Judiciary and Legal Systems

Option (3) is correct: The salaries of the Supreme Court judges can be reduced during financial emergency.

The Constitution allows for a common High Court for two or more states or for a state and one or more Union Territories. For example, the Guwahati High Court serves seven northeastern states. This promotes judicial efficiency and administrative convenience. However, a High Court cannot be for 'only states' without specifying which ones.

Option (4) is the correct answer.

Fundamental Rights are enforceable in court of law. Preamble as well as Fundamental Duties cannot be enforceble in court .

The Supreme Court's original jurisdiction under Article 131 extends to disputes between the Government of India and one or more states, or between two or more states themselves. Civil matters, criminal cases, and disputes between private citizens do not fall under original jurisdiction - they must go through lower courts first.

Yes, e.g. Punjab and Haryana have their common High Court at Chandigarh.

Section 20 of the Specific Relief Act, 1963 explicitly states that the court's discretion to grant specific performance is not arbitrary but must be exercised judicially based on sound and reasonable principles. This section prevents capricious or unfair use of the court's equitable powers. The discretion considers factors like adequacy of monetary damages, clean hands, and enforceability challenges.

Section 24 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) authorizes the High Court and District Court to transfer suits and proceedings from one court to another under their respective jurisdiction. This power ensures convenience of parties and ends litigation. The Supreme Court does not have this general power under Section 24, though it can transfer cases under Article 139A of the Constitution. The provision applies to intra-state transfers.

When a decree must be executed in another state, Section 39 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) requires that it be sent by the court that passed the decree directly to the court where execution is sought. This direct communication ensures authenticity and prevents delays. The decree is accompanied by a certified copy and the execution court treats it as if it were its own decree, following the same execution procedures.

Article 233(1) of the Constitution mandates that District Judges shall be appointed by the Governor of the State. The appointment is made in consultation with the High Court (which makes recommendations), but the formal appointing authority is the Governor.

Article 227(1) of the Constitution explicitly grants every High Court the power of 'superintendence over all courts and tribunals' throughout its territorial jurisdiction. This is a constitutional oversight power distinct from appellate jurisdiction, enabling High Courts to ensure proper administration of justice.

Section 9 of CPC confers original civil jurisdiction on courts to try all suits of a civil nature except those expressly or impliedly barred. This is the foundation of civil courts' jurisdiction - they can entertain all civil suits unless prohibited by statute or competent authority.

Revision is the power of a superior court (High Court or Sessions Judge) to examine the record of proceedings from an inferior criminal court for errors of law or jurisdiction. Unlike review, revision exercises supervisory jurisdiction rather than re-appreciating evidence.

Under Section 24 of the Punjab Courts Act, 1918, the District Court is designated as the principal civil court of original jurisdiction. This means district courts have the primary authority to hear civil cases at the first instance. High Courts primarily hear appeals and have original jurisdiction only in specific matters. Family Courts are specialized courts for family law disputes.

Section 438 CrPC allows anticipatory bail applications to be made to either the Court of Session or the High Court. The Chief Judicial Magistrate lacks jurisdiction to grant anticipatory bail, as it involves a constitutional prerogative available only to higher courts.