Question

Assertion A : The powers within the Supervisory Jurisdiction of the High Courts are both administrative and judicial in nature.
Reason R: Article 227(1) gives the High Courts power of Superintendence over all courts and tribunals within their territorial and constitutional jurisdiction.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A
• C. A is correct but R is not correct
• D. A is not correct but R is correct

Hint:

Remember: Article 226 is for "Writs" (mostly judicial), while Article 227 is for "Superintendence" (both judicial and administrative).
Superintendence is a "Basic Structure" of the Constitution as per the L. Chandra Kumar case.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Supervisory jurisdiction refers to the power of a higher court to keep a watch over the functioning of subordinate courts and tribunals to ensure they act within their legal bounds.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Assertion (A): The power of superintendence is broad. It is not limited to just judicial interference (quashing orders) but also extends to administrative control (making rules for practice, prescribing forms, etc.). Thus, it is both judicial and administrative.
- Reason (R): Article 227(1) explicitly grants every High Court the power of superintendence over all courts and tribunals throughout the territories in relation to which it exercises jurisdiction.
- Relationship: The reason provides the constitutional source (Article 227) which defines the scope of the power. Since Article 227 encompasses both the power to correct legal errors (judicial) and regulate the conduct of business (administrative), R is the direct explanation for why A is true.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Both statements are correct, and the reason provided explains the nature of the assertion.