Previous Year Question
When were High Courts established in Bombay, Madras and Calcutta?
1861
1851
1871
1881
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
The British Parliament passed the Indian High Courts Act, 1861. This Act empowered the British Crown to establish High Courts at Calcutta, Bombay and Madras.
However, these three High Courts were actually established/became operational in 1862, not in 1861.
The Calcutta High Court was established through Letters Patent and formally commenced functioning on 1 July 1862. It is the oldest High Court in India.
Similarly, the Bombay and Madras High Courts were also established in 1862.
Therefore, the correct historical distinction is—
Indian High Courts Act → 1861
Actual establishment of the Calcutta, Bombay and Madras High Courts → 1862
The Indian High Courts Act, 1861 aimed to replace the dual judicial arrangement of Supreme Courts and Sadar Adalats in the Presidency Towns with an integrated High Court system.
Act passed — 1861
High Courts established — 1862