Power of superintendence over all courts by the High Court
Article 227 — Power of superintendence over all courts by the High Court
(1) Every High Court shall have superintendence over all courts and tribunals throughout the territories in relation to which it exercises jurisdiction.]
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision, the High Court may—
- (a) call for returns from such courts;
- (b) make and issue general rules and prescribe forms for regulating the practice and proceedings of such courts; and
- (c) prescribe forms in which books, entries and accounts shall be kept by the officers of any such courts. (3) The High Court may also settle tables of fees to be allowed to the sheriff and all clerks and officers of such courts and to attorneys, advocates and pleaders practising therein: Provided that any rules made, forms prescribed or tables settled under clause (2) or clause (3) shall not be inconsistent with the provision of any law for the time being in force, and shall require the previous approval of the Governor. (4) Nothing in this article shall be deemed to confer on a High Court powers of superintendence over any court or tribunal constituted by or under any law relating to the Armed Forces. (5)*
Plain English Summary
This article gives the High Court the power to supervise and oversee all lower courts and tribunals within its geographical area. This means the High Court acts as the ultimate supervisor to ensure that all subordinate judicial bodies operate correctly and follow established procedures.
Key Points
- The High Court has overall supervisory authority over all courts and tribunals within its jurisdiction.
- It can demand reports from these courts and create general rules for how they should conduct their work.
- It can also set rules for keeping records, fees, and accounting practices in these subordinate courts.
- This power does not apply to courts established under laws related to the Armed Forces.
Why It Matters
This article ensures uniformity and quality control across the entire judicial system within a state or region by giving a central authority (the High Court) the power to regulate how all lower courts function.
Landmark Judgements
No major landmark judgements.