In which year the institution of High court was first established in India?

The correct answer is 1862.

Key Points

• The institution of the High Court in India was established in the year 1862.
• The first High Courts were set up in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras following the Indian High Courts Act of 1861.
• The Indian High Courts Act, 1861 was introduced by the British Parliament to restructure the judicial system in India.
• Prior to the High Courts, Supreme Courts functioned in the Presidency towns, but they were replaced by the High Courts in 1862.
• The establishment of High Courts marked a significant step in the modernization of the Indian judicial system under British rule.

Additional Information

• Indian High Courts Act, 1861:
  • This act abolished the Supreme Courts at Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras and established High Courts in their place.
  • It was a step toward unifying and rationalizing the judicial system in India under British rule.
• Presidency Towns:
  • These were major administrative and judicial centers established by the British in colonial India, namely Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras.
  • The Supreme Courts in these towns were replaced by High Courts in 1862.
• Function of High Courts:
  • High Courts are the principal civil courts of original jurisdiction in the country.
  • They also serve as appellate courts for decisions from lower courts.
• Current Structure:
  • India now has 25 High Courts, serving various states and union territories.
  • These courts handle civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative cases.