Indian Constitution and Polity (with focus on Judiciary)
Judiciary articles to memorise
- Article 124 establishes the Supreme Court; Article 214 establishes High Courts; Article 215 makes a High Court a court of record.
- Article 216 deals with the constitution of a High Court; Article 217 with appointment of High Court judges; Article 222 with transfer of judges.
- Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue writs; Article 227 gives superintendence over courts and tribunals in the territory.
- Article 233 covers appointment of district judges; Article 235 covers control over subordinate courts.
- The Andhra Pradesh High Court was established on 1 January 2019, with its principal seat at Amaravati, after the state's bifurcation.
Worked example
A state government order violates a citizen's fundamental right to equality. Which court can issue a writ? Reason: Article 226 allows a High Court to issue writs for fundamental rights and for other legal rights; Article 32 allows the Supreme Court to issue writs for fundamental rights. The citizen may approach either, but the High Court's power under Article 226 is wider because it also covers ordinary legal rights. Answer: the High Court under Article 226, or the Supreme Court under Article 32.
Traps that cost marks
Article 227 is superintendence, not an appeal. Article 233 appointment is by the Governor, not the President. High Court writ jurisdiction is not limited to fundamental rights. Do not say the AP High Court is at Hyderabad; its principal seat is Amaravati. Do not confuse Article 32 with Article 226.
Key distinction
Judicial review is part of the basic structure, but the writ remedies and appointment provisions are separate constitutional mechanisms.