High Court Of Delhi

Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court is one of the most prominent courts in India, known for its Delhi High Court orders judgements and the Delhi High Court orders that impact the nation. Established on 31 October 1966, the Delhi High Court was established under the Indian High Courts Act, 1966, after the enactment of the Constitution of India.

The Delhi High Court came into existence as a result of the reorganisation of the Punjab High Court, which was originally established in 1919. The Punjab High Court had jurisdiction over Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana. However, after the reorganisation, Delhi became a separate Union Territory, and the Delhi High Court was established to serve the needs of the new territory.

Initially, the Delhi High Court had only four judges, including the Chief Justice. However, over the years, the number of judges has increased to 60. The court is known for its efficient and speedy disposal of cases, thanks to its dedicated judges and staff.

Location of Delhi High Court

The HC Delhi is located in the heart of the national capital, in Sher Shah Suri Road, near India Gate. The location of the court makes it accessible to lawyers, litigants, and visitors from all parts of the city.

The Delhi High Court building is an architectural marvel, with its imposing facade and grand interiors. The building is designed to provide a comfortable and conducive environment for judges, lawyers, and litigants. The court complex has several courtrooms, chambers, and administrative offices, all equipped with modern amenities.

The Delhi High Court has jurisdiction over Delhi and its union territories, making it a crucial judicial body for the national capital region. The court handles a vast array of cases, including civil, criminal, and constitutional matters. The Delhi High Court also has appellate jurisdiction over the lower courts in the city.

The HC Delhi has been instrumental in passing several landmark judgements and Delhi High Court orders that have shaped the legal landscape of the country. These Delhi High Court orders have covered a wide range of issues, including civil rights, human rights, property rights, and commercial disputes.

Important Delhi Court Judgments

Here are the three important Delhi Court judgements,

Naz Foundation v. Government of NCT of Delhi (2009)

In this landmark judgment, the Delhi High Court decriminalised homosexuality, striking down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalised consensual same-sex relations.

Delhi Domestic Working Women's Forum v. Union of India (1995)

This case is notable for establishing guidelines for the protection of women against sexual harassment in the workplace, commonly known as the Vishaka guidelines.

Ajay Kumar v. Union of India (2013)

In this case, the Delhi High Court directed the government to implement measures to ensure the safety of women in public transport, in response to the horrific gang-rape and murder of a young woman in Delhi in December 2012. The case led to the formation of a committee to review the safety of women in public transport and resulted in the implementation of several safety measures for women in Delhi's public transport system.

Judges of High Court

Apart from delivering judgments, the Delhi High Court also has a distinguished panel of judges. The Chief Justice of Delhi High Court is the head of the court and is assisted by other judges of the court. The current Chief Justice of Delhi High Court is Satish Chandra Sharma.

Apart from the Chief Justice, the Delhi High Court has many other judges who have made significant contributions to the legal system in India. Justice Prathiba M. Singh, who was appointed as a judge of the Delhi High Court in 2017, has delivered several important judgments. In the case of Sony Pictures Networks India Pvt. Ltd. v. Union of India, she held that copyright owners have the right to seek dynamic injunctions against internet service providers to prevent online piracy of their content.

Another notable judge of the Delhi High Court is Justice S. Muralidhar, who is known for his judgments in cases related to human rights and civil liberties. In the case of Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, he was one of the judges who decriminalised homosexuality in India.

Number of Judges Present

The Delhi High Court is a crucial court in India, with a large number of judges who oversee a significant number of cases. However, as of 2023, there are 45 permanent Judges and 15 Additional Judges serving in the Delhi High Court. The High Court's ability to function with a full complement of judges is essential to reduce the burden of cases that are pending and to ensure that justice is delivered promptly.

Judges Appointment Procedure

The procedure for the appointment of judges in the Delhi High Court is governed by the Constitution of India, and it requires the appointment to be made by the President of India. In practice, the appointment of High Court judges is done through the collegium system, which is composed of the Chief Justice of India and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. The collegium makes recommendations for appointments to the President, who then issues the warrant of appointment.

The appointment of judges to the Delhi High Court is a rigorous process that involves a thorough scrutiny of the candidates' credentials, including their legal expertise and professional background. The selection process also considers factors such as regional representation, gender diversity, and community representation.

In recent years, the appointment of judges to the Delhi High Court has faced criticism due to delays in the process and allegations of political interference. The need for transparency and accountability in the appointment process has been highlighted by various stakeholders, including the legal fraternity and civil society organisations.