Appeal In High Court & Supreme Court

The courts conduct lakhs of criminal trials in a year and hear more than lakhs of substantive civil cases between individuals or between individuals and the Government. The disputes resolved by the courts touch virtually all aspects of life in New Delhi.

Delhi Courts have a wide variety of functions. They include resolving civil disputes and enforcing the criminal law amongst citizens, upholding the rights of the individual, ensuring that government agencies stay within the law, and explaining the law.

The courts are one of the three branches of government, working alongside but independently of the Legislature (Parliament) and the Executive (Cabinet and Ministers outside Cabinet plus government departments).

Courts are an independent branch of government — under the ‘rule of law’, both Government and citizens are bound by law and accountable under it. Court decisions must themselves be lawful and can be appealed or reviewed by higher courts for error.

Access to courts that are independent and impartial is a key aspect of the rule of law. Each judge is independent and subject only to law. Judges are free to make their own decisions without influence from other branches of government or external pressures.

The law and the facts of the case — not political or social influence — must guide judicial decisions. This ensures impartial, fair, and principled justice.

There are two main sources of law: statutes (laws passed by Parliament) and the common law (judge-made law developed over centuries). Courts interpret statutes and develop the common law, while Parliament may modify it through legislation.

The courts may interpret legislation but cannot declare Parliament’s laws invalid. If Parliament disagrees with a judicial interpretation, it can amend the legislation to clarify its intent.

Courts apply the principle that everyone is equal before the law — the law must be applied ‘without fear or favour’. Impartiality and fairness are the foundation of justice.

Most court proceedings are open to the public to preserve transparency — this is the principle of ‘open justice’. Public access ensures trust in the judicial process.

Independent, fair, and efficient courts are a cornerstone of democracy. They uphold citizens’ rights, resolve disputes through law, hold wrongdoers accountable, and ensure the State always acts lawfully.