Judiciary: Structure, Organization and Functioning
Judiciary, legislature and executive are the three branches of the State. In India, we have an independent
judiciary. The other organs of the government cannot interfere with the functioning of the judiciary.
Judiciary
The judiciary is that branch of the government that interprets law, settles disputes and administers justice to
all citizens. The judiciary is considered the watchdog of democracy, and also the guardian of the
Constitution. For democracy to function effectively, it is imperative to have an impartial and independent
judiciary.
Independent Judiciary
What is the meaning of independent judiciary?
It means that the other branches of the government, namely, the executive and the legislature, does
not interfere with the judiciary’s functioning.
The judiciary’s decision is respected and not interfered with by the other organs.
It also means that judges can perform their duties without fear or favour.
Independence of the judiciary also does not mean that the judiciary functions arbitrarily and without any
accountability. It is accountable to the Constitution of the country.
How is the Judiciary’s independence provided for?
The Constitution provides for a number of provisions that ensure that the independence of the judiciary is
maintained and protected. For more on this, you can check the below links.
High Courts Supreme Court of India
Judiciary Structure
India has a single integrated judicial system. The judiciary in India has a pyramidal structure with the
Supreme Court (SC) at the top. High Courts are below the SC, and below them are the district and
subordinate courts. The lower courts function under the direct superintendence of the higher courts.
The diagram below gives the structure and organisation of the judicial system in the country.
, Apart from the above structure, there are also two branches of the legal system, which are:
1. Criminal Law: These deal with the committing of a crime by any citizen/entity. A criminal case
starts when the local police files a crime report. The court finally decides on the matter.
2. Civil Law: These deal with disputes over the violation of the Fundamental Rights of a citizen.
To know more about the apex court in India, i.e., the Supreme Court of India, click here.
The SC has three types of jurisdictions. They are original, appellate and advisory. The jurisdiction of the
Supreme Court are mentioned in Articles 131, 133, 136 and 143 of the Constitution.
Functions of Judiciary
Judiciary, legislature and executive are the three branches of the State. In India, we have an independent
judiciary. The other organs of the government cannot interfere with the functioning of the judiciary.
Judiciary
The judiciary is that branch of the government that interprets law, settles disputes and administers justice to
all citizens. The judiciary is considered the watchdog of democracy, and also the guardian of the
Constitution. For democracy to function effectively, it is imperative to have an impartial and independent
judiciary.
Independent Judiciary
What is the meaning of independent judiciary?
It means that the other branches of the government, namely, the executive and the legislature, does
not interfere with the judiciary’s functioning.
The judiciary’s decision is respected and not interfered with by the other organs.
It also means that judges can perform their duties without fear or favour.
Independence of the judiciary also does not mean that the judiciary functions arbitrarily and without any
accountability. It is accountable to the Constitution of the country.
How is the Judiciary’s independence provided for?
The Constitution provides for a number of provisions that ensure that the independence of the judiciary is
maintained and protected. For more on this, you can check the below links.
High Courts Supreme Court of India
Judiciary Structure
India has a single integrated judicial system. The judiciary in India has a pyramidal structure with the
Supreme Court (SC) at the top. High Courts are below the SC, and below them are the district and
subordinate courts. The lower courts function under the direct superintendence of the higher courts.
The diagram below gives the structure and organisation of the judicial system in the country.
, Apart from the above structure, there are also two branches of the legal system, which are:
1. Criminal Law: These deal with the committing of a crime by any citizen/entity. A criminal case
starts when the local police files a crime report. The court finally decides on the matter.
2. Civil Law: These deal with disputes over the violation of the Fundamental Rights of a citizen.
To know more about the apex court in India, i.e., the Supreme Court of India, click here.
The SC has three types of jurisdictions. They are original, appellate and advisory. The jurisdiction of the
Supreme Court are mentioned in Articles 131, 133, 136 and 143 of the Constitution.
Functions of Judiciary
