Twenty-five High Courts: the Supreme Court of India on how the High Courts are constituted

Background

The Supreme Court of India states that the High Court stands at the head of the judicial administration of a State. There are 25 High Courts in the country, three having jurisdiction over more than one State. Among the Union Territories, Delhi, and Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have a High Court of their own. Other five Union Territories come under the jurisdiction of different High Courts. Each High Court comprises a Chief Justice and such other Judges as the President may, from time to time, appoint. The Chief Justice of a High Court is appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the State; the procedure for appointing puisne Judges is the same except that the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned is also consulted. Judges in the High Court hold office until the age of 62 years and are removable in the same manner as a Judge of the Supreme Court. To be eligible for appointment as a Judge one must be a citizen of India and have held a judicial office in India for ten years or must have practised as an Advocate of a High Court or two or more such Courts in succession for a similar period. There is also an Advocate General for each State appointed by the Governor, who holds office during the pleasure of the Governor.