The Highest Court of India consists of the Chief Justice of India and not more than 25 other judges. The manner of appointment of Judges of the Supreme Court is discussed below
Appointment of Judges of the Supreme Court: The Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal after consultation with such Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts as he deems necessary.
Appointment of Ad Hoc Judges: Judges of High Courts may be appointed as ad hoc judges of the Supreme Court by the Chief Justice of India as and when necessary. Ad hoc judges are appointed after consultation with the President and with the consent of the Chief Justice of the High Court.
Term of Office
- The judge of a Supreme Court holds office until he attains the age of 65 years. He may resign from his office by submitting a letter of resignation to the President.
- A judge of the Highest Court can be removed only by the process of impeachment on the grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
- A judge of the Highest Court can be impeached only if such an order is passed by two-thirds majority of the total membership of both Houses of the Parliament.
Salaries of Judges: The judges of the Supreme Court get their salaries from the Consolidated Fund of India and their salaries and allowances cannot be voted upon by the Parliament. The salaries of the judges cannot be reduced to their disadvantage during their tenure. Their salaries can be reduced only during the period of financial emergency.
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The Supreme Court
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The High Courts and Subordinate Courts
The Constitution of India has provided for a High Court for each state. However, there may be one High Court for two states or union territories. This depends on the area and the population of the state or union territory. There are 21 High Courts in India. Delhi is the only union territory that has a High Court of its own. Read more