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Constitution of India · Section Article 231

Establishment of a common High Court for two or more States

Article 231 — Establishment of a common High Court for two or more States

  1. Establishment of a common High Court for two or more States.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the preceding provisions of this Chapter, Parliament may by law establish a common High Court for two or more States or for two or more States and a Union territory. (2) In relation to any such High Court,—

(a)*

  • (b) the reference in article 227 to the Governor shall, in relation to any rules, forms or tables for subordinate courts, be construed as a reference to the Governor of the State in which the subordinate courts are situate; and
  • (c) the references in articles 219 and 229 to the State shall be construed as a reference to the State in which the High Court has its principal seat: Provided that if such principal seat is in a Union territory, the references in articles 219 and 229 to the Governor, Public Service Commission, Legislature and Consolidated Fund of the State shall be construed respectively as references to the President, Union Public Service Commission, Parliament and Consolidated Fund of India.]
  1. Interpretation.—Articles 230, 231 and 232 subs. by articles 230 and 231 by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, s. 16 (w.e.f. 1-11-1956)]. CHAPTER VI.—SUBORDINATE COURTS

Plain English Summary

This article gives the Parliament the power to create a single High Court that serves two or more States, or two or more States plus a Union Territory. It also clarifies how references to state authorities (like Governors or Legislatures) should be understood when this common High Court is established.

Key Points

  • Parliament has the authority to establish a common High Court for multiple states or states and a Union Territory through a law.
  • When a common High Court exists, references in other articles are interpreted based on where the High Court is physically located.
  • If the principal seat of the common High Court is in a Union Territory, certain references shift to the Central Government (President, Parliament, etc.).

Why It Matters

This provision allows for administrative efficiency and judicial uniformity across several states by centralizing the highest court level for those jurisdictions.

Landmark Judgements

No major landmark judgements.

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