Home The Constitution Part VI Article 230

Art. 230 Part VI: The States

Extension of Jurisdiction of High Courts to Union Territories

Exact text — Constitution of India

(1) Parliament may by law extend the jurisdiction of a High Court to, or exclude the jurisdiction of a High Court from, any Union territory. (2) Where the High Court of a State exercises jurisdiction in relation to a Union territory,—(a) nothing in this Constitution shall be construed as empowering the Legislature of the State to increase, restrict or abolish that jurisdiction; and (b) the reference in article 227 to the Governor shall, in relation to any rules, forms or tables for subordinate courts in that territory, be construed as a reference to the President.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article gives Parliament flexibility to extend (or withdraw) a state High Court's jurisdiction over a Union Territory — this is why, as noted under Part VIII, many smaller UTs don't have their own dedicated High Court but instead fall under a neighbouring state's High Court's extended jurisdiction.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is the specific mechanism behind arrangements like Puducherry falling under the Madras High Court, or various smaller UTs being covered by a nearby state's High Court, rather than each needing a completely separate judicial infrastructure.

Read alongside this one

Art. 241 — High Courts for Union Territories

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 230

Can a state's own legislature change this jurisdictional arrangement over a UT?

No — clause (2)(a) specifically bars the STATE legislature from altering this jurisdiction; only Parliament can extend or exclude it, since it involves a Union Territory matter.

← PreviousArticle 229: Officers and Servants and the Expenses of High Courts Next →Article 231: Establishment of a Common High Court for Two or More States

The text above reproduces Article 230 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.