🏛️ Part 7.5

High Court Jurisdiction — Original & Writ

"Article 226 & 227 — The Constitutional Gateway"

Master High Court jurisdiction — original civil, pecuniary limits, territorial rules, writ jurisdiction under Article 226/227 for cyber matters.

5.1

Original Civil Jurisdiction

🏛️ HCs with Original Civil Jurisdiction

Bombay HC: Mumbai — above ₹1 Crore

Delhi HC: NCT — above ₹2 Crore

Calcutta HC: Kolkata — above ₹20 Lakh

Madras HC: Chennai — above ₹1 Crore

Note: Most other HCs — no original jurisdiction; suits to District Courts

5.2

Article 226 — Writ Jurisdiction

📖 Article 226 Constitution
Power to Issue Writs
"Every High Court shall have power... to issue to any person or authority... directions, orders or writs, including writs in the nature of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari..."
📋 Five Writs in Cyber Context

Mandamus: Direct authority to act — unblock content, release account

Certiorari: Quash illegal orders — freeze orders, blocking without procedure

Prohibition: Prevent authority from acting — stop unlawful seizure

Habeas Corpus: Produce person — rarely in cyber

Quo Warranto: Challenge authority — rarely in cyber

5.3

When to Approach HC Directly

🎯 HC vs AO — Strategic Choice

Choose HC Original Side when:

• Claim exceeds ₹5 Crore (beyond AO jurisdiction)

• Urgent injunction needed (HC faster for interim orders)

• Complex multi-party disputes

• IPR issues combined with cyber

Choose HC Writ when:

• Challenging government/police action

• Unlawful content blocking under S.69A

• Bank account frozen by police/I4C

• Violation of fundamental rights (Art. 19, 21)

🎯 Key Takeaways — Part 7.5

  • Original jurisdiction: Only Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, Madras HCs (specific areas)
  • Pecuniary limits vary: Delhi ₹2Cr, Bombay/Madras ₹1Cr, Calcutta ₹20L
  • Article 226: Writ jurisdiction against any person or authority
  • Mandamus: Most common for directing action (unblock, release)
  • Certiorari: Quash illegal orders (freeze, blocking)
  • Territorial: Where cause of action arises OR respondent located
  • No writ against private parties unless performing public function
  • Alternative remedy: Writ may be rejected if AO remedy available

📝 Assessment — Part 7.5 (10 Questions)

1. Delhi HC original jurisdiction pecuniary limit:
Delhi HC original side has ₹2 Crore pecuniary limit.
2. Writ for directing authority to act:
Mandamus commands authority to perform duty.
3. Writ to quash illegal order:
Certiorari quashes illegal or void orders.
4. Article 226 applies to:
Article 226 extends to any person or authority.
5. Writ against private company generally:
Writ lies against private parties only if performing public function.
6. Alternative remedy doctrine means:
HC may decline writ if efficacious alternative remedy exists.
7. Bombay HC original jurisdiction limit:
Bombay HC original side has ₹1 Crore pecuniary limit.
8. Article 227 provides:
Article 227 gives HC superintendence over subordinate courts/tribunals.
9. For claim of ₹6 Crore in cyber matter:
Claims above ₹5 Crore exceed AO jurisdiction — go to civil court.
10. Territorial jurisdiction for writ:
Writ lies where cause of action arises or respondent is located.