A High Court is an important court in a country that handles serious cases and appeals from lower courts. It has the power to make decisions on important legal matters, including issues related to the constitution and people’s rights. The High Court also makes sure that lower courts follow the law properly and can give orders to correct mistakes made by them.
The five important jurisdictions of High Court
1. Original Jurisdiction
The High Court has the power to hear and decide cases for the first time. This means that in some cases, the High Court handles the case directly instead of it being heard in lower courts first. For example, if someone’s fundamental rights are violated, they can take the case straight to the High Court.
2. Appellate Jurisdiction
The High Court can hear appeals from lower courts. If someone is unhappy with a decision made by a district court or tribunal, they can ask the High Court to review the case. The High Court will then decide if the decision should stand or be changed.
3. Writ Jurisdiction
The High Court has the authority to issue writs, which are special orders used to protect people’s rights and make sure public authorities do their job properly. These writs include:
- Habeas Corpus: To free someone who has been wrongfully detained.
- Mandamus: To order a public authority to do something it is required to do.
- Prohibition: To stop a lower court from exceeding its power.
- Certiorari: To cancel a lower court’s decision if it acted outside its authority.
- Quo Warranto: To challenge someone holding a public office without legal authority.
4. Supervisory Jurisdiction
The High Court has the power to supervise the actions of lower courts and tribunals in its area. This means the High Court ensures that these courts follow the law properly and can correct any mistakes made by them.
5. Advisory Jurisdiction
The High Court can also give legal advice to the government on complex legal issues. The government may ask for guidance on matters where there is no direct case to be decided.
These five important areas of jurisdiction help the High Court ensure justice is carried out, whether by directly handling cases, reviewing decisions, or protecting people’s rights.