1.9. Jurisdiction and Powers of High Court

Besides being the protector of Fundamental Rights of citizens, the high court is the highest court of appeal in the state. It is vested with power to interpret the Constitution along with the supervisory and consultative roles. However, no detailed provisions with regard to jurisdiction and powers of the High Court are mentioned in the Constitution. It only lays down that the jurisdiction and powers of a high court are to be the same as immediately before the commencement of the Constitution. New additions post-independence are jurisdictions over revenue matters, writ jurisdiction, power of superintendence, etc.

At present, a high court enjoys the following jurisdiction and powers:

1.9.1. Original Jurisdiction 1.9.2. Writ Jurisdiction 1.9.3. Appellate Jurisdiction Civil Jurisdiction:Criminal Matters:1.9.4. Power of Superintendence Control over Subordinate Court 1.9.5. A Court of Record 1.9.6. Power of Judicial Review (Art. 13 and Art. 226)