Revision summary
Allahabad High Court, seated at Prayagraj since 1866, covers all of Uttar Pradesh. The Lucknow Bench serves the Avadh districts. Writs under Article 226 are the main defence of fundamental rights. Judicial review and PIL carry equality and liberty into State administration. A heavy docket is the practical limit on that role.
Model answer
Introduction
The High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, now sitting at Prayagraj, is the High Court for the whole of Uttar Pradesh. A discussion must cover territorial jurisdiction, the Lucknow Bench, and writ work that guards constitutional values.
Body
Jurisdiction
- The Court was established in 1866; its principal seat is at Prayagraj.
- It has jurisdiction over the entire State of Uttar Pradesh in civil, criminal, and writ matters under Articles 226 and 227.
- The Lucknow Bench hears cases from the old Avadh districts, so litigants of central UP need not always travel to Prayagraj.
- Until November 2000 it also covered the hill districts that became Uttarakhand; that territory now has a separate High Court.
Constitutional values
- Article 226 writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and quo warranto are the Court’s daily tools against illegal detention, arbitrary executive action, and breach of fundamental rights.
- Public interest petitions on Ganga pollution, prison conditions, elections, and service law have used this Court as a rights forum for a huge population.
- Judicial review of State statutes and government orders tests equality, liberty, and federal balance inside UP.
Limit
- Delay, vacancies, and a very large docket can weaken rights even when jurisdiction on paper is complete.
Flow diagram
Conclusion
Allahabad High Court at Prayagraj, with its Lucknow Bench, has statewide jurisdiction and upholds constitutional values mainly through Article 226 writs and judicial review. The role is real where orders are timely; backlog is the standing risk.
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Does Lucknow have a separate High Court?
No. Lucknow is a bench of Allahabad High Court, not a second High Court.
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How does the Court uphold constitutional values?
Mainly by writs, judicial review of State action, and public interest cases on rights and the environment.
Same topic · past papers
UPPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2024 · Q6 · UPGS5 · 8 marks
Discuss the composition and jurisdiction of the State High Court of Uttar Pradesh.
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