1.9.4. Power of Superintendence

A High Court has also the power of superintendence over all the Courts and Tribunals except those dealing with the armed forces functioning in the State. In exercise of this power it may:

1. Call for returns from such Courts.

2. Make and issue, general rules and prescribe forms for regulating the practice and proceedings of such Courts, and

3. Prescribe forms in which books and accounts are being kept by the Officers of any Court.

4. May settle the fees payable to the sheriff, clerks, officers and legal practitioners of them.

This power has made the High Court responsible for the entire administration of Justice in the State. It is both judicial as well as administrative in nature. The Constitution does not place any restriction on its power of superintendence over the subordinate Courts and this power can be exercised suo-motu. It may be noted the Supreme Court has no similar power vis-a-vis the High Court.