Which is the Oldest High Court in India?

Have you ever wondered how justice has been delivered in India for over 160 years? India has 25 High Courts today, but one of them holds a very special place in history. Let's find out which is the oldest High Court in India and what makes it so important.

Which is the Oldest High Court in India?

The Calcutta High Court is the oldest High Court in India. It is located in Kolkata, West Bengal, and has jurisdiction over the state of West Bengal and the Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was established as the High Court of Judicature at Fort William on July 1, 1862, under the High Courts Act of 1861, and it succeeded the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William.

The Calcutta High Court website mentions: “The Calcutta High Court is the oldest High Court in India. It has jurisdiction over the State of West Bengal and the Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The High Court building's design is based on the Cloth Hall, Ypres, in Belgium. The court has a sanctioned judge strength of 72.”

When Was the Calcutta High Court Established?

The Calcutta High Court is one of India's three High Courts established in the Presidency Towns through Letters Patent issued by Queen Victoria on 26th June 1862. This makes it not just the oldest in India, but also one of the most historically significant courts in all of Asia. 

The Calcutta High Court website mentions: “The Calcutta high Court is one of the three High Courts in India established at the Presidency Towns by Letters patent granted by Her Majesty Queen Victoria, bearing date June 26, 1862, and is the oldest High Court in India. It was established as the High Court of Judicature at Fort William on July 1, 1862 under the High Courts Act, 1861, which was preceded by the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William.”

Who Was the First Chief Justice?

Sir Barnes Peacock was the first Chief Justice of the High Court, assuming charge when the court was founded on 1 July 1862. Romesh Chandra Mitter was the first Indian officiating Chief Justice, while Phani Bhushan Chakravartti was the first Indian to hold the position permanently.

What is Its Jurisdiction?

The court's jurisdiction covers not only West Bengal but also the Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In 1950, its jurisdiction was expanded to include Chandernagore (now Chandannagar). The court has a Circuit Bench in Port Blair and another in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, which serves five districts in the North Bengal region and was officially opened in 2019. 

Why Is the Name Still "Calcutta" High Court?

Many people wonder why it is still called the Calcutta High Court when the city's name changed to Kolkata in 2001. In 2016, there was a proposal to rename it the Kolkata High Court, but Parliament has not yet approved this change. So officially, the old name continues.

The Calcutta High Court is more than just a court, it is a living piece of India's legal history. From the days of British rule to modern India, it has stood firm as a guardian of justice. The next time you think about India's judiciary, remember that it all began in the heart of Kolkata, way back in 1862.

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