Question

The Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court is appointed by

• A. Chief Justice of India
• B. Chief Minister of Kerala
• C. President of India
• D. Governor of Kerala

Hint:

A common exam trap is choosing the "Governor" for High Court judge appointments because they belong to the state.
Always remember: All High Court and Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President of India.
The Governor only administers their oath of office.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question is based on Constitutional Law, focusing on the provisions governing the High Courts of States in India.
We need to identify the authority responsible for appointing the Chief Justice of a State High Court.

Step 2: Key Concept or Approach:
Under Article 217 of the Constitution of India, all judges of the High Courts, including the Chief Justice of a High Court, are appointed by the head of the national executive.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• According to

Article 217(1) of the Constitution:
- Every Judge of a High Court shall be appointed by the President of India by warrant under his hand and seal.

• The President makes this appointment after consultation with:
1. The Chief Justice of India (CJI).
2. The Governor of the respective State.
- In the case of appointment of a Judge other than the Chief Justice, the Chief Justice of the High Court is also consulted.

• Under the modern Collegium system, the proposal is initiated by a collegium of Supreme Court judges and forwarded to the government for appointment by the President.

• Let us evaluate the options:
-

Option (A): "Chief Justice of India" - Incorrect. The CJI is consulted, but does not make the appointment.
-

Option (B): "Chief Minister of Kerala" - Incorrect. The State executive has no direct role in judicial appointments.
-

Option (C): "President of India" - Correct.
-

Option (D): "Governor of Kerala" - Incorrect. The Governor administers the oath of office to the appointed Chief Justice, but does not appoint them.


Step 4: Final Answer:
The Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court is appointed by the President of India, which corresponds to Option (C).