The High Court of Kerala is the highest judicial authority in the state of Kerala, India. It is located in the city of Kochi, which is also known as the commercial capital of Kerala. The High Court of Kerala was established on November 1, 1956, following the reorganization of states on a linguistic basis.
Key Facts about the High Court of Kerala:
- Jurisdiction: The High Court of Kerala has jurisdiction over the entire state of Kerala and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
- Composition: The High Court is headed by the Chief Justice of Kerala. The number of judges can vary based on the workload and the discretion of the President of India. The court also has several benches located in different parts of the state.
- Appeals and Writs: The High Court of Kerala hears appeals, writ petitions, and other cases on various legal matters. It acts as the appellate court for cases that are appealed from lower courts in the state.
- Original and Appellate Jurisdiction: The High Court has both original jurisdiction, where it can hear cases directly, and appellate jurisdiction, where it can review the decisions of lower courts.
- Languages: The court proceedings are conducted primarily in English, though some proceedings may be conducted in the Malayalam language, which is the official language of Kerala.
- History: Prior to the formation of the High Court of Kerala, the region was under the jurisdiction of the High Court of Madras. After the linguistic reorganization of states in India, the state of Kerala was formed, and the High Court of Kerala was established.
The High Court of Kerala plays a crucial role in the administration of justice in the state and ensures that the principles of law are upheld. It addresses a wide range of legal matters and has contributed significantly to the development of jurisprudence in the region.
