What is the structure of the Indian Judicial System, and what is the hierarchy of courts in India?
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What do you understand by Indian Judicial System and what are its various functions?
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Core Legal Challenge
Explain the hierarchical structure of the Indian Judicial System. Describe the powers and functions of the Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts and Metropolitan Courts.
In the hierarchy of courts, the Supreme Court is at the top, followed by the High Courts and District Courts. Decisions of a High Court are binding in the respective state but are only persuasive in other states. Decisions of the Supreme Court are binding on all High Courts under Article 141 of the Indian Constitution. In fact, a Supreme Court decision is the final word on the matter.
When there is a dispute between citizens or between citizens and the Government, these disputes are resolved by the judiciary.
The functions of judiciary system of India are:
• Regulation of the interpretation of the Acts and Codes,
• Dispute Resolution,
• Promotion of fairness among the citizens of the land.
i) Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the apex body of the judiciary established on 26th January, 1950. The Chief Justice of India is the highest authority appointed under Article 126. The principal bench of the Supreme Court consists of seven members including the Chief Justice of India. Presently, the number has increased to 34 including the Chief Justice of India due to the rise in the number of cases and workload. An individual can seek relief in the Supreme Court by filing a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution of India.
ii) High Court
The highest court of appeal in each state and union territory is the High Court. Article 214 of the Indian Constitution states that there must be a High Court in each state. The High Court has appellant, original jurisdiction, and Supervisory jurisdiction. However, Article 227 of the Indian Constitution limits a High Court's supervisory power. An individual can seek remedies against violation of fundamental rights in High Court by filing a writ under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.
iii) District Court
Below the High Courts are the District Courts. The Courts of District Judge deal with Civil law matters i.e. contractual disputes and claims for damages etc., The Courts of Sessions deals with Criminal matters.
On the basis of a pecuniary jurisdiction, a civil judge can try suits valuing not more than Rupees two crore. On the basis of territorial Jurisdiction i.e. courts have power to control the areas covered by them. Cases are decided based on the local limits within which the parties reside or the property under dispute is situated.
iv) Metropolitan courts
Metropolitan courts are established in metropolitan cities in consultation with the High Court where the population is ten lakh or more. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate has powers as Chief Judicial Magistrate and Metropolitan Magistrate has powers as the Court of a Magistrate of the first class.
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