What is Judiciary? Understanding the Indian Judicial System, Its Structure, and Role in India

What happens when laws are misused or citizens’ rights are threatened?

The Judiciary is vital in ensuring justice and balance in a democratic state.

The judiciary is one of the most significant arms of the Indian government. It aims to resolve conflicts as well as apply the laws to actual cases.

As judges give their decisions in different circumstances, they determine the true meaning of the law.

The Judiciary protects citizens from the misuse of power and safeguards the Constitution and Fundamental Rights. It is the most trusted pillar of Indian democracy. Let us learn more about the Judiciary in India in this blog:

What is Judiciary?

Prior to answering the question of ‘What is Judiciary?’, it should be mentioned that the Judiciary in India is among the key pillars of the Indian state, along with the Legislature and the Executive.

The Judiciary in India is a constitutional body charged with the responsibility of interpreting laws and applying them in particular circumstances. It arbitrates cases between individuals, organisations, legal persons, including businesses, and government bodies and their agents.

It is the highest judicial body in the Union, presided over by the Supreme Court of India (SCI). It consists of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and other judges who are appointed by the President.

SCI has appellate and advisory jurisdiction, to which it hears appeals against the High Courts, and may invalidate unconstitutional laws (judicial review).

What is the Role of Judiciary in India?

The Judiciary in India performs several important functions that ensure justice, constitutional balance, and protection of citizens’ rights. The role of the Indian Judiciary has been discussed below:

What is an Independent Judiciary in India?

An Independent Judiciary in India implies that the operation of the courts is not influenced by the other arms of government, i.e. Executive and the Legislature. The decisions of the courts are not controlled or manipulated by other powers.

This autonomy gives judges freedom to perform their duties without fear, pressure, or favour. Meanwhile, judicial independence is not a synonym of unlimited authority. The Judiciary of India is also answerable to the Constitution and has to operate within the framework of the Constitution.

Structure of the Indian Judicial System

The Indian judiciary is subdivided into various levels, with each level having certain powers and jurisdiction.

These courts operate on a strict hierarchy with the Supreme Court of India at the top, followed by the High Courts, and then the Subordinate Courts in the district and the lower courts.

Let us look at the structure of the Indian Judicial System:

The Supreme Court of India

The Supreme Court of India replaced the Federal Court established under the Government of India Act, 1935. Located in New Delhi, it was inaugurated on 28 January 1950. The Constitution designates the Supreme Court as the highest authority for protecting Fundamental Rights and as the interpreter and guardian of the Constitution.

At present, the Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of India and 33 other judges, all appointed by the President of India.

The High Courts

High Courts were introduced by the Indian High Courts Act of 1861, which was brought about by Sir Charles Wood and approved by the British Parliament. The Act allowed the Crown to set up High Courts in Calcutta, Madras and Bombay by Letters Patent.

Today, India has 25 High Courts. Every High Court is the supreme court of appeal in its state or states and operates under the direction of the Supreme Court.

The Subordinate Courts

Subordinate Courts form the foundation of the Indian judicial system. These courts are the most available to the general population. The Subordinate Courts are governed by the respective High Courts and have cases that are handled at district and lower levels.

The structure and functioning of the Subordinate Courts are governed by Articles 233 to 237 of the Constitution.

Final Thoughts

The structure and role of the Indian Judiciary are critical to every educated citizen. In the event that laws are abused or even when our rights are in danger, the Judiciary becomes the unbiased judge that restores balance.
It is the pillar that makes the constitutional promise of justice to all. It aids in developing a society that is rooted in responsibility, justice and the unyielding defence of human dignity.

FAQs

Q1: What is Judiciary?

A1: The judiciary is a system of courts that interprets and applies laws. It settles disputes, delivers justice, and ensures that laws are fairly enforced.

Q2: What is the role of Judiciary in India?

A2: The judiciary protects the Constitution and Fundamental Rights, resolves disputes, and ensures a balance between the legislature and the executive. It also upholds the rule of law in the country.

Q3: What is meant by independence of Judiciary?

A3: Judicial independence means that the Judiciary of India is free from any external influence or pressure, especially from the Executive and the Legislature. It ensures that judges deliver decisions fairly and impartially, based solely on the law and the facts of the case.

Q4: How to prepare for Judiciary without coaching?

A4: To prepare for the Judiciary without coaching, follow these steps:

1. Understand your syllabus and exam pattern properly
2. Make a timetable allocating time to study core and minor subjects, GK and languages
3. Practice past-year question papers and revise concepts regularly
4. Take regular mock tests under exam conditions for time management and performance analysis.

Q5: Under which process does the Indian Judiciary function? 

A5: The Indian Judiciary functions primarily under an Adversarial System, where opposing sides present their cases.