UPSC Prelims 2003 Q10: Indian Polity – Judiciary
Which one of the following High Courts has the territorial jurisdiction over Andaman and
Nicobar Islands?
- (a) Andhra Pradesh
- (b) Calcutta
- (c) Madras
- (d) Orissa
Answer: (b) Calcutta
Explanation
High Court for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
| High Court | Jurisdiction over A and N Islands? |
|---|---|
| Calcutta | Yes — a circuit bench sits at Port Blair |
| Madras | No |
| Andhra Pradesh | No |
| Orissa | No |
The Calcutta High Court has territorial jurisdiction over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Answer: (b) Calcutta.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Andhra Pradesh High Court has no such jurisdiction.
- (b) CORRECT. The Calcutta High Court covers the islands.
- (c) Incorrect. The Madras High Court covers Puducherry's Karaikal etc.
- (d) Incorrect. The Orissa High Court does not cover the islands.
Key point
UT jurisdictions: Delhi (own), Chandigarh (Punjab and Haryana), Lakshadweep (Kerala), A and N (Calcutta).
Remember
The Calcutta High Court has jurisdiction over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Madras because of proximity.
- Forgetting that Lakshadweep goes to Kerala.
- Mixing a circuit bench with a High Court.
Exam tip
Port Blair has a circuit bench of the Calcutta High Court.
Sources
- Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India — Department of Justice: High Courts of India and their territorial jurisdiction
- Calcutta High Court — History and territorial jurisdiction (West Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands)