Judiciary of Himachal Pradesh -

Judiciary of Himachal Pradesh: A Guide for Competitive Examinations

The judicial framework of Himachal Pradesh is headed by the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which is the apex court in the state. Understanding its establishment, evolution, and key features is crucial for competitive exams.

1. Historical Evolution of Judiciary in Himachal Pradesh

Prior to the establishment of a full-fledged High Court for the state of Himachal Pradesh, the judicial functions for the region evolved through different stages:

Court of Judicial Commissioner (1948-1967):
- After Himachal Pradesh was formed as a Chief Commissioner’s Province on April 15, 1948, the Central Government promulgated the Himachal Pradesh (Courts) Order, 1948, on August 15, 1948.
- Under this order, the Court of Judicial Commissioner for Himachal Pradesh was established. It started functioning on August 15, 1948, and was initially housed at “Harvingtan” (Kelston area, Bharari, Shimla).
- This court was vested with the powers of a High Court under the Judicial Commissioner’s Court Act, 1950.
- When Bilaspur state merged with Himachal Pradesh in 1954, the Himachal Pradesh and Bilaspur (New State) Act, 1954, provided for the amalgamation of the Courts of the Judicial Commissioner for the existing states of Himachal Pradesh and Bilaspur to constitute the Court of the Judicial Commissioner for the new (merged) State of Himachal Pradesh.¹
Himachal Bench of Delhi High Court (1967-1971):
- In 1966, the Parliament enacted the Delhi High Court Act, 1966.
- With effect from May 1, 1967, the jurisdiction of the Delhi High Court was extended to the then Union Territory of Himachal Pradesh.
- This led to the establishment of the Himachal Bench of the Delhi High Court at Shimla, which replaced the Court of Judicial Commissioner.

2. Establishment of the Himachal Pradesh High Court

Date of Establishment: The Himachal Pradesh High Court was established on January 25, 1971, the same day Himachal Pradesh attained full statehood.
Governing Act: Its establishment was provided for under The State of Himachal Pradesh Act, 1970, passed by the Parliament on December 18, 1970.
Headquarters: The headquarters of the High Court is at “Revenswood,” Shimla.
Initial Composition: At its inception, the High Court consisted of one Hon’ble Chief Justice and two Hon’ble Judges.

3. Key Features of the Himachal Pradesh High Court

Jurisdiction: The High Court has jurisdiction over the entire state of Himachal Pradesh.
Constitutional Authority: It is established under the provisions of the Constitution of India.
Appointment of Judges: Judges are appointed by the President of India with the confirmation of the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of Himachal Pradesh.
Term of Judges: Judges hold office until they attain the age of 62 years (mandatory retirement).
Authorized Strength: The current authorized strength of judges in the Himachal Pradesh High Court is 17.

4. Notable Chief Justices

First Chief Justice: Hon’ble Justice M.H. Beg was the first Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, serving from January 25, 1971, to December 9, 1971.
First Woman Chief Justice: Hon’ble Justice Leila Seth holds the distinction of being the first woman Chief Justice of a High Court in India, and she served as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court from August 5, 1991, to October 20, 1992.
Current Chief Justice (as per source): Hon’ble Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia (appointed December 29, 2024, as per the provided information). (Note: Candidates should verify the current incumbent at the time of their exam).

5. Subordinate Judiciary

The Himachal Pradesh High Court exercises administrative and judicial control over the subordinate judiciary in the state, which includes District and Sessions Courts, and other lower courts, ensuring the dispensation of justice at various levels.

This framework provides essential information about the judiciary in Himachal Pradesh, focusing on key historical milestones, structural details, and important personalities, which are frequently tested in competitive examinations.