The Hierarchy of Courts in India: A Quick Overview.
India’s judicial system is structured in a hierarchical manner to ensure that legal matters are addressed efficiently.
At the foundational level, we have Lower or Subordinate Courts, which are divided into three categories. Civil Courts deal with disputes related to property, contracts, and personal matters. Sessions Courts handle serious criminal cases such as theft, robbery, and other offenses. Revenue Courts address land and agricultural disputes, including issues of land ownership and taxation.
Next in line are the High Courts, the highest judicial authorities within individual states (or shared by some states). High Courts hear appeals from lower courts and handle matters involving fundamental rights violations and constitutional issues.
At the pinnacle is the Supreme Court of India, which serves as the final authority on legal matters. The Supreme Court has the power to hear appeals from High Courts and directly intervene in cases of national importance. It also deals with Public Interest Litigations (PILs) and other matters related to public welfare.
Understanding the hierarchy helps in determining the appropriate forum for addressing legal issues and ensuring justice is served efficiently.