Actual Article
Article 214: High Courts for States
Every State shall have a High Court provided that nothing in this article shall be deemed to prevent the creation of a common High Court for two or more States and a Union territory.
UPSC Notes for Article 214
Explanation:
- Establishment of High Courts: Article 214 ensures that each state in India has its own High Court, which serves as the highest court at the state level. This provision underlines the importance of a state-level judicial system to address legal matters within the state efficiently and effectively.
- Common High Courts: This article also allows for the possibility of a single High Court serving more than one state or even a Union territory. This provision is particularly relevant in cases where it is practical or necessary due to geographic, administrative, or economic considerations.
Key Points:
- Judicial Accessibility: Ensuring that each state has a High Court enhances access to justice for all citizens by providing a higher level of judicial scrutiny closer to them.
- Flexibility in Judicial Administration: The provision for common High Courts helps optimize judicial resources, especially in regions where it might not be viable to have a separate High Court for each state or Union territory due to factors like low population density or limited financial resources.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 214
Cases:
- No specific landmark cases interpreting Article 214 have been noted, as this article straightforwardly mandates the existence of High Courts.
Commissions:
- Law Commission of India: May have discussed recommendations on the distribution and functioning of High Courts, including the feasibility and implications of having common High Courts for multiple states.
Important Reports Related to Article 214:
- Administrative Reforms Commission: Could have examined the administrative efficiencies and legal challenges in managing a common High Court for multiple states or Union territories.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 214
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) What does Article 214 of the Indian Constitution provide?
- A. It mandates a separate High Court for each Union territory
- B. It ensures every state has its own High Court
- C. It allows only one High Court for the entire country
- D. It requires each district to have a High Court Correct Answer: B. It ensures every state has its own High Court
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) According to Article 214, can two or more states share a common High Court?
- A. Yes, but only if the states are contiguous
- B. No, each state must have its own High Court
- C. Yes, there is provision for a common High Court
- D. No, only Union territories can share a High Court Correct Answer: C. Yes, there is provision for a common High Court
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 214
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of having a High Court in every state as stipulated by Article 214 of the Constitution.”
- Mains 2019: “Evaluate the advantages and challenges of having a common High Court for multiple states as allowed under Article 214.”
Additional Insights:
- Strengthening the Judiciary: Article 214 plays a crucial role in strengthening the judiciary at the state level, ensuring that judicial oversight is locally accessible and sensitive to the unique legal and cultural contexts of each state.
- Economic and Administrative Considerations: The option for common High Courts reflects a practical approach to judicial administration, balancing resource optimization with the need for comprehensive legal access.
Understanding Article 214 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the organization and distribution of the judicial system at the state level within India’s federal structure. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a deeper understanding of the judicial framework and its importance in the governance of the country.