Judiciary System of India
Delhi Police / SSC – Smart Study Article
Introduction
The Judiciary of India is the guardian of the Constitution and the protector of citizens’ rights. It ensures rule of law, checks arbitrary powers, and maintains the balance between Centre and States.
A. Structure of Indian Judiciary
Supreme Court
Apex Court of India
Jurisdiction: Entire Country
High Courts
Highest Court in State(s)
Jurisdiction: State Level
Subordinate Courts
District & Local Courts
Jurisdiction: District & Local Level
| Level | Court Name | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court | Apex Court of India | Entire Country |
| High Courts | Highest court in State(s) | State Level |
| Subordinate Courts | District and lower courts | District & Local Level |
B. Supreme Court of India (Articles 124–147)
Composition
| Established | 1950 (Under Constitution) |
| Head | Chief Justice of India (CJI) |
| Other Judges | 33 (Total = 34 including CJI) |
| Appointed By | President of India |
| Retirement Age | 65 years |
| Location | New Delhi |
Jurisdiction (Powers)
| Original | Cases between Centre & State, or between States |
| Appellate | Appeals from High Courts |
| Advisory (Art. 143) | President can seek opinion |
| Writ Jurisdiction | Protection of Fundamental Rights (Art. 32) |
Judicial Review Power
The Supreme Court can review laws made by Parliament/State Legislatures and strike them down if unconstitutional.
Ensures Constitution is supreme.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
A PIL allows any citizen/group to approach the court on behalf of others whose rights are violated. It promotes social justice and access to law for all.
C. High Courts (Articles 214–231)
| Head | Chief Justice of High Court |
| Appointed By | President (consult CJI & Governor) |
| Retirement Age | 62 years |
| Jurisdiction | Original, Appellate, Writ, Supervisory |
| Number (2024) | 25 High Courts in India |
Powers of High Court
| Original | Civil & criminal cases within State |
| Appellate | Appeals from lower courts |
| Writ Powers | Like Supreme Court (Art. 226) |
| Supervisory | Control over Subordinate Courts |
D. District / Subordinate Courts
Structure
| Court Type | Head | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| District Court | District Judge | Civil & criminal cases |
| Sessions Court | Sessions Judge | Serious criminal cases |
| Munsiff / Magistrate Court | Judicial Magistrate | Minor cases |
Functions
- Handles local civil and criminal cases
- Enforces law & order
- First level of justice for citizens
E. Appointment & Tenure of Judges
| Court | Appointed By | Retirement Age |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court Judges | President (consult CJI & senior judges) | 65 years |
| High Court Judges | President (consult CJI, Governor & HC CJ) | 62 years |
Removal of Judges
- Removed by President, only through impeachment for misbehavior/incapacity
- Requires special majority in both Houses of Parliament
F. Judicial Review & Judicial Activism
Judicial Review
Judiciary can review laws & declare them unconstitutional if they violate Fundamental Rights/Constitution.
Ensures Constitutional supremacy.
Judicial Activism
Judges take a proactive role protecting rights/promoting justice, even without formal complaint. Expanded through PILs & landmark judgments.
G. PYQs (Delhi Police + SSC + State Exams)
The Supreme Court of India was established in —
A) 1947 B) 1950 C) 1952 D) 1955
Category: Establishment
Show Answer
B) 1950
The Chief Justice of India is appointed by —
A) Prime Minister B) President C) Parliament D) Vice-President
Category: CJI Appointment
Show Answer
B) President
The retirement age of Supreme Court judges is —
A) 60 years B) 62 years C) 65 years D) 68 years
Category: SC Retirement Age
Show Answer
C) 65 years
Which Article gives the Supreme Court the power to protect Fundamental Rights?
A) Article 32 B) Article 226 C) Article 124 D) Article 136
Category: Fundamental Rights Protection
Show Answer
A) Article 32
The High Court judges retire at the age of —
A) 60 B) 62 C) 65 D) 70
Category: HC Retirement Age
Show Answer
B) 62
The total number of judges (including CJI) in the Supreme Court is —
A) 28 B) 31 C) 34 D) 35
Category: SC Judges
Show Answer
C) 34
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is filed for —
A) Private disputes B) Political propaganda C) Protection of public interest and rights D) Corporate issues
Category: PIL
Show Answer
C) Protection of public interest and rights
Judicial Review in India means —
A) Review of Executive orders only B) Review of Financial policies C) Review of laws by courts D) Review of administrative decisions
Category: Judicial Review
Show Answer
C) Review of laws by courts
The removal of Supreme Court judges requires —
A) Simple majority in both Houses B) Special majority in both Houses C) President’s decision only D) Recommendation by CJI
Category: Removal Process
Show Answer
B) Special majority in both Houses
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) system was introduced by the —
A) President B) Judiciary C) Parliament D) Law Commission
Category: PIL Introduction
Show Answer
B) Judiciary
H. Summary Table – Judiciary Overview
| Court | Articles | Head | Retirement Age | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court | 124–147 | Chief Justice of India | 65 years | National |
| High Court | 214–231 | Chief Justice of High Court | 62 years | State |
| District Court | – | District Judge | – | District Level |
I. Quick Concept Recap
- Judicial Review: Power to cancel unconstitutional laws
- Judicial Activism: Court’s active role for justice
- PIL: Case filed for public benefit, not personal gain
- Impeachment: Removal of judges by Parliament
- Articles to Remember: 124–147 (SC), 214–231 (HC), 32 (FRs), 226 (HC writs)
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