4.3 - What is the Structure of Courts in India

The judicial system in India is structured in a hierarchical manner. The courts are divided into different levels, each with specific powers and functions. The primary aim of the judiciary is to interpret laws and deliver justice. Below is the structure of the courts in India:

1. Supreme Court of India

The Supreme Court is the highest court of India. It is located in New Delhi and is the final court of appeal in the country. It has the authority to hear appeals on cases from lower courts and tribunals. It also has original jurisdiction in certain matters, such as disputes between states or between the Centre and states.

Important functions of the Supreme Court include:

• Interpretation of the Constitution.
• Protection of fundamental rights of citizens.
• Hearing of appeals from High Courts and lower courts.
• Judicial review of laws passed by the Parliament.
• Advisory jurisdiction in matters referred by the President.

2. High Courts

Each state or group of states has a High Court. These courts are located in the capitals of the states or union territories. The High Court is the highest judicial authority within a state, and its jurisdiction covers a wide range of matters, including civil, criminal, and constitutional issues.

Functions of the High Court include:

• Hearing appeals from lower courts (District Courts and Magistrate Courts).
• Power of judicial review of laws and actions of the government in the state.
• Original jurisdiction in certain types of cases (e.g., disputes involving fundamental rights).
• Supervision over subordinate courts in the state.

3. Subordinate Courts

Subordinate Courts, also known as District Courts and Magistrate Courts, are the courts at the local level. They have limited jurisdiction and handle most of the cases in the judicial system. The subordinate courts are divided into two types:

• District Courts: These courts are headed by a District Judge and are responsible for hearing serious civil and criminal cases. They also hear appeals from lower courts.
• Magistrate Courts: These courts deal with criminal cases of lesser severity, such as petty theft, simple assault, etc. Magistrates can be of different levels (First Class, Second Class, and Chief Magistrates).

4. Family Courts

Family Courts are special courts established to handle family-related matters, such as divorce, child custody, maintenance, and other family disputes. These courts aim to resolve family issues in a more sensitive and amicable manner.

5. Special Courts and Tribunals

In addition to the regular courts, India also has special courts and tribunals set up for specific purposes. These include:

• Consumer Courts: Deal with disputes related to consumer rights.
• Labour Courts: Address issues between employers and employees.
• Environmental Courts: Deal with environmental laws and regulations.
• Income Tax Tribunals: Deal with tax-related disputes.

6. Jurisdiction of Courts in India

The courts in India have different jurisdictions depending on the type of case they hear:

• Original Jurisdiction: The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time. The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases involving disputes between states.
• Appellate Jurisdiction: The authority to hear appeals against judgments from lower courts. The High Courts and the Supreme Court exercise appellate jurisdiction.
• Writ Jurisdiction: The authority of the court to issue writs (orders) for enforcement of fundamental rights. This jurisdiction is exercised by the Supreme Court and High Courts.

7. Structure of Courts in India (Diagrammatic Representation)

The hierarchy of courts in India can be summarized as follows:

Supreme Court
↓
High Courts
↓
District Courts / Magistrate Courts
↓
Family Courts, Special Courts and Tribunals