Q1. What type of jurisdiction allows High Courts to hear a case first-hand?
- Original Jurisdiction
- Writ Jurisdiction
- Appellate Jurisdiction
- Supervisory Jurisdiction
Correct Option: 1. Original Jurisdiction.
Explanation: Original jurisdiction allows High Courts to hear cases directly, without them being appealed from lower courts. This applies to election disputes, fundamental rights, and revenue matters.
Q2. What does the term “Court of Record” mean?
- It records proceedings for audio playback
- Its decisions are binding on international courts
- Its judgments are recorded and act as legal precedents
- It can issue writs of record
Correct Option: 3. Its judgments are recorded and act as legal precedents.
Explanation: As a Court of Record, the High Court maintains judgments and acts which have evidentiary and precedential value and can also punish for contempt.
Q3. Which High Court was established first in India?
- Madras High Court
- Calcutta High Court
- Allahabad High Court
- Bombay High Court
Correct Option: 2. Calcutta High Court.
Explanation: Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras High Courts were established in 1862. Among these, Calcutta is usually listed first historically and by judicial precedence.
Q4. In which case did the Supreme Court declare writ jurisdiction as part of the basic structure of the Constitution?
- Chandra Kumar Case
- Kesavananda Bharati Case
- Maneka Gandhi Case
- Golaknath Case
Correct Option: 1. Chandra Kumar Case.
Explanation: In Chandra Kumar v. Union of India (1997), the Supreme Court ruled that writ jurisdiction under Articles 32 and 226 is part of the basic structure and cannot be removed.
Q5. Under which article does the High Court exercise supervisory powers?
- Article 214
- Article 227
- Article 224
- Article 228
Correct Option: 2. Article 227.
Explanation: Article 227 of the Constitution grants supervisory jurisdiction to High Courts over subordinate courts and tribunals (except military).