Judiciary of India
Complete Notes for SSC GD Exams
Introduction
India has an integrated and independent judiciary. It protects the Constitution, rights of citizens, and ensures justice to everyone.
This is one of the most important Polity topics for SSC exams.
1. What is Judiciary?
Judiciary is the system of courts that interpret laws, protect rights, and provide justice.
Simple Definition
The Judiciary is the system of courts in India that interprets laws and protects citizens' rights.
2. Structure of Indian Judiciary (3 Levels)
India has a single integrated judicial system.
| Level | Court |
|---|---|
| 1. Supreme Court | Apex court (Top) |
| 2. High Courts | State-level courts |
| 3. Subordinate Courts | District & lower courts |
Memory Trick:
"S-H-S" - Supreme → High → Subordinate
1. Supreme Court of India (Apex Court)
Located in
New Delhi
Established
1950
Articles
124-147
Supreme Court - Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Highest court | Yes |
| Guardian of Constitution | Yes |
| Final Court of Appeal | Yes |
| Head | Chief Justice of India (CJI) |
| Judges | 34 judges (1 CJI + 33 others) |
| Appointment | By President |
Qualifications for Supreme Court Judge
Requirements:
- Must be a citizen of India
- At least 5 years High Court judge OR
- At least 10 years High Court advocate OR
- Distinguished jurist (expert in law)
Age Details:
- Minimum Age: No minimum age fixed
- Retirement Age: 65 years
Removal of Supreme Court Judge
A judge can be removed only through Impeachment on grounds of:
- Proved misbehavior
- Incapacity
Requires special majority in Parliament.
Jurisdiction (Powers) of Supreme Court
1. Original Jurisdiction
Directly hears disputes between:
- Centre vs State
- State vs State
2. Appellate Jurisdiction
Hears appeals from:
- High Courts → SC
3. Advisory Jurisdiction (Article 143)
President may seek advice from SC.
4. Writ Jurisdiction (Article 32)
SC can issue 5 writs:
- Habeas Corpus
- Mandamus
- Prohibition
- Certiorari
- Quo Warranto
Important:
Article 32 - Heart & Soul of Constitution
2. High Courts (State-Level Courts)
Articles
214-231
Total High Courts
25
Key Features of High Courts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Highest court at state level | Yes |
| Head | Chief Justice of High Court |
| Judges' Retirement Age | 62 years |
| Jurisdiction | State-level |
| Appointments | By President |
Qualifications for High Court Judge
Requirements:
- Indian citizen
- 10 years advocate OR
- 5 years judicial office
Age Details:
- Minimum Age: No minimum age fixed
- Retirement: 62 years
Powers of High Courts
1. Original jurisdiction
Includes civil & criminal matters.
2. Appellate jurisdiction
Appeals against district court decisions.
3. Writ jurisdiction (Article 226)
High Court can issue writs for:
- Fundamental rights
- Other legal rights
Important:
High Court writ power (Article 226) > Supreme Court writ power (Article 32) because HC can protect all rights.
Important High Courts (SSC exam questions)
| High Court | State(s) |
|---|---|
| Bombay HC | Maharashtra, Goa |
| Kolkata HC | WB, Andaman |
| Madras HC | Tamil Nadu, Puducherry |
| Guwahati HC | Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal |
| Kerala HC | Kerala, Lakshadweep |
3. Subordinate / Lower Courts (District Courts)
They handle civil cases, criminal cases, family disputes, and local disputes.
Types of Lower Courts
| Court Type | Head |
|---|---|
| District Court | District Judge |
| Sessions Court | Sessions Judge |
| Family Court | Family Judge |
| Magistrate Courts | Judicial Magistrates |
4. Special Courts in India
| Court | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Fast Track Courts | Speedy trials |
| Consumer Courts | Consumer protection |
| Juvenile Courts | Minor-related cases |
| CBI Courts | CBI investigated cases |
| NIA Courts | Terrorist cases |
| Lok Adalat | Quick settlement, no fee |
5. Lok Adalats & Legal Aid
Lok Adalat
- Created under Legal Services Authority Act, 1987
- Settles cases quickly
- No lawyer fees
- Decisions are final and binding
Free Legal Aid
Provided to poorer citizens under Article 39A.
6. Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Key Features:
- Citizens can file a case for public welfare
- Introduced in 1980
- Accepted by Supreme Court and High Courts
- Can be filed by any person
Examples:
- Pollution cases
- Corruption cases
- Public services issues
- Environment protection
7. Doctrine of Basic Structure
Says: Parliament cannot change the basic features of the Constitution.
Important elements:
- Rule of Law
- Judicial Review
- Fundamental Rights
- Secularism
- Federalism
Landmark Case:
Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)
8. Important Constitutional Articles (SSC GD Questions)
| Article | Topic |
|---|---|
| Article 124 | Supreme Court |
| Article 131 | Original jurisdiction |
| Article 136 | Special leave to appeal |
| Article 137 | Review powers |
| Article 141 | SC judgments binding |
| Article 214 | High Courts |
| Article 226 | High Court Writs |
| Article 227 | Supervision over lower courts |
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