High Courts Practice Questions
40 free High Courts practice questions for the Indian Polity. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which Article of the Indian Constitution states that there shall be a High Court for each State?
- A Article 214
- B Article 226
- C Article 217
- D Article 124
Correct answer: Article 214
Article 214 of the Indian Constitution mandates that every state in India shall have its own High Court. However, Parliament has the power to establish a common High Court for two or more states or Union Territories.
Who has the authority to establish a common High Court for two or more States under the Indian Constitution?
- A The President of India
- B The Parliament of India
- C The Chief Justice of India
- D The Governors of the respective States
Correct answer: The Parliament of India
According to Article 231, Parliament may by law establish a common High Court for two or more States or for two or more States and a Union Territory. This is exemplified by the Punjab and Haryana High Court which serves both states and the UT of Chandigarh.
What is the retirement age of a High Court Judge as per the current constitutional provisions?
- A 60 years
- B 62 years
- C 65 years
- D 68 years
Correct answer: 62 years
A Judge of a High Court holds office until he or she attains the age of 62 years. This is distinct from the retirement age of Supreme Court judges, which is fixed at 65 years.
Which High Court has the largest jurisdiction in terms of the number of States it covers?
- A Bombay High Court
- B Calcutta High Court
- C Guwahati High Court
- D Madras High Court
Correct answer: Guwahati High Court
The Guwahati High Court originally had the largest jurisdiction covering the 'Seven Sister' states. Even after the creation of separate courts for some states, it still serves Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The writ jurisdiction of a High Court is provided under which Article of the Constitution?
- A Article 32
- B Article 131
- C Article 226
- D Article 227
Correct answer: Article 226
Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue directions, orders, or writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights and for 'any other purpose'. This jurisdiction is wider than that of the Supreme Court under Article 32, which is limited only to Fundamental Rights.
Who appoints the Judges of a High Court in India?
- A The Governor of the State
- B The Chief Justice of the High Court
- C The President of India, by warrant
- D The Chief Minister of the State
Correct answer: The President of India, by warrant
Every Judge of a High Court is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal. The President consults the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the State, and in the case of a judge other than the Chief Justice, the Chief Justice of that High Court.
A person is qualified for appointment as a Judge of a High Court if they have held a judicial office in India for at least:
- A 5 years
- B 7 years
- C 10 years
- D 15 years
Correct answer: 10 years
Article 217(2) requires a person to have held a judicial office in the territory of India for at least 10 years or to have been an advocate of a High Court for at least 10 years to be eligible for appointment.
Under whose jurisdiction does the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands fall?
- A Madras High Court
- B Calcutta High Court
- C Orissa High Court
- D Kerala High Court
Correct answer: Calcutta High Court
The Calcutta High Court has the oldest history in India and its jurisdiction extends to the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands via a permanent bench at Port Blair.
The power of 'superintendence over all courts and tribunals throughout the territories in relation to which it exercises jurisdiction' is given to the High Court by:
- A Article 225
- B Article 226
- C Article 227
- D Article 228
Correct answer: Article 227
Article 227 provides the High Court with the power of administrative and judicial superintendence over all courts and tribunals (except military tribunals) within its territorial limits. This ensures that subordinate courts function within the bounds of their authority.
To whom does a High Court Judge address their resignation letter?
- A The Chief Justice of the High Court
- B The State Governor
- C The President of India
- D The Chief Justice of India
Correct answer: The President of India
Although a High Court judge functions within a state, they are a constitutional appointee of the Union. Therefore, they must address their resignation in writing to the President of India.
Who determines the strength (number of judges) of a High Court?
- A The Parliament by law
- B The President of India
- C The State Legislature
- D The Governor of the State
Correct answer: The President of India
Unlike the Supreme Court, where the strength is determined by Parliament, the strength of a High Court is not fixed by the Constitution. The President determines the number of judges from time to time based on the workload of the specific court.
Which was the first High Court established in India?
- A Bombay High Court
- B Madras High Court
- C Calcutta High Court
- D Allahabad High Court
Correct answer: Calcutta High Court
The Calcutta High Court was the first to be established in India, under the High Courts Act of 1861. It was formally opened on July 1, 1862.
The salaries and allowances of the Judges of the High Court are charged on:
- A The Consolidated Fund of India
- B The Consolidated Fund of the State
- C The Contingency Fund of India
- D The Public Account of India
Correct answer: The Consolidated Fund of the State
The salaries and allowances of High Court judges are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State. However, it is important to note that their pensions are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
Who administers the oath of office to a Judge of a High Court?
- A The Chief Justice of India
- B The President of India
- C The Governor of the State
- D The Chief Justice of the High Court
Correct answer: The Governor of the State
According to Article 219, every person appointed to be a Judge of a High Court shall, before entering upon office, make and subscribe an oath or affirmation before the Governor of the State or some person appointed by him.
In which case can a High Court issue a writ for 'any other purpose' apart from Fundamental Rights?
- A For the enforcement of ordinary legal rights
- B To resolve political disputes between parties
- C To advise the Governor on legislative matters
- D Only when the Supreme Court permits
Correct answer: For the enforcement of ordinary legal rights
The phrase 'for any other purpose' in Article 226 means that High Courts can issue writs for the enforcement of any legal right that is not necessarily a Fundamental Right. This makes the writ jurisdiction of the High Court broader than that of the Supreme Court.
Which Article deals with the transfer of a Judge from one High Court to another?
- A Article 220
- B Article 221
- C Article 222
- D Article 223
Correct answer: Article 222
Article 222 empowers the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, to transfer a judge from one High Court to any other High Court. This is done in the interest of the administration of justice.
A retired Judge of a High Court is prohibited from practicing in:
- A The Supreme Court of India
- B The High Court of permanent appointment
- C Any court or authority in India
- D The same State's subordinate courts only
Correct answer: The High Court of permanent appointment
Article 220 imposes a restriction that no person who has held office as a permanent Judge of a High Court shall plead or act in any court except the Supreme Court and other High Courts. They cannot practice in the same High Court where they were permanent judges.
Which High Court has jurisdiction over the State of Goa?
- A Karnataka High Court
- B Kerala High Court
- C Bombay High Court
- D Gujarat High Court
Correct answer: Bombay High Court
The Bombay High Court's jurisdiction extends over the states of Maharashtra and Goa, as well as the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. It has a permanent bench in Panaji, Goa.
The power of a High Court to punish for contempt of itself is derived from which Article?
- A Article 214
- B Article 215
- C Article 216
- D Article 217
Correct answer: Article 215
Article 215 declares that every High Court shall be a 'Court of Record' and shall have all the powers of such a court, including the power to punish for contempt of itself.
What is the procedure for the removal of a High Court Judge?
- A By the Governor on the advice of the State Cabinet
- B By the President on the advice of the Chief Justice of India
- C In the same manner as removal of a Supreme Court Judge
- D By a resolution passed by the State Legislative Assembly
Correct answer: In the same manner as removal of a Supreme Court Judge
Under Article 217(1)(b), a High Court judge can be removed from office by the President in the same manner as prescribed for a Supreme Court judge in Article 124(4). This involves a motion passed by both Houses of Parliament with a special majority.
Which among the following can increase the number of Judges of a High Court?
- A The President of India
- B The Parliament of India
- C The State Governor
- D The Chief Justice of India
Correct answer: The President of India
Under Article 216 of the Constitution, the President of India determines the number of Judges a High Court needs and appoints them accordingly, based on that Court's workload. Parliament's role is limited to matters such as establishing or altering the jurisdiction of a High Court, not fixing the number of judges, so it is not the correct answer here.
The Union Territory of Lakshadweep falls under the jurisdiction of which High Court?
- A Madras High Court
- B Bombay High Court
- C Karnataka High Court
- D Kerala High Court
Correct answer: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court, located at Kochi, exercises jurisdiction over both the state of Kerala and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
Which Article of the Constitution empowers the High Court to issue directions, orders, or writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights?
- A Article 32
- B Article 131
- C Article 227
- D Article 226
Correct answer: Article 226
Article 226 gives High Courts the power to issue writs (Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, etc.) for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights and for any other purpose.
A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a Judge of a High Court unless he has been for at least ten years an advocate of a High Court. This is mentioned in:
- A Article 217
- B Article 214
- C Article 224
- D Article 231
Correct answer: Article 217
Article 217(2) prescribes the qualifications for a High Court judge, including 10 years of judicial office or 10 years as an advocate of a High Court.
Who can extend or exclude the jurisdiction of a High Court from any Union Territory?
- A The Parliament of India
- B The President of India
- C The Supreme Court of India
- D The Ministry of Law and Justice
Correct answer: The Parliament of India
Article 230 lets Parliament, by law, extend the jurisdiction of a High Court to a Union Territory or exclude it from one. The President, the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Law and Justice have no say in this — the power rests with Parliament alone.
The pension of a High Court Judge is charged on which of the following?
- A Consolidated Fund of India
- B Consolidated Fund of the State
- C Public Account of the State
- D Contingency Fund of India
Correct answer: Consolidated Fund of India
While salaries are charged to the Consolidated Fund of the State, the pensions of High Court judges are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India.
Under which Article does the Governor consult the Chief Justice of the High Court for the appointment of district judges?
- A Article 233
- B Article 217
- C Article 222
- D Article 165
Correct answer: Article 233
Article 233 deals with the appointment of district judges, stating they shall be appointed by the Governor in consultation with the High Court exercising jurisdiction.
Which High Court has the distinction of being the first to be headed by a woman Chief Justice?
- A Himachal Pradesh High Court
- B Andhra Pradesh High Court
- C Jammu and Kashmir High Court
- D Madhya Pradesh High Court
Correct answer: Himachal Pradesh High Court
Justice Leila Seth became the first woman Chief Justice of a state High Court when she was appointed to the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 1991.
The 'Power of Superintendence' over all courts and tribunals (except military tribunals) by a High Court is provided under:
- A Article 225
- B Article 226
- C Article 228
- D Article 227
Correct answer: Article 227
Article 227 provides that every High Court shall have superintendence over all courts and tribunals throughout the territories in relation to which it exercises jurisdiction.
The Union Territory of Puducherry falls under the judicial jurisdiction of which High Court?
- A Kerala High Court
- B Karnataka High Court
- C Andhra Pradesh High Court
- D Madras High Court
Correct answer: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court exercises jurisdiction over the State of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Which constitutional amendment increased the retirement age of High Court judges from 60 to 62 years?
- A 15th Amendment Act
- B 7th Amendment Act
- C 24th Amendment Act
- D 42nd Amendment Act
Correct answer: 15th Amendment Act
The 15th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1963 increased the retirement age of High Court judges from 60 to 62.
The Calcutta High Court, established in 1862, has a permanent bench at which of the following places?
- A Murshidabad
- B Port Blair
- C Agartala
- D Gangtok
Correct answer: Port Blair
The Calcutta High Court has a circuit bench (permanent seat) at Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Under Article 222, who has the power to transfer a judge from one High Court to another?
- A The Chief Justice of India
- B The President of India
- C The Prime Minister
- D The Governor of the concerned state
Correct answer: The President of India
The President may, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, transfer a judge from one High Court to any other High Court.
Which Article defines that every High Court shall be a 'Court of Record'?
- A Article 129
- B Article 215
- C Article 216
- D Article 226
Correct answer: Article 215
Article 215 states that every High Court shall be a court of record and shall have all the powers of such a court including the power to punish for contempt of itself.
Which High Court has jurisdiction over the states of Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh?
- A Guwahati High Court
- B Shillong High Court
- C Manipur High Court
- D Tripura High Court
Correct answer: Guwahati High Court
The Guwahati High Court originally had jurisdiction over all seven North-Eastern states; it currently covers Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.
An Additional Judge of a High Court can be appointed by the President for a period not exceeding:
- A One year
- B Two years
- C Three years
- D Five years
Correct answer: Two years
Under Article 224, the President can appoint duly qualified persons as additional judges for a temporary period not exceeding two years due to arrears of work.
Which High Court was the latest to be established in India (in 2019)?
- A Tripura High Court
- B Himachal Pradesh High Court
- C Andhra Pradesh High Court
- D Telangana High Court
Correct answer: Andhra Pradesh High Court
The Andhra Pradesh High Court (at Amaravati) and the Telangana High Court (at Hyderabad) started functioning separately in 2019, with Andhra Pradesh being the 25th High Court.
A High Court Judge can be removed from office on the grounds of:
- A Violation of the Constitution
- B Proved misbehavior or incapacity
- C Insolvency
- D Conviction for a criminal offence
Correct answer: Proved misbehavior or incapacity
The grounds for removal of a High Court judge are the same as those for a Supreme Court judge: proved misbehavior or incapacity.
Which of the following is NOT part of the original jurisdiction of a High Court?
- A Matters of Admiralty and Matrimonial disputes
- B Disputes relating to the election of MPs and MLAs
- C Enforcement of Fundamental Rights
- D Appeals against decisions of Sessions Courts
Correct answer: Appeals against decisions of Sessions Courts
Appeals against decisions of Sessions Courts fall under the appellate jurisdiction of a High Court, not its original jurisdiction. High Courts exercise original jurisdiction directly in matters such as admiralty and matrimonial disputes, election petitions of MPs and MLAs, and enforcement of Fundamental Rights under Article 226.
Which Article provides for the appointment of a 'Retired Judge' at sittings of High Courts?
- A Article 224
- B Article 224A
- C Article 225
- D Article 226A
Correct answer: Article 224A
Article 224A allows the Chief Justice of a High Court, with the previous consent of the President, to request a retired judge to sit and act as a judge of that High Court.