Explain the structure of the subordinate courts and their constitutional basis in India.

Structure and Constitutional Basis of Subordinate Courts in India:

The subordinate judiciary functions at the district and lower levels under the administrative and judicial superintendence of the State High Court.

• Constitutional Basis (Articles 233–237, Part VI):
  • Article 233: Appointment of District Judges by the Governor in consultation with the High Court.
  • Article 234: Recruitment of judicial officers below district judges via State Public Service Commission and High Court.
  • Article 235: Complete administrative control and posting over subordinate courts vest in the High Court.
• Two-Tier Structural Hierarchy:
  • District Level: District and Sessions Judge Court (Apex court of the district for civil cases as District Judge and serious criminal cases as Sessions Judge with capital punishment powers).
  • Lower Civil Hierarchy: Senior Civil Judge (Civil Judge Class-I) $ ightarrow$ Junior Civil Judge (Civil Judge Class-II) $ ightarrow$ Small Causes Courts.
  • Lower Criminal Hierarchy: Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) $ ightarrow$ Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) $ ightarrow$ Judicial Magistrate Second Class (JMFC-II).