{"id":33610,"date":"2026-10-04T08:01:32","date_gmt":"2026-10-04T08:01:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=33610"},"modified":"2026-10-04T08:05:07","modified_gmt":"2026-10-04T08:05:07","slug":"the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/","title":{"rendered":"The Court System in India: Types, Hierarchy &amp; Jurisdiction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"h-types-of-courts-and-judicial-forums-in-india\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Courts_and_Judicial_Forums_in_India\"><\/span>Types of Courts and Judicial Forums in India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">India has a well-structured judicial system that deals with civil disputes, criminal cases, family matters, commercial disputes, consumer complaints, and many other legal issues. It comprises constitutional courts, regular courts, specialised courts, tribunals, and alternative dispute-resolution forums, each exercising jurisdiction according to the Constitution and applicable laws.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Types_of_Courts_and_Judicial_Forums_in_India\" >Types of Courts and Judicial Forums in India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Supreme_Court_of_India\" >Supreme Court of India<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Main_Jurisdictions_of_the_Supreme_Court\" >Main Jurisdictions of the Supreme Court<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#High_Courts\" >High Courts<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Main_Functions_of_High_Courts\" >Main Functions of High Courts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#District_and_Sessions_Courts\" >District and Sessions Courts<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#District_Judge\" >District Judge<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Sessions_Judge\" >Sessions Judge<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Civil_Courts\" >Civil Courts<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Common_Matters\" >Common Matters<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Criminal_Courts\" >Criminal Courts<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Main_Levels\" >Main Levels<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Magistrate_Courts\" >Magistrate Courts<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Judicial_Magistrates\" >Judicial Magistrates<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Executive_Magistrates\" >Executive Magistrates<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Family_Courts\" >Family Courts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Commercial_Courts\" >Commercial Courts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Consumer_Commissions\" >Consumer Commissions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Juvenile_Justice_Boards_JJBs\" >Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Childrens_Courts\" >Children\u2019s Courts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Special_Courts\" >Special Courts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Fast_Track_Courts\" >Fast Track Courts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Gram_Nyayalayas\" >Gram Nyayalayas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Revenue_Courts\" >Revenue Courts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Motor_Accident_Claims_Tribunals_MACTs\" >Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACTs)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Central_Administrative_Tribunal_CAT_and_State_Administrative_Tribunal_SAT\" >Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) and State Administrative Tribunal (SAT)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#National_Green_Tribunal_NGT\" >National Green Tribunal (NGT)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Armed_Forces_Tribunal_AFT\" >Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Debt_Recovery_Tribunals_DRTs\" >Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Income_Tax_Appellate_Tribunal_ITAT\" >Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#National_Company_Law_Tribunal_NCLT_National_Company_Law_Appellate_Tribunal_NCLAT\" >National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) &amp; National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Competition_Matters\" >Competition Matters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Appellate_Courts\" >Appellate Courts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Constitutional_Courts_vs_Subordinate_Courts\" >Constitutional Courts vs Subordinate Courts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Courts_vs_Tribunals\" >Courts vs Tribunals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#27_Lok_Adalats_Permanent_Lok_Adalats\" >27. Lok Adalats &amp; Permanent Lok Adalats<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Lok_Adalats\" >Lok Adalats<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Permanent_Lok_Adalats\" >Permanent Lok Adalats<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Village_Local_Mechanisms\" >Village &amp; Local Mechanisms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Overall_Structure\" >Overall Structure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The different types of courts and judicial forums in India are outlined below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-supreme-court-of-india\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Supreme_Court_of_India\"><\/span>Supreme Court of India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court of India is the highest court in the country. It is established under Article 124 of the Constitution and is located in New Delhi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-main-jurisdictions-of-the-supreme-court\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Main_Jurisdictions_of_the_Supreme_Court\"><\/span>Main Jurisdictions of the Supreme Court<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Original jurisdiction:<\/strong> It directly hears certain disputes between the Union and one or more states, or between two or more states, subject to the constitutional requirements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Appellate jurisdiction:<\/strong> It hears appeals from High Courts and certain tribunals and other authorities, as provided by law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Advisory jurisdiction:<\/strong> Under Article 143, the President may refer important questions of law or fact to the Supreme Court for its opinion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Writ jurisdiction:<\/strong> Under Article 32, it can issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Example:<\/strong> A person whose fundamental right has been violated may approach the Supreme Court under Article 32, subject to the requirements of law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-high-courts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"High_Courts\"><\/span>High Courts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">High Courts are the highest courts at the state or union territory level. A single High Court may have jurisdiction over more than one state or union territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-main-functions-of-high-courts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Main_Functions_of_High_Courts\"><\/span>Main Functions of High Courts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Exercising original jurisdiction in matters assigned to them by law;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hearing appeals from subordinate courts and other authorities, as provided by law;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Issuing writs under Article 226 for the enforcement of fundamental rights and, in appropriate cases, for other legal rights; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exercising supervisory jurisdiction over courts and tribunals within their jurisdiction under Article 227.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Example:<\/strong> A person aggrieved by a judgement of a District Court may, where the law provides, appeal to the concerned High Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-district-and-sessions-courts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"District_and_Sessions_Courts\"><\/span>District and Sessions Courts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">District and Sessions Courts are the principal courts at the district level. The same judicial officer may function as a district judge in civil matters and as a sessions judge in criminal matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-district-judge\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"District_Judge\"><\/span>District Judge<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deals with important civil cases and hears appeals from subordinate civil courts, as provided by law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-sessions-judge\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sessions_Judge\"><\/span>Sessions Judge<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tries serious criminal cases that are triable by a Court of Session and exercises the powers conferred by criminal law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Example:<\/strong> A charge of murder is ordinarily tried by a Court of Session, subject to the applicable law and procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-civil-courts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Civil_Courts\"><\/span>Civil Courts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Civil Courts deal with disputes concerning civil rights, property, contracts, money, and other private legal rights and obligations, rather than criminal offences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-common-matters\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Matters\"><\/span>Common Matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Property and ownership disputes;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recovery of money;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breach of contract;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Injunctions;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compensation claims; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Possession and other civil rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The structure, powers, and names of civil courts vary from state to State under the applicable laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Example:<\/strong> If someone illegally occupies your land, you may file a civil suit seeking possession and other appropriate reliefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-criminal-courts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Criminal_Courts\"><\/span>Criminal Courts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Criminal Courts deal with offences against the law. They determine whether an accused person is guilty or not guilty and, where guilt is established, impose the punishment permitted by law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-main-levels\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Main_Levels\"><\/span>Main Levels<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sessions Courts;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chief Judicial Magistrates; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Judicial Magistrates of the First and Second Class, where applicable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Criminal procedure is principally governed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), along with other applicable laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Example:<\/strong> Many theft cases are tried by a Magistrate\u2019s Court, while offences of greater seriousness that are triable by a Court of Session are dealt with by the Sessions Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-magistrate-courts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Magistrate_Courts\"><\/span>Magistrate Courts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Magistrate courts deal mainly with criminal cases, subject to the powers and jurisdiction given to them by law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-judicial-magistrates\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Judicial_Magistrates\"><\/span>Judicial Magistrates<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These include the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Judicial Magistrates of the First Class, and Judicial Magistrates of the Second Class. They conduct criminal proceedings and trials within the limits of their statutory powers. Although judicial magistrates of the second class exist under the BNSS, many states (including West Bengal) mostly appoint magistrates with first-class powers in practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-executive-magistrates\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Executive_Magistrates\"><\/span>Executive Magistrates<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They primarily deal with public order, preventive measures, and certain administrative matters under criminal procedure law. They generally do not conduct regular criminal trials like judicial magistrates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-family-courts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Family_Courts\"><\/span>Family Courts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Family courts are established under the Family Courts Act, 1984, to deal with disputes relating to marriage and family matters, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Divorce and judicial separation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintenance;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Child custody and guardianship; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certain property disputes between spouses or family members, as provided by law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An important objective of family courts is to promote conciliation and settlement and, where possible, help parties resolve their disputes amicably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-commercial-courts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Commercial_Courts\"><\/span>Commercial Courts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Commercial courts are established under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, to deal with specified commercial disputes, including matters relating to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Commercial contracts;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business and partnership disputes;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intellectual property;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Banking and financial transactions; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other disputes covered by the Act.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In jurisdictions where the relevant High Court has such a structure, Commercial Divisions of High Courts also hear specified commercial matters and appeals in accordance with the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-consumer-commissions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consumer_Commissions\"><\/span>Consumer Commissions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consumer Commissions are established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, to provide a simple and speedy mechanism for resolving consumer disputes. They function at three levels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (District Commission)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (State Commission)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC \u2013 National Commission)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They hear complaints relating to defective goods, deficient services, unfair trade practices, and other matters covered by consumer law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-juvenile-justice-boards-jjbs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Juvenile_Justice_Boards_JJBs\"><\/span>Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) are constituted under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, to deal with cases involving children in conflict with the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their approach focuses on the child\u2019s welfare, rehabilitation, development, and social reintegration, rather than treating the child in the same manner as an adult offender. The Board follows the procedures and powers prescribed by the Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-children-s-courts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Childrens_Courts\"><\/span>Children\u2019s Courts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Children\u2019s Courts are designated under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, for the speedy trial of offences against children and violations of children\u2019s rights, as provided by law. They are different from Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs), which deal with children in conflict with law under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-special-courts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Special_Courts\"><\/span>Special Courts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Special Courts are established or designated under specific laws to deal with particular types of offences or cases. Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>POCSO cases<\/strong> \u2013 offences against children under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SC\/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act cases<\/strong> \u2013 offences covered by the Act;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Corruption cases<\/strong> \u2013 offences under anti-corruption laws;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>NDPS cases<\/strong> \u2013 offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Other specified cases<\/strong> for which a special court is provided by law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The jurisdiction, powers, and procedure of a special court depend on the particular statute under which it is established or designated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-fast-track-courts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fast_Track_Courts\"><\/span>Fast Track Courts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fast Track Courts are established or designated to ensure the speedier disposal of specified categories of cases and to reduce delays in the judicial process. They may deal with matters such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Serious criminal offences;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sexual offences;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cases involving women and children; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cases involving other vulnerable groups, as specified under the relevant scheme or law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their structure, jurisdiction, and categories of cases depend on the applicable law or government scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-gram-nyayalayas\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gram_Nyayalayas\"><\/span>Gram Nyayalayas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gram Nyayalayas are village-level courts established under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008, with the aim of providing accessible, affordable, and speedy justice at the grassroots level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They can deal with certain civil and criminal matters within their jurisdiction, as provided by law. However, Gram Nyayalayas have not been established uniformly across all states, and their functioning varies from state to state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-revenue-courts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Revenue_Courts\"><\/span>Revenue Courts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Revenue courts or revenue authorities exercising adjudicatory functions deal with matters relating to land and revenue administration, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Land records and mutation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tenancy and land-related rights;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Land revenue; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certain boundary and other land-related disputes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their structure, powers, and jurisdiction vary from state to state under the applicable state laws. They generally do not form part of the regular civil court hierarchy, although their decisions may be subject to remedies before courts or other authorities as provided by law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-motor-accident-claims-tribunals-macts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Motor_Accident_Claims_Tribunals_MACTs\"><\/span>Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACTs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Decide compensation claims for road accident injuries or deaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-central-administrative-tribunal-cat-and-state-administrative-tribunal-sat\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Central_Administrative_Tribunal_CAT_and_State_Administrative_Tribunal_SAT\"><\/span>Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) and State Administrative Tribunal (SAT)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985. Handles service matters of Central Government employees (and some other organisations). Some States have a Statestates Administrative Tribunal (SAT) to deal with matters of state government employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-national-green-tribunal-ngt\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"National_Green_Tribunal_NGT\"><\/span>National Green Tribunal (NGT)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. Deals with environmental cases and can give relief or compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-armed-forces-tribunal-aft\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Armed_Forces_Tribunal_AFT\"><\/span>Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007. Handles service disputes and court-martial appeals for armed forces personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-debt-recovery-tribunals-drts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Debt_Recovery_Tribunals_DRTs\"><\/span>Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993. Help banks and financial institutions recover debts. Appeals go to Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-income-tax-appellate-tribunal-itat\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Income_Tax_Appellate_Tribunal_ITAT\"><\/span>Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Specialised body that hears appeals against income-tax orders. Has benches across India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-national-company-law-tribunal-nclt-amp-national-company-law-appellate-tribunal-nclat\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"National_Company_Law_Tribunal_NCLT_National_Company_Law_Appellate_Tribunal_NCLAT\"><\/span>National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) &amp; National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NCLT (under Companies Act, 2013) deals with company matters, oppression\/mismanagement, and insolvency cases under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NCLAT hears appeals from NCLT (and some Competition Commission orders). Further appeals on law points can go to the Supreme Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-competition-matters\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Competition_Matters\"><\/span>Competition Matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Handled under the Competition Act, 2002. NCLAT currently hears appeals against orders of the Competition Commission of India (CCI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-appellate-courts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Appellate_Courts\"><\/span>Appellate Courts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Courts that hear appeals against lower court or tribunal decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Usual path:<\/strong> Trial Court \u2192 High Court \u2192 Supreme Court (but exact route depends on the law).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Appeal is different from review or revision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-constitutional-courts-vs-subordinate-courts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Constitutional_Courts_vs_Subordinate_Courts\"><\/span>Constitutional Courts vs Subordinate Courts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Category<\/th><th>Courts<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Constitutional Courts<\/strong><\/td><td>Supreme Court and High Courts (have judicial review and constitutional powers).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Subordinate Courts<\/strong><\/td><td>All courts below High Courts (District\/Sessions, civil, criminal, magistrates, family courts, etc.).<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-courts-vs-tribunals\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Courts_vs_Tribunals\"><\/span>Courts vs Tribunals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Courts<\/th><th>Tribunals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Form part of the regular judicial system.<\/td><td>Usually created or designated under specific laws.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Generally, exercise broader judicial jurisdiction, depending on their level and the law.<\/td><td>Usually have specialised jurisdiction over particular subjects.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>The Supreme Court and High Courts exercise important constitutional powers.<\/td><td>Their powers are generally derived from and limited by the statute under which they are established.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Generally, follow the established procedures applicable to courts, subject to the relevant law.<\/td><td>May follow specialised or comparatively flexible procedures, subject to their governing statute and rules.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Can deal with a wide range of civil, criminal, and constitutional matters, depending on the court.<\/td><td>Generally, deal with specific categories of disputes or subject matters.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Examples: Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts and Magistrate Courts.<\/td><td>Examples: NCLT, NGT, CAT, DRT and AFT.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-27-lok-adalats-amp-permanent-lok-adalats\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"27_Lok_Adalats_Permanent_Lok_Adalats\"><\/span>27. Lok Adalats &amp; Permanent Lok Adalats<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are alternative dispute-resolution forums established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, to provide speedy and inexpensive settlement of disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-lok-adalats\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lok_Adalats\"><\/span>Lok Adalats<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They settle pending court cases and pre-litigation disputes through compromise or settlement. Their award is final and binding on the parties and has the status of a decree of a civil court. No appeal lies against such an award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-permanent-lok-adalats\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Permanent_Lok_Adalats\"><\/span>Permanent Lok Adalats<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They deal with disputes relating to specified public utility services, such as transport, postal or telecommunication services, supply of power or water, sanitation, and insurance. They first attempt conciliation; if settlement fails, they may, subject to the statutory conditions, decide the dispute on merits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-village-amp-local-mechanisms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Village_Local_Mechanisms\"><\/span>Village &amp; Local Mechanisms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gram Nyayalayas are the main formal village courts. Other traditional local bodies may exist but are not part of the regular court system unless recognised by law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-overall-structure\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Overall_Structure\"><\/span>Overall Structure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Supreme Court of India<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>High Courts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>District &amp; Sessions Courts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Subordinate Civil &amp; Criminal Courts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Parallel specialised forums include Family Courts, Commercial Courts, Consumer Commissions, Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs), Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACTs), Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), State Administrative Tribunal (SAT), National Green Tribunal (NGT), Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT), Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs), National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Gram Nyayalayas, and Lok Adalats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">India has a multi-level judicial system, with the Supreme Court and High Courts as constitutional courts, followed by the regular civil and criminal courts at the subordinate level. Alongside these, there are numerous specialised courts, tribunals, and alternative dispute-resolution forums dealing with specific subjects. The jurisdiction and powers of each court or forum depend on the Constitution and the applicable law, and not merely on its name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-156-3-vs-section-202-crpc-ramdev-food-products-vs-state-of-gujarat\/\">Ramdev Food Products Vs. State of Gujarat: When Must a Magistrate Order Police Investigation Under Section 156(3) Instead of Section 202 CrPC?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bharatiya-nagrik-suraksha-sanhita-bnss-2023-complete-guide\/\">Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023: Complete Guide to Criminal Procedure, Arrest, Investigation, Trial &amp; Courts in India<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/fir-closure-mechanisms-legal-grounds-and-procedures\/\">FIR Closure Mechanisms: Legal Grounds and Procedures<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/differences-between-investigation-and-inquiry\/\">Differences Between Investigation and Inquiry<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/registration-of-fir-on-the-order-of-the-magistrate-or-judge-a-bnss-perspective\/\">Registration of FIR on the Order of the Magistrate or Judge: A BNSS Perspective<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Types of Courts and Judicial Forums in India India has a well-structured judicial system that deals with civil disputes, criminal cases, family matters, commercial disputes, consumer complaints, and many other legal issues. It comprises constitutional courts, regular courts, specialised courts, tribunals, and alternative dispute-resolution forums, each exercising jurisdiction according to the Constitution and applicable laws.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":33669,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[5602],"tags":[5483,28],"class_list":["post-33610","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-judiciary","tag-judiciary","tag-top-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.4 (Yoast SEO v28.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Court System in India: Types, Hierarchy &amp; Jurisdiction - Legal Service India - Articles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about the types of courts in India, their jurisdiction, functions, hierarchy, tribunals, special courts and Lok Adalats.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Court System in India: Types, Hierarchy &amp; Jurisdiction\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn about the types of courts in India, their jurisdiction, functions, hierarchy, tribunals, special courts and Lok Adalats.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-court-system-in-india-types-hierarchy-jurisdiction\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Legal Service India - Articles\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-10-04T08:01:32+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-04T08:05:07+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/types-of-courts-in-india.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1536\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Md. 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He was posted in the districts of Dakshin Dinajpur and Nadia as Additional SP. At the sub-divisional level, he has worked as SDPOs of Gangarampur, Raghunathpur and Kalna sub-divisions of West Bengal. His tenure as Special IG and subsequently as IGP of Correctional Services, West Bengal, for over 4 years, saw him deeply engaged in improving the prison and correctional system. He visited numerous correctional homes across West Bengal, interacting with inmates, both male and female, including children residing with their incarcerated mothers. His outreach extended to correctional homes in Assam, Bihar, and Tripura. This hands-on approach provided him with invaluable insights into the workings of prisons and the complexities of the prisoner psyche. Beyond his operational roles, Md. Imran Wahab possesses a strong academic background, holding B.Sc., M.A., L.L.B., and M.B.A. degrees. He has also completed Post Graduate Diplomas in Human Rights, Project Management, Corporate Management, Computer Application, Public Administration, Medical Law, Disaster Management, Fire Safety &amp; Hazards Management and Psychology. He has attended Indian government sponsored specialized training in police and management matters in SVPNPA, Hyderabad, IIM, Ahmedabad and Singapore. He is the author of the books 'Police Investigation &amp; Allied Matters' and 'Alternative Dispute Resolution: Evolving Trends and Innovations' demonstrating his commitment to knowledge sharing within the law enforcement field. As an observer for the Election Commission of India, he has gained firsthand experience in conducting assembly elections and bye-elections in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Bihar, and Tripura (twice). This exposure has given him a deep understanding of election management and the Election Commission's operations. He has also served as Chairman and as a member of various recruitment boards for the selection of police personnel in Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police. Md. Imran Wahab's interests extend beyond law enforcement to include law, politics, international affairs, prison management, and business management. He has authored over 1000 articles on these diverse topics, reflecting his intellectual curiosity and desire to contribute to public discourse. He is also a research scholar in law and has contributed articles to the Indian Police Journal, National Crime Record Bureau Journal, SVP National Police Academy Journal, and International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research etc. Currently, he serves as IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal.","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/author\/md-imranwahab\/"}]}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/types-of-courts-in-india.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33610","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33610"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33610\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33672,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33610\/revisions\/33672"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33669"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33610"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33610"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33610"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}