The Supreme Court and High Courts form the backbone of the Indian judicial system, serving as guardians of the Constitution and protectors of citizens' Fundamental Rights. For aspirants targeting UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, State PSC, and police examinations, Indian Judiciary GK is a high-weightage segment within Indian Polity. Established on 28 January 1950, the Supreme Court stands as the apex court of India, deciding landmark constitutional matters, inter-state disputes, and issuing prerogative writs under Article 32. Meanwhile, High Courts exercise supervisory jurisdiction over subordinate courts and hold broader writ powers under Article 226 for Fundamental Rights as well as other legal remedies.
To simplify your exam preparation, we have compiled a complete set of Supreme Court and High Court GK Questions and Answers. This guide covers core constitutional articles, qualifications and tenure of judges, judicial review, landmark writs, and comparative tables. We have also added a dedicated Assam & Northeast Judiciary section (covering the Gauhati High Court) to provide an edge for regional recruitment tests.
Supreme Court & High Court
| Topic | Supreme Court of India | High Courts of India |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Basis | Articles 124–147 | Articles 214–231 |
| Position in Judiciary | It is the highest court of India. | It is the highest court at the State level, subject to the Supreme Court’s authority. |
| Establishment | The Supreme Court came into existence on 28 January 1950. | The Constitution provides for a High Court for each State under Article 214, while Parliament may establish a common High Court for two or more States or for States and a Union Territory under Article 231. |
| Head | The court is headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI). | Each High Court is headed by a Chief Justice. |
| Appointment of Judges | Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President of India under Article 124. | High Court judges are appointed by the President of India under Article 217, after the constitutionally prescribed consultation process. |
| Retirement Age of Judges | Supreme Court judges retire at 65 years. | High Court judges retire at 62 years. |
| Court of Record | Article 129 declares the Supreme Court a Court of Record. | Article 215 declares every High Court a Court of Record. |
| Writ Jurisdiction | Under Article 32, the Supreme Court can issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. | Under Article 226, High Courts can issue writs for Fundamental Rights and for other legal purposes. |
| Original Jurisdiction | It has original jurisdiction in certain disputes between the Union and States or between States under Article 131. | Its original jurisdiction depends on the Constitution and laws applicable to the particular High Court. |
| Appellate Jurisdiction | It hears appeals from High Courts and other courts and tribunals as provided by the Constitution and law. | It hears appeals from subordinate courts within its jurisdiction. |
| Advisory Jurisdiction | The President may refer questions of law or fact of public importance to the Supreme Court under Article 143. | High Courts do not have a corresponding advisory jurisdiction under the Constitution. |
| Superintendence | The Supreme Court has constitutional authority over the judicial system, but Article 227 superintendence specifically applies to High Courts over courts and tribunals within their jurisdiction. | Under Article 227, every High Court has superintendence over courts and tribunals within its territorial jurisdiction, subject to constitutional limitations. |
Important Constitutional Articles
| Article | Provision | Court |
|---|---|---|
| Article 124 | Establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court | Supreme Court |
| Article 125 | Salaries, etc., of Supreme Court judges | Supreme Court |
| Article 126 | Appointment of an acting Chief Justice of India | Supreme Court |
| Article 127 | Appointment of ad hoc judges of the Supreme Court | Supreme Court |
| Article 128 | Attendance of retired judges at sittings of the Supreme Court | Supreme Court |
| Article 129 | Supreme Court to be a Court of Record | Supreme Court |
| Article 130 | Seat of the Supreme Court | Supreme Court |
| Article 131 | Original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court | Supreme Court |
| Article 132 | Appellate jurisdiction in constitutional cases | Supreme Court |
| Article 133 | Appellate jurisdiction in civil matters | Supreme Court |
| Article 134 | Appellate jurisdiction in criminal matters | Supreme Court |
| Article 134A | Certificate for appeal to the Supreme Court | Supreme Court |
| Article 136 | Special Leave to Appeal | Supreme Court |
| Article 137 | Review of judgments or orders by the Supreme Court | Supreme Court |
| Article 138 | Enlargement of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court | Supreme Court |
| Article 139 | Power to confer additional powers to issue certain writs | Supreme Court |
| Article 139A | Transfer of certain cases | Supreme Court |
| Article 140 | Ancillary powers of the Supreme Court | Supreme Court |
| Article 141 | Law declared by the Supreme Court to be binding on all courts | Supreme Court |
| Article 142 | Enforcement of decrees and orders of the Supreme Court | Supreme Court |
| Article 143 | Advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court | Supreme Court |
| Article 144 | Authorities to act in aid of the Supreme Court | Supreme Court |
| Article 145 | Rules of Court | Supreme Court |
| Article 146 | Officers and servants of the Supreme Court and expenses | Supreme Court |
| Article 147 | Interpretation of provisions relating to the Supreme Court | Supreme Court |
| Article 214 | High Court for each State | High Court |
| Article 215 | High Courts to be Courts of Record | High Court |
| Article 216 | Constitution of High Courts | High Court |
| Article 217 | Appointment and conditions of the office of a High Court judge | High Court |
| Article 218 | Application of certain Supreme Court provisions to High Courts | High Court |
| Article 219 | Oath or affirmation by High Court judges | High Court |
| Article 220 | Restriction on practice after being a permanent judge | High Court |
| Article 221 | Salaries, etc., of High Court judges | High Court |
| Article 222 | Transfer of a High Court judge | High Court |
| Article 223 | Appointment of an acting Chief Justice | High Court |
| Article 224 | Appointment of additional and acting judges | High Court |
| Article 224A | Appointment of retired judges at sittings of High Courts | High Court |
| Article 225 | Jurisdiction of existing High Courts | High Court |
| Article 226 | Power of High Courts to issue certain writs | High Court |
| Article 227 | Power of superintendence over all courts by the High Court | High Court |
| Article 228 | Transfer of certain cases to the High Court | High Court |
| Article 229 | Officers and servants of High Courts and expenses | High Court |
| Article 230 | Extension of jurisdiction of High Courts to Union Territories | High Court |
| Article 231 | Establishment of a common High Court for two or more States or for States and a Union Territory | High Court |
Supreme Court vs High Court – Key Differences
| Basis | Supreme Court of India | High Courts of India |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Provision | Articles 124–147 | Articles 214–231 |
| Position | It is the highest court in India. | It is the highest court at the State level, subject to the Supreme Court. |
| Head | The court is headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI). | Each High Court is headed by a Chief Justice. |
| Appointment of Judges | Judges are appointed by the President of India under Article 124. | Judges are appointed by the President of India under Article 217, following the constitutional consultation process. |
| Retirement Age | Supreme Court judges retire at 65 years. | High Court judges retire at 62 years. |
| Court of Record | It is a Court of Record under Article 129. | Every High Court is a Court of Record under Article 215. |
| Writ Jurisdiction | Under Article 32, it issues writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. | Under Article 226, it can issue writs for Fundamental Rights and for any other purpose. |
| Original Jurisdiction | It has original jurisdiction in certain Union–State and inter-State disputes under Article 131. | Its original jurisdiction varies according to the Constitution and applicable laws. |
| Appellate Jurisdiction | It is the final appellate court in the Indian judicial system. | It hears appeals from subordinate courts within its jurisdiction. |
| Advisory Jurisdiction | The President may seek the Supreme Court's opinion under Article 143. | High Courts do not have a corresponding constitutional advisory jurisdiction. |
| Review Power | The Supreme Court can review its judgments under Article 137. | High Courts also have the power to review their judgments under applicable constitutional and legal provisions. |
| Superintendence | It does not exercise the specific Article 227 superintendence over subordinate courts; that power belongs to High Courts. | Under Article 227, it has superintendence over courts and tribunals within its territorial jurisdiction, subject to constitutional limitations. |
| Binding Nature of Decisions | Law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all courts in India under Article 141. | Decisions of a High Court generally bind courts and authorities within its jurisdiction, subject to decisions of the Supreme Court. |
| Special Leave to Appeal | The Supreme Court can grant Special Leave to Appeal under Article 136. | High Courts do not have the Article 136 power. |
| Territorial Jurisdiction | Its jurisdiction extends throughout India. | Its jurisdiction generally extends over the State or States/Union Territory assigned to it. |
| Transfer of Cases | The Supreme Court can transfer certain cases under Article 139A. | A High Court can transfer certain cases to itself under Article 228 when constitutional questions are involved. |
- Article 129 → Supreme Court as Court of Record
- Article 215 → High Court as Court of Record
- Article 32 → Supreme Court's writ jurisdiction
- Article 226 → High Court's wider writ jurisdiction
Article 32 is specifically for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights, whereas Article 226 gives High Courts a wider power to issue writs for Fundamental Rights and for other purposes.
Jurisdiction Explained – Supreme Court & High Courts
Jurisdiction means the legal authority of a court to hear, decide and dispose of a particular case. The Supreme Court and High Courts have different types of jurisdiction, and questions from this topic are common in Indian Polity and competitive examinations.
| Type of Jurisdiction | Supreme Court of India | High Courts of India |
|---|---|---|
| Original Jurisdiction | The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in certain disputes between the Union and States or between States under Article 131. | High Courts have original jurisdiction in matters provided by the Constitution or applicable laws. |
| Writ Jurisdiction | Under Article 32, the Supreme Court can issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. | Under Article 226, High Courts can issue writs for Fundamental Rights and for any other purpose. |
| Appellate Jurisdiction | The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal and hears constitutional, civil and criminal appeals as provided by the Constitution and law. | High Courts hear appeals from subordinate courts and tribunals within their jurisdiction as provided by law. |
| Advisory Jurisdiction | Under Article 143, the President may refer certain questions of law or fact of public importance to the Supreme Court for its opinion. | High Courts do not have a corresponding advisory jurisdiction under the Constitution. |
| Special Leave Jurisdiction | Under Article 136, the Supreme Court may grant Special Leave to Appeal against judgments, decrees, orders or determinations of courts and tribunals in India, subject to constitutional limitations. | High Courts do not have the special constitutional power under Article 136. |
| Review Jurisdiction | Under Article 137, the Supreme Court can review its judgments or orders, subject to the Constitution and applicable rules. | High Courts can review their judgments and orders under the applicable constitutional and legal framework. |
| Transfer Jurisdiction | Under Article 139A, the Supreme Court can transfer certain cases from one High Court to another or withdraw certain cases involving substantially the same questions of law. | Under Article 228, a High Court may withdraw certain cases involving substantial questions of constitutional interpretation from subordinate courts. |
1. Original Jurisdiction:
Original jurisdiction means that a case can be filed directly before the court rather than reaching it through an appeal. The Supreme Court has a special original jurisdiction under Article 131 in certain disputes involving the Government of India and one or more States, or disputes between States, where the dispute involves a legal right. High Courts may also have original jurisdiction in specific matters depending on the Constitution and laws applicable to them.
2. Writ Jurisdiction
Writ jurisdiction is particularly important for examinations. Under Article 32, the Supreme Court can issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. Under Article 226, High Courts can issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights and for any other purpose. Therefore, the writ jurisdiction of High Courts is wider in scope than that of the Supreme Court under Articles 32 and 226.
The five constitutional writs are: Habeas Corpus • Mandamus • Prohibition • Certiorari • Quo Warranto
3. Appellate Jurisdiction
Appellate jurisdiction means the power of a higher court to hear an appeal against a decision of a lower court. The Supreme Court hears appeals from High Courts and other courts or tribunals in cases permitted by the Constitution and law. High Courts hear appeals from subordinate courts and tribunals within their jurisdiction according to applicable laws.
4. Advisory Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court has advisory jurisdiction under Article 143. The President may refer a question of law or fact of public importance to the Supreme Court for its opinion. High Courts do not have a corresponding advisory jurisdiction under the Constitution.
5. Special Leave to Appeal – Article 136
Article 136 gives the Supreme Court a special power to grant Special Leave to Appeal (SLP) against judgments, decrees, orders or determinations of courts and tribunals in India, subject to the constitutional provisions. This is an important topic for competitive examinations.
6. Review Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court can review its own judgments and orders under Article 137, subject to the Constitution and applicable rules. Similarly, High Courts can review their own judgments and orders under the applicable constitutional and legal provisions.
Exam Tip
Remember these important Article–Jurisdiction pairs:
• Article 131 → Original Jurisdiction of Supreme Court
• Article 136 → Special Leave to Appeal
• Article 137 → Review by Supreme Court
• Article 143 → Advisory Jurisdiction
• Article 32 → Writ Jurisdiction of Supreme Court
• Article 226 → Writ Jurisdiction of High Courts
• Article 227 → Superintendence of High Courts
• Article 139A → Transfer of certain cases by Supreme Court
• Article 228 → Transfer of certain cases to High Court
Writ Jurisdiction – Supreme Court vs High Court
| Point | Supreme Court | High Court |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Article | Article 32 | Article 226 |
| Purpose | Enforcement of Fundamental Rights | Fundamental Rights and other legal purposes |
| Five Writs | Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari and Quo Warranto | Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari and Quo Warranto |
| Scope | Narrower in purpose because Article 32 is specifically for Fundamental Rights | Wider because Article 226 extends to “any other purpose” |
Article 226 → High Court → Fundamental Rights + Other Purposes
Appointment, Qualification & Removal of Judges
| Basis | Supreme Court Judges | High Court Judges |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Article | Article 124 | Article 217 |
| Appointing Authority | Judges are appointed by the President of India. | Judges are appointed by the President of India. |
| Chief Justice Appointment | The Chief Justice of India (CJI) is appointed by the President. | The Chief Justice of a High Court is appointed by the President. |
| Other Judges | Other Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President after the constitutionally prescribed consultation process. | High Court judges are appointed by the President after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the State, and the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court. |
| Minimum Age | The Constitution does not prescribe a minimum age for appointment. | The Constitution does not prescribe a minimum age for appointment. |
| Citizenship | The person must be a citizen of India. | The person must be a citizen of India. |
| Judicial Experience | Must have been a High Court judge for at least 5 years, or an advocate of a High Court for at least 10 years, or be a distinguished jurist in the President's opinion. | Must have held a judicial office in India for at least 10 years, or must have been an advocate of a High Court for at least 10 years. |
| Retirement Age | 65 years | 62 years |
| Resignation | A judge resigns by writing to the President of India. | A judge resigns by writing to the President of India. |
| Removal | Removed by the President after an address by both Houses of Parliament passed with the required special majority on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. | Removed in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge, by virtue of Article 218. |
| Removal Procedure | Governed by Article 124(4) and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. | Governed through Article 217 read with Article 218 and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. |
Important Constitutional Provisions
• Article 124 – Establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court, including appointment and qualifications of its judges.
• Article 124(3) – Qualifications for appointment as a Supreme Court judge.
• Article 124(4) – Removal of a Supreme Court judge.
• Article 217 – Appointment and conditions of the office of a High Court judge.
• Article 218 – Applies certain provisions relating to removal of Supreme Court judges to High Court judges.
How Can a Judge Be Removed?
A Supreme Court or High Court judge cannot be removed simply by the President's decision. The Constitution provides that removal can take place on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. An address must first be passed by each House of Parliament with:
• a majority of the total membership of that House, and
• a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.
After Parliament passes the address in the required manner, the President issues the order of removal.
High Court Judge → Retirement at 62 years
SC Judge Qualification → Article 124(3)
HC Judge Qualification → Article 217(2)
SC Judge Removal → Article 124(4)
HC Judge Removal → Article 217 + Article 218
Final Removal Order → President
Grounds → Proved misbehaviour or incapacity
Parliamentary Requirement → Special majority in both Houses
Assam & Northeast
For candidates preparing for APSC, Assam Police, ADRE, SSC and other Northeast-focused competitive examinations, questions related to the Gauhati High Court and the judicial structure of Northeast India are particularly useful.
| Topic | Important Fact |
|---|---|
| Name | Gauhati High Court |
| Established | 5 April 1948 |
| Constitutional Basis | It was established under the Government of India Act, 1935, before the Constitution came into force. |
| Location | Guwahati, Assam |
| Original Jurisdiction | Its jurisdiction originally covered the former Province of Assam and certain other areas as provided by law. |
| Present Jurisdiction | The Gauhati High Court has jurisdiction over Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. |
| Importance | It is the common High Court for these four northeastern States. |
| Constitutional Provision | High Courts are dealt with mainly under Articles 214–231 of the Constitution. |
Important Northeast Judicial Facts:
The Gauhati High Court is especially important for Northeast-related GK because it serves as the common High Court for:
• Assam
• Nagaland
• Mizoram
• Arunachal Pradesh
The other Northeastern States have their own separate High Courts:
• Tripura High Court – Agartala
• Meghalaya High Court – Shillong
• Manipur High Court – Imphal
• Sikkim High Court – Gangtok
- The High Court of Assam was initially established at Shillong in 1948.
- It was later shifted to Guwahati in 1956.
- Separate High Courts for Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura came into existence in 2013.
- Following this reorganisation, the Gauhati High Court's jurisdiction was correspondingly revised.
Did You Know? – Interesting Facts About the Indian Judiciary
1. The Supreme Court Started in 1950
• The Supreme Court of India was inaugurated on 28 January 1950, just two days after India became a Republic.
2. The Supreme Court Was Not India's First Federal Court
• Before the Supreme Court was established, the Federal Court of India functioned from 1937 to 1950 under the Government of India Act, 1935.
3. The Supreme Court Is a Court of Record
• Article 129 declares the Supreme Court a Court of Record. It has the power to punish for contempt of itself.
4. High Courts Are Also Courts of Record
• Under Article 215, every High Court is a Court of Record and has the power to punish for contempt of itself.
5. High Courts Have Wider Writ Jurisdiction in Scope
• Article 32 empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs for enforcing Fundamental Rights, while Article 226 allows High Courts to issue writs for Fundamental Rights and other legal purposes.
6. The Supreme Court Can Advise the President
• Under Article 143, the President of India may refer certain questions of law or fact of public importance to the Supreme Court for its opinion.
7. The Supreme Court Can Review Its Own Decisions
• Article 137 gives the Supreme Court the power to review its judgments and orders, subject to the Constitution and applicable rules.
8. The Supreme Court Can Ensure Complete Justice
• Article 142 empowers the Supreme Court to pass orders necessary for doing complete justice in a matter pending before it.
9. High Courts Supervise the Subordinate Judiciary
• Under Article 227, High Courts exercise superintendence over courts and tribunals within their territorial jurisdiction, subject to constitutional limitations.
10. The Gauhati High Court Has a Special Place in Northeast India
• The Gauhati High Court serves Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, making it especially important for Northeast-focused competitive examinations.
11. A Supreme Court Judge and a High Court Judge Have Different Retirement Ages
• Supreme Court judges retire at 65 years, while High Court judges retire at 62 years.
12. India Has Five Constitutional Writs
• The five writs are Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari and Quo Warranto. They are important legal remedies for protecting rights and ensuring that public authorities and courts act within the law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Supreme Court of India is the highest court in the country's judicial system. It protects the Constitution, interprets laws and hears appeals as provided by the Constitution and applicable laws.
Articles 124 to 147 of the Constitution of India deal mainly with the Supreme Court.
Articles 214 to 231 of the Constitution of India deal mainly with High Courts.
Supreme Court judges retire at the age of 65 years, while High Court judges retire at the age of 62 years.
Article 32 empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue writs for Fundamental Rights and for other legal purposes.
The five writs are Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari and Quo Warranto.
The Chief Justice of India retires at the age of 65 years, like other Supreme Court judges.
The Gauhati High Court has jurisdiction over Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. It is particularly important for candidates preparing for Assam and Northeast competitive examinations.
Under Article 143, the President of India may refer certain questions of law or fact of public importance to the Supreme Court for its opinion.
A judge can be removed by the President on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity, after each House of Parliament passes an address with the constitutionally required special majority.







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