative and judicial authority over lower courts. 

1. Writ Jurisdiction (Article 226)

High Courts have the authority to issue commands or orders, including the writs of Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Quo Warranto and Certiorari.

The High Courts have a wider scope in issuing writs with the authority of Article 226 as compared to the Supreme Court's authority under Article 32 which is limited to Fundamental Rights. 

2. Appellate Jurisdiction 

Civil Appeals: High Courts are responsible for all first and second appeals against judgments of the District Court and other subordinate courts.

Criminal Cases: The High Court has the power to hear all appeals arising from the verdicts issued by Session Courts, including those related to death penalty cases. The death penalty imposed by the Sessions Judge must be confirmed by the High Court before being carried out.

3. Supervisory Jurisdiction (Article 227) 

High Courts have the authority to oversee the operations of all other courts and tribunals within the territories under its jurisdiction (not including military courts).

This power enables High Courts to seek returns, make inspections, issue practice rules, and supervise the administration of lower courts.

4. the Court of Records (Article 215)

The High Courts are regarded as courts of records, meaning that the decisions and proceedings of this court are kept permanently, and can be used as references for legal purposes.

The subordinate courts in any particular High Court jurisdiction must follow the established precedents. The High Courts also have the right to punish for contempt.

5. Judicial Review

High Courts are able to review the constitutionality of the legislative acts as well as the policies of the state and national governments.

High Courts are allowed to void any laws and rules in case they violate the requirements of the Constitution or fundamental rights.

High Courts are a crucial part of the judicial system in India at the level of the states. The High Courts check for adherence to constitutional rights and look to uphold the value of justice. In total, there are 25 High Courts serving different states and Union Territories in the country.