Introduction

The Delhi High Court is one of India’s most prominent constitutional courts. Established in 1966, it functions as the principal judicial authority for the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Its constitutional powers flow from Chapter V, Part VI of the Constitution of India, 1950. Delhi has an exclusive High Court, not shared with any other State or Union Territory.

Historical Background

• During British rule, Delhi fell under the jurisdiction of the Lahore High Court (1866).
• After Independence (1947), the need arose for a separate High Court for Delhi.
• The Delhi High Court was established on 31 October 1966 under the Delhi High Court Act, 1966.
• Initially, it exercised jurisdiction over Delhi and Himachal Pradesh.
• It functioned from the Parliament House and also had a bench at Shimla.
• After enforcement of the State of Himachal Pradesh Act, 1970 (25 January 1971), Himachal Pradesh got its own High Court, ending the Shimla Bench.

Organisation and Composition

• The Court began with 4 judges, including:
  • Chief Justice K.S. Hegde
  • Justice I.D. Dua
  • Justice H.R. Khanna
  • Justice S.K. Kapur
• Sanctioned strength:
  • 45 Permanent Judges
  • 15 Additional Judges
• 31st Chief Justice: Justice Satish Chandra Sharma

Appointment of Judges

• Chief Justice is appointed by the President of India, in consultation with:
  • The Chief Justice of India
  • Two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court
• Other Judges are appointed by the President after consultation with:
  • Chief Justice of India
  • Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court
  • Two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court
• Appointments are made by warrant under the President’s hand and seal

Jurisdiction of Delhi High Court

1. Original Jurisdiction

• Exercised under Section 5 of the Delhi High Court Act, 1966
• Acts as court of first instance in specified matters
• Writ jurisdiction under Article 226 (Fundamental Rights + “any other purpose”)
• Heard by Single Judge or Division Bench

2. Appellate Jurisdiction

• Civil and criminal appeals from subordinate courts
• Power to affirm, reverse, or modify lower court judgments

3. Supervisory Jurisdiction

• Exercised under Article 227
• Superintendence over all subordinate courts and tribunals
• Does not extend to Armed Forces Tribunals

4. Pecuniary Jurisdiction

• Civil suits involving disputes above ₹2 crore fall within Delhi High Court’s jurisdiction

District Courts under Delhi High Court

There are 7 District Courts:

1. Tis Hazari Courts – 1958
2. Patiala House Courts – 1977
3. Karkardooma Courts – 1993
4. Rohini Courts – 2005
5. Dwarka Courts – 2008
6. Saket Courts – 2010
7. Rouse Avenue Courts – 2019

These courts handle civil, criminal, family, property, and allied matters within territorial limits.

Virtual Courts & Technology

• Delhi High Court operates physical + virtual courts
• Video Conferencing Rules, 2021 notified under:
  • Section 7, Delhi High Court Act, 1966
  • Article 227, Constitution of India
• Virtual proceedings have the same legal validity as physical hearings
• E-filing permitted
• Live streaming of cases allowed since 2022

Officers of Delhi High Court (Ascending Order)

1. Administrative Officer (Judicial) / Court Master
2. Assistant Registrar
3. Deputy Registrar
4. Joint Registrar
5. Registrar
6. Registrar-General