Question

Two statements are given. Choose the correct option based on the statements
Statements :
1. The Kerala High Court stands at the head of the judicial administration of the State of Kerala and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep
2. At present, the sanctioned judge strength of the High Court of Kerala is 35 permanent judges including the Chief Justice and 12 Additional Judges

• A. Only (1) is true
• B. Only (2) is true
• C. Both (1) and (2) are false
• D. Both (1) and (2) are true

Hint:

Certain High Courts in India possess jurisdiction over Union Territories alongside their parent states. For instance: - Kerala HC $\rightarrow$ Kerala & Lakshadweep - Bombay HC $\rightarrow$ Maharashtra, Goa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu - Calcutta HC $\rightarrow$ West Bengal & Andaman and Nicobar Islands - Madras HC $\rightarrow$ Tamil Nadu & Puducherry.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Under the Constitution of India, Article 214 dictates that there shall be a High Court for each State. However, Article 231 grants Parliament the legislative authority to establish a common High Court for two or more States, or for two or more States and a Union Territory. The jurisdiction, administrative control, and total judicial strength (the sanctioned number of permanent and additional judges) are formal parameters specified and modified by statutory notifications from the President of India and the Ministry of Law and Justice. Step-by-Step Analysis:
Let us meticulously examine both statements:
• Statement 1 states: "The Kerala High Court stands at the head of the judicial administration of the State of Kerala and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep". This is historically and legally accurate. The High Court of Kerala, located in Ernakulam (Kochi), possesses territorial jurisdiction extending over both the entire state of Kerala and the neighboring island Union Territory of Lakshadweep. Thus, Statement 1 is True.
• Statement 2 states: "At present, the sanctioned judge strength of the High Court of Kerala is 35 permanent judges including the Chief Justice and 12 Additional Judges". According to official records and standard constitutional statistics governing the judiciary, the total sanctioned strength of the High Court of Kerala is fixed precisely at 47 judges, structurally divided into 35 permanent judges (including the Chief Justice) and 12 additional judges. Thus, Statement 2 is True. Because both statements are perfectly factual and fully accurate, Option (D) is the correct answer.