Home The Constitution Part VI Article 215

Art. 215 Part VI: The States

High Courts to Be Courts of Record

Exact text — Constitution of India

Every High Court shall be a court of record and shall have all the powers of such a court including the power to punish for contempt of itself.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article gives every High Court the same 'court of record' status and inherent contempt power that Article 129 gives the Supreme Court — its proceedings and judgments are officially recorded with evidentiary value, and it can punish contempt of itself directly under this constitutional authority.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why High Courts, like the Supreme Court, can independently initiate and decide contempt proceedings to protect their own authority and the administration of justice, without depending entirely on separate legislation for that power.

Read alongside this one

Art. 129 — Supreme Court to Be a Court of Record

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 215

Do High Courts have the same contempt power as the Supreme Court?

Yes, in substance — this Article mirrors Article 129's Supreme Court provision, giving High Courts the same inherent constitutional contempt authority.

← PreviousArticle 214: High Courts for States Next →Article 216: Constitution of High Courts

The text above reproduces Article 215 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.