UPSC Prelims 2008 · General Studies
Question 27: Polity and Governance
How many High Courts in India have jurisdiction over more than one State (Union Territories not included)?
AnswerThe answer is (b).
Three High Courts have jurisdiction over more than one State: Bombay (Maharashtra and Goa), Guwahati (several north-eastern States) and Punjab and Haryana (Punjab and Haryana). Calcutta, Madras and Kerala also cover Union Territories (Andaman and Nicobar, Puducherry, Lakshadweep), but each has only one State, and the question leaves UTs out. Parliament may set up a common High Court for two or more States under Article 231.
How you could have got this
No shortcut here: in a “how many” question, ruling out options doesn’t help. Every statement has to be judged.
This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Two is too few; Bombay, Guwahati and Punjab and Haryana make three.
- (b) Bombay, Guwahati and Punjab and Haryana are the three.
- (c) Four overcounts; Calcutta, Madras and Kerala cover one State each, with a Union Territory.
- (d) Five overcounts; there are only three multi-State High Courts once Union Territories are left out.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2008, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.