Article 216 of Indian Constitution: Constitution of High Courts

Last Updated on Apr 11, 2025
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Article 216 Part VI of Indian Constitution This Article outlines the composition and framework of High Courts in India, which consist of a Chief Justice and other judges as well. Under this, additional judges are also appointed to help the judges maintain proper functioning as well as ease the workload and pending work on judges. It maintains the efficiency of judges in delivering justice and ensuring public faith during their service. Overall, this Article empowers judiciary independence through the proper staffing of judges to work properly. By this, the work of courts will be disposed of on a timely basis, and the pendency of cases will be reduced. Explore in-depth analysis of other Constitutional Articles.

Overview

Name of the Article

Article 216 of Indian Constitution:

Constitution of High Courts

Part of the Constitutional Article

Part VI

Article 216 of Indian Constitution

Constitution of High Courts

Every High Court shall consist of a Chief Justice and such other Judges as the President may from time to time deem it necessary to appoint.

Note: “The information is referred from the official website of the Indian Code and it is for reference only. Original laws and orders remain untouched.

 Article 216 of Indian Constitution Simplified Interpretation

Article 216 of Indian Constitution allows High Courts to have a Chief Justice and additional judges as needed. The number of judges is flexible and decided by the President of India based on the workload of the Court. This ensures that High Courts can function effectively and handle their judicial responsibilities efficiently while serving as the highest judicial authority in the state.

Article 216 of Indian Constitution Significance

Article 216 of Indian Constitution makes sure of staff appointments, which the President of India does. Appointment of staff court prevents the hindrances that may interfere with judges delivering work properly in Court; it ensures the following:

  • Composition of High Courts: The High Court consists of 1 Chief Justice and other Judges, along with Additional Judges' help. The President of India may appoint permanent Judges of the High Court on a requirement basis.
  • Flexibility: The number of additional Judges is not fixed and is determined by the President of India based on necessity.
  • Efficient Justice Delivery: Ensures High Courts can handle their workload effectively and provide timely justice.
  • Independence of Judiciary: Reinforces the autonomy of High Courts as the highest judicial bodies in states.

Article 216 of Indian Constitution Case Laws

Article 216 of Indian Constitution empowers the President of India to fill the seats of Judges of the High Court, whether the judges are permanent or additional. This Article does not mention directly, but in some cases, this Article is relevant in Judiciary proceedings as follows:

  • Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India (1993): This case is also named the case of the Second Judge, which states that the appointment of High Court and Supreme Court judges ensures the independence of the judiciary.
  • State of Uttar Pradesh v. Batuk Deo Pati Tripathi (1978): The case explored the interpretation of Article 216 about the control of subordinate courts by High Courts.
  • Jamal Uddin Ahmad v. Abu Saleh Najmuddin (2003): The case dealing with the appointment procedure of High Court Judges refers to Article 216 of Indian Constitution. 

Conclusion

Article 216 of Indian Constitution phrased the importance of affecting the functioning of the judiciary at the state level, which ensures the working efficiency of the High Court. This Article makes sure the appointment is on a timely basis when required to fill the vacant seat or to help the judiciary manage the workload and pendency of cases. The President of India will make the appointment in consultation with the Chief Justice of India. Apart from him, no one can appoint judges in either the Supreme Court or the High Court. The whole Article's concept here is just to maintain faith in the judiciary while delivering justice on time and protecting the rights of citizens.

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Article 216 of Indian Constitution FAQs

Article 216 outlines the composition of High Courts, requiring a Chief Justice and additional judges as deemed necessary by the President of India.

This Article ensures the judicial bodies' efficiency by allowing the appointment of High Court judges to be made from time to time.

The President of India determines the number of judges based on the High Court's requirements.

By the appointment of additional judges and permanent judges of High Court, Article 216 helps to manage backlogs and meet growing demands.

No, the number of judges in each High Court varies depending on the specific needs and workload of the Court.

By timely appointment of the staff of highest judicial bodies to ensure autonomy and properly functioning Courts.

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