JUDICIARY AND ITS STRUCTURE

Single Integrated System – One unified judicial framework for both central and state laws. Three Levels – Supreme Court (apex), High Courts (state/UT level), Subordinate Courts (district/local). Supreme Court – Established in 1950; guardian of the Constitution; Chief Justice + 33 judges (2025). Supreme Court Jurisdiction – Original, Appellate, Advisory; protector of Fundamental Rights. High Courts – 25 in total; exercise original, appellate, and writ jurisdiction under Article 226. High Court Features – Oldest: Calcutta (1862); Largest: Allahabad (160 judges); retirement age 62. Subordinate Courts – District & Sessions Courts, Civil Courts, Criminal Courts, Revenue Courts under HC control. Judicial Independence – Protected by Constitution (Articles 124–147, 214–231); separation from executive (Article 50). Writ Powers – Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto safeguard rights. Judicial Activism – Public Interest Litigations (PILs), suo motu actions expand access to justice and protect democracy.