Introduction 

• The Uttarakhand High Court was established on 9th November 2000, following the formation of the state of Uttarakhand, which was carved out of Uttar Pradesh. 
• The current strength of Uttarakhand High Court is Nine permanent judges and two additional judges. 
• The acting Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court is Ritu Bahri. 
• Hon'ble Mr. Justice Ashok A. Desai was the founder Chief Justice of the High Court. 

Historical Background 

• The building of Uttarakhand High Court was constructed by Santoni MacDonald in 1900.  
• Uttarakhand was carved out from the state of Uttar Pradesh on 9th November 2000 under the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000. 
• The High Court of Uttarakhand was also established on 9th November 2000. 

Seat of Uttarakhand High Court 

• Since 9^th November 2000 the High Court has been functioning in an old building situated in Mallital, Nainital which was known as the old Secretariat. 
• Initially, five Court rooms were constructed but later on more Court rooms have been added. 
• In 2007, the Chief Justice Court Block and a Block of Lawyers chambers were also built up. 

What is the Strength of Uttarakhand High Court? 

• Initially, the sanctioned strength was seven and it increased to nine in 2003. 
• The current strength of Uttarakhand High Court is Nine permanent judges and two additional judges. 

What is the Jurisdiction of Uttarakhand High Court? 

• Article 226 – Power of High Court to Issue Certain Writs  
  • Article 226 of Constitution of India, 1950 empowers every High Courts to issue certain writs including writs in the nature of, habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibitions, quo warranto and certiorari, or any of them. 
• Article 227 – Power of Superintendence over all courts by the High Court  
  • Every High Court shall have superintendence over all courts and tribunals throughout the territories in relation to which it exercises jurisdiction. 
• Appellate and Revisional Jurisdiction 
  • By virtue of Section 100 and 115 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC), the High Court of Uttarakhand has been conferred with appellate and revisional jurisdiction. 
• Criminal Court Administration 
  • By virtue of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 the High Court of Uttarakhand has got appellate and revisional Jurisdiction in Criminal cases.