Judiciary of India

The Judiciary of India (ISO: Bhārata kī Nyāyapālikā) is the system of courts that interpret and apply the law in the Republic of India. The Constitution of India provides concept for a single and unified judiciary in India. India uses a mixed legal system based majorly on the common law with civil laws applicable in certain territories in combination with certain religion specific personal laws.

The judiciary is structured in three levels with subsidiary parts. The Supreme Court is the highest court and serves as the final court of appeal for all civil and criminal cases in India. High Courts are the top judicial courts in individual states, led by the state Chief Justice. The High Courts manage a system of subordinate courts headed by the various District and Session Courts in their respective jurisdictions. The executive and revenue courts are managed by the respective state governments through the district magistrates or other executive magistrates. Although the executive courts are not part of the judiciary, various provisions and judgements empower the High Courts and Session Judges to inspect or direct their operation.

The Chief Justice of India, other judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts are appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a collegium system consisting of judges of the Supreme Court. Judges of subordinate judiciaries are appointed by the governors on the recommendation of the respective High Courts.

At the Union level, the Ministry of Law and Justice is responsible for formulating laws and addressing issues relating to the judiciary with the Parliament. It has jurisdiction to deal with the issues of any court and also deals with the appointment of the various judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts. At the state level, the respective law departments of the states deal with issues regarding the High Court and the subordinate courts.