Question

Explain the composition of a High Court. State the qualifications required to become a Judge in the High Court.

Answer 1

The Constitution provides for a High Court for each State. Parliament may, however, establish a common High Court for two or more States/Union Territories. This depends on the area and the population to which a High Court has to serve and the amount of work it has to handle.
Composition: Each High Court consists of a Chief Justice and such other Judges as the President of India may appoint from time to time.
Besides, the President has the power to appoint:
(i) Additional Judges for a temporary period not exceeding two years, for the clearance of arrears of work in a High Court;
(ii) an acting Judge when a permanent Judge (other than the Chief Justice) is temporarily absent or unable to perform his duties or is appointed to act temporarily as Chief Justice. The acting Judge holds office until the permanent Judge resumes his office.
Qualifications: According to the Constitution, a person shall be qualified for appointment as a Judge of a High Court under the following conditions:
(i) He should be a citizen of India.
(ii) He should not be over 62 years.
(iii) He has held a judicial office in the territory of India for at least ten years.
Or
He has been an advocate of a High Court for at least ten years.