Explain the hierarchical structure of the Indian Judicial System. Describe the powers and functions of the Supreme Court, High Courts, District…

The hierarchical structure of the Indian Judicial System comprised of the Courts for dispute redressal between citizens or between citizens and the Government. Supreme Court is at the top, followed by the High Courts and District Courts. Decisions of the Supreme Court is the final word on the matter and therefore are binding on all High Courts under Article141of the Indian Constitution. Whereas decisions of a High Court are binding in the respective state but are only persuasive in other states. Following are the Powers & the Functions of various courts under the Indian Judicial System. (i) Supreme Court The Supreme Court is the apex body of the judiciary, established on 26 th January, 1950. The Chief Justice of India is the highest authority appointed under Article126of the Constitution of India. 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 Article32of the Constitution of India. (ii) High Court It is the highest court of appeal in each state and union territory. Article214of the Constitution of India states that there must be a High Court in each state. The High Court has appellant, original jurisdiction, and Supervisory jurisdiction. However, Article227of the Constitution of India 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 Article226of 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.