TNPSC Group 1 · Indian Polity – Unit 5: Union Judiciary and State Judiciary – High Courts: Establishment, Composition, Jurisdiction (Original, Appellate, Writ), Appointment and Removal of Judges, Powers and Functions, Relationship with Supreme Court and Subordinate Courts
High Courts in India – TNPSC Group 1 Previous Year Questions & Analysis
Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the establishment of High Courts in States?
Article 214 of the Indian Constitution provides that there shall be a High Court for each State. However, Parliament can by law establish a common High Court for two or more States (Article 231). Currently India has 25 High Courts.
Why Asked
This is a foundational constitutional provision question. TNPSC frequently tests direct Article numbers related to judiciary. Article 214 vs Article 124 (Supreme Court) is a classic confusion point examiners exploit.
Who among the following appoints the Chief Justice of a High Court?
The Chief Justice of a High Court is appointed by the President of India in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the concerned State (Article 217). The collegium recommendation plays a key role in actual practice post the Three Judges Cases.
Why Asked
Appointment procedures are perennial favourites in TNPSC Group 1 Prelims and Mains. The question tests whether candidates confuse High Court CJ appointment with that of Supreme Court judges or District judges, which are governed by different consultative processes.
The Madras High Court, which has jurisdiction over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, was established in which year?
The Madras High Court was established on 15 August 1862 under the Indian High Courts Act of 1861. It is one of the three Presidency High Courts along with Calcutta (1862) and Bombay (1862). Its Bench for Puducherry is situated at Madurai (Madurai Bench).
Why Asked
TNPSC places special emphasis on Tamil Nadu-specific institutions. Madras High Court history, its Madurai Bench establishment (1969), and jurisdiction over Puducherry are high-priority local relevance topics that appear almost every cycle in Group 1.
Under which Article does a High Court have the power to issue Writs for enforcement of Fundamental Rights and for any other purpose?
Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue writs including Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto. Unlike Article 32 (Supreme Court), Article 226 writ jurisdiction is wider – it can be invoked not only for Fundamental Rights violations but also for any other legal right. This makes High Courts more accessible forums for citizens.
Why Asked
Article 226 vs Article 32 distinction is a classic TNPSC trap question. The key differentiator – ‘any other purpose’ in Article 226 vs only Fundamental Rights in Article 32 – is tested repeatedly. Writ jurisdiction questions have appeared in every Group 1 exam from 2016 to 2023.
| Sub-topic | Frequency | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Articles (214, 215, 216, 217, 226, 227) | 2-3 Q/exam | Increasing |
| Madras High Court – History, Jurisdiction, Benches | 1-2 Q/exam | Stable |
| Appointment, Qualification & Removal of High Court Judges | 1-2 Q/exam | Increasing |
| Writ Jurisdiction – Article 226 vs Article 32 | 1-2 Q/exam | Increasing |
| Jurisdiction Types – Original, Appellate, Supervisory | 1 Q/exam | Stable |
| Number of High Courts & Common High Courts | 1 Q/exam | Stable |
Next Exam Prediction
For TNPSC Group 1 2024-25 cycle, expect 3-4 questions from High Courts chapter. High probability topics: (1) Collegium system and recent SC judgments on judicial appointments – direct link to current affairs makes this a hot target. (2) Article 226 writ powers with a scenario-based question in Mains. (3) Madurai Bench of Madras High Court – year of establishment (1969) and its territorial jurisdiction over southern districts. (4) Supervisory jurisdiction under Article 227 differentiating it from appellate jurisdiction. Aspirants must memorise all 25 High Courts, their seats, benches, and states/UTs covered. Cross-link with recent news on High Court judges’ vacancies and Government of India’s stance on collegium – this combination of static + current affairs is the hallmark of recent Group 1 Prelims papers.
