History- The erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan before 20th Century were under the suzerainty of the Rajput Chieftains who exercised Legislative, Executive and Judicial control over the state and its people. The Jagirdars or the Kotri Thikanas formed the heads. Later during the period of British imperialism, the state was authority of the Feudal Lords. Finally when India became independent, Rajasthan High Court was set up on 21st June, 1949 by the first Rajasthan High Court Ordinance. Actually at that time, five High Courts were functioning in the states of Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Matsya union with strength of twenty judges. These different jurisdictions were abolished by the Rajasthan High Court Ordinance, 1949 as it provided for a single High Court for the whole state.
The first High Court of Rajasthan was inaugurated by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Ji on29th August, 1949. The Maharaja administered the oath of office sworn by Honorable Chief Justice Kamala Kant Verma and 11 other judges at the Jodhpur High Court premises.
The Principal Seat of High Court was established at Jodhpur with benches at Kota, Jaipur and Udaipur. The bench at Jaipur was put to an end in the year 1958, however it became functional again from 31st January, 1977. Since then the strength of judges have been increasing.
Present Scenario- The Rajasthan High Court consists of a Chief Justice and other Judges appointed by the President.
At present, Rajasthan High Court has its head quarters or its Principal Seat in Jodhpur with a bench in Jaipur. The strength of the High Court presently is about 32 judges (the sanctioned strength being 40).
Chief Justice- Honorable Mr. Justice S.N. Jha
Registrar General- Bhanwaroo Khan
Functions- Like other High Courts, the Rajasthan High Court also supervises other courts within its jurisdiction and issue rules and prescribe forms regulating their proceedings and practice and can call for returns from such courts. It has the authority to issue orders, directions and writs consisting of Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Quo Warranto and Certiorari to any person.
