In this article you will learn about the Difference Between Supreme Court and High Court.
Supreme Court vs. High Court
The Supreme Court and High Courts are two distinct tiers of the judicial system in many countries, including India, and they serve different roles and functions. Here's a comparison between the two :
Hierarchy :
Supreme Court : The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country's judicial system. It is the apex court, and its decisions are binding on all other courts in the country.
High Courts : High Courts are the highest courts at the state or regional level within a country. Each state or region typically has its own High Court, and these High Courts have jurisdiction over matters within their respective states or regions.
Appellate Jurisdiction :
Supreme Court : The Supreme Court primarily functions as the court of last resort for civil and criminal matters. It hears appeals from High Courts and can also hear cases directly from lower courts in certain situations.
High Courts : High Courts have appellate jurisdiction over lower courts within their jurisdiction. They hear appeals from lower courts and tribunals within their respective states or regions.
Original Jurisdiction :
Supreme Court : The Supreme Court also has original jurisdiction in certain cases, particularly those involving disputes between the central government and state governments or between states.
High Courts : High Courts generally do not have original jurisdiction in disputes between states or between the central and state governments. They mainly exercise appellate jurisdiction.
Constitutional Matters :
Supreme Court : The Supreme Court typically handles constitutional matters and has the authority to interpret the country's constitution. It can also issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights.
High Courts : High Courts can also deal with constitutional matters, but their jurisdiction is generally limited to their respective states or regions. They can issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights within their jurisdiction.
Number of Judges :
Supreme Court : The number of judges in the Supreme Court is determined by the country's constitution and can vary. The Chief Justice of India heads the Supreme Court, and the President of the country appoints the other judges in consultation with the Chief Justice.
High Courts : The number of judges in High Courts can also vary and is determined by the state's or region's High Court Acts. Each High Court is headed by a Chief Justice, and the other judges are appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice.
Jurisdiction :
Supreme Court : The Supreme Court has jurisdiction over the entire country, and its decisions are applicable nationwide.
High Courts : High Courts have jurisdiction limited to their respective states or regions. Their decisions apply within their specific geographic boundaries.
The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in a country and deals with the most significant legal matters, including constitutional issues, while High Courts are regional judicial bodies that primarily handle appellate and original jurisdiction cases within their respective states or regions.
This article on Difference Between Supreme Court and High Court is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.