High Courts In India, List, History, Composition, Jurisdiction
High Courts in India play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law in a state or union territory. There are a total of 25 High Courts in India, governed by Part VI of the Constitution under Articles 214 to 231. Recently, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended 39 new appointments across 9 High Courts.
Deeksha Dixit25 Sept, 2025
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High Courts in India are an important judicial organ in the country tasked with ensuring the rule of law within their jurisdiction. It is just below the Supreme Court and discharges crucial functions like hearing appeals, issuing writs, and interpreting the Constitution, among others.
The latest list of high courts in India includes 25 courts, each having its own territorial jurisdiction. Keep reading to learn more about high courts, their history, composition, jurisdiction, and constitutional provisions governing them.New Appointments in High Courts
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, has recommended the appointment of 39 new judges across nine High Courts, including Delhi, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh. These names were chosen after detailed in-person and online meetings with candidates, who include both judges and lawyers. This step comes at a time when High Courts are facing a serious shortage of judges (371 positions are vacant out of 1,122).
As a result, over 63 lakh cases are pending, with 20 lakh related to criminal appeals. The judiciary has often raised concerns about delays by the Centre in approving these appointments. Some names have been waiting for years without any clear reason. To help manage the load, the Supreme Court has also allowed retired judges to be appointed on a temporary basis under Article 224A of the Constitution.
What Are High Courts?
High Courts in India are the highest courts in each state or Union Territory, and are second only to the Supreme Court of India. They are placed above the subordinate courts in the judicial system. It is the main judicial authority in a state or union territory, which oversees the functioning of lower courts. Its functions range from hearing important cases to protecting the fundamental rights of citizens.History of High Courts In India
The evolution of high courts in India dates back to the British colonial period. In 1862, three High Courts were established in the provinces of Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras through the Indian High Court Act of 1861. The Calcutta High Court, then known as the ‘High Court of Judicature at Fort William,’ was the first high court in India. In 1866, the fourth High Court was established in Allahabad. Over time, each province had its own High Court. After India gained independence in 1947, the High Court in each province became the High Court for the corresponding state. Later, the Seventh Amendment Act of 1956 allowed Parliament to create common high courts for multiple states or states and Union Territories. Currently, there are 25 high courts in India.Composition of High Courts In India
The composition or strength of High Courts in India is not explicitly specified in the Constitution and is left to the discretion of the President. Generally, each High Court consists of a Chief Justice and other judges. The President of India appoints the Chief Justice and judges of High Courts as follows:- Chief Justice: Appointed in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the respective state.
- Other Judges: Consultation of the Chief Justice of the respective High Court is also taken along with the above.
- For Common High Courts: The Governor of all states involved, along with the above.
Constitutional Provisions on High Courts
In Part VI of the constitution, Articles 214 to 231 are related to high courts. They deal with structure, powers, etc. The table below contains the constitutional article related to the high courts:| Constitutional Provisions on High Courts | |
| Article No. | Subject Matter |
| 214 | Establishment of High Courts for States |
| 215 | High Courts to function as courts of record |
| 216 | Provisions regarding the Constitution of High Courts |
| 217 | Appointment, qualifications, and conditions of office of Judges of High Courts |
| 218 | Application of certain provisions of the Supreme Court to High Courts |
| 219 | Oath or affirmation to be taken by Judges of High Courts |
| 221 | Salaries, allowances, and other benefits for Judges of High Courts |
| 222 | Transfer of Judges from one High Court to another |
| 223 | Appointment of an acting Chief Justice of a High Court |
| 224 | Appointment of additional and acting Judges to High Courts |
| 224A | Appointment of retired Judges to sit in High Courts |
| 225 | Jurisdiction and authority of existing High Courts |
| 226 | Power of High Courts to issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights and other matters |
| 227 | Power of High Courts to supervise and control all subordinate courts |
| 228 | Power to transfer certain cases from subordinate courts to High Courts |
| 229 | Management of officers, servants, and the expenses of High Courts |
| 230 | Extension of jurisdiction of High Courts to Union Territories |
| 231 | Provision for the establishment of a common High Court for two or more states |
Jurisdiction of High Courts In India
While the Indian Constitution does not contain any detailed provision for the powers and jurisdiction of the High Courts, it does mention that they will be the same as before the commencement of the Constitution. It also grants them additional jurisdiction over revenue matters. Presently, the high court in India has the following jurisdiction and powers, which are governed by various acts along with conditional provisions:- Original jurisdiction: The High Courts have original jurisdiction in certain matters, such as disputes relating to the election of legislature members, wills, marriages, divorces, company law, revenue matters, etc.
- Writ jurisdiction: Under Article 226, High Courts have the power to issue writs to enforce fundamental rights and for other purposes. This power is wider than that of the Supreme Court.
- Appellate jurisdiction: High Courts hear appeals against the judgments of lower courts, including district courts and tribunals in civil and criminal matters under their territorial jurisdiction.
- Supervisory jurisdiction: These courts can supervise and control all subordinate courts within their jurisdiction (except military courts or tribunals).
- Control over subordinate courts: The High Courts have administrative control over the subordinate courts within their jurisdiction, which includes the power to transfer cases and issue directions.
- A court of record: This means their judgments, decrees, and orders are preserved for reference and are binding on all courts within their jurisdiction. Also, it has the power to punish for contempt of court.
- Power of judicial review: High Courts have the authority to review laws, executive actions, and legislative enactments to ensure they are consistent with the Constitution.
Also Read: Procedure Established by Law and Due Process of Law
List of High Courts in India
At present, the number of total high courts in India is 25. Of these, three high courts have territorial jurisdiction in more than one state. Also, Delhi is the only Union Territory to have a high court of its own as Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh have the same high court. Here is the complete list of high courts in India:| List of High Courts in India | ||
| Name | Year of Establishment | Territorial Jurisdiction |
| Allahabad | 1866 | Uttar Pradesh |
| Andhra Pradesh | 2019 | Andhra Pradesh |
| Bombay | 1862 | Maharashtra, Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu |
| Calcutta | 1862 | West Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| Chhattisgarh | 2000 | Chhattisgarh |
| Delhi | 1966 | Delhi |
| Guwahati | 1948 | Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh |
| Gujarat | 1960 | Gujarat |
| Himachal Pradesh | 1971 | Himachal Pradesh |
| Jammu and Kashmir | 1928 | Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh |
| Jharkhand | 2000 | Jharkhand |
| Karnataka | 1884 | Karnataka |
| Kerala | 1958 | Kerala and Lakshadweep |
| Madhya Pradesh | 1956 | Madhya Pradesh |
| Madras | 1862 | Tamil Nadu and Puducherry |
| Manipur | 2013 | Manipur |
| Meghalaya | 2013 | Meghalaya |
| Orissa | 1948 | Odisha |
| Patna | 1916 | Bihar |
| Punjab and Haryana | 1875 | Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh |
| Rajasthan | 1949 | Rajasthan |
| Sikkim | 1975 | Sikkim |
| Telangana | 1954 (renamed in 2014) | Telangana |
| Tripura | 2013 | Tripura |
| Uttarakhand | 2000 | Uttarakhand |
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High Courts In India FAQs
How many total High Courts are there?
There are 25 High Courts in India, each serving a specific state or Union Territory.
Can there be a common high court for two or more states?
Yes, the Constitution allows the establishment of a common High Court for multiple states or Union Territories under Article 231.
Which High Court has jurisdiction over more than one state?
The Bombay High Court, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Guwahati High Court, and Jammu and Kashmir High Court have jurisdiction over more than one state.
Which is the youngest high court in India?
The youngest High Court is the Andhra Pradesh High Court which was established in 2019.
Which is the oldest High Court in India?
The Calcutta High Court, established in 1862, is the oldest High Court in India.
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