In the Indian judicial system, the subordinate courts (lower courts) in a state are placed under the supervision and control of which of the following?

Introduction / Context:
The structure of the Indian judiciary has multiple tiers, from the Supreme Court at the apex down to subordinate courts at the district and taluka levels. Constitutional provisions clearly lay down how these different levels relate to each other and which body exercises control over the functioning of lower courts. Understanding this hierarchy is important for questions on polity and governance. This question focuses on identifying which institution supervises the subordinate courts in a state.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The subject is "subordinate courts" or lower courts within a state.
• The options include the Supreme Court, District Court, High Court, and Parliament.
• It is assumed that constitutional articles relating to the judiciary are being referred to, especially Articles 227 and 235.
• The focus is on supervision and control, not on appeals alone.

Concept / Approach:
Under the Constitution of India, each High Court has superintendence over all subordinate courts and tribunals within its territorial jurisdiction (Article 227). In addition, under Article 235, the control over district courts and subordinate courts, including posting, promotion, and disciplinary matters of judicial officers, vests in the High Court. The Supreme Court is the apex court for the entire country, but it does not exercise direct routine supervision over each subordinate court. Parliament is a legislative body and does not supervise courts. District Courts themselves are part of the subordinate judiciary, not separate supervisory institutions. Hence, the correct answer is the High Court.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard polity textbooks and exam guides explicitly state that High Courts exercise control and superintendence over subordinate courts under Articles 227 and 235. You may recall that many questions about the independence of the judiciary highlight this feature, pointing out that control resting with High Courts rather than the executive helps protect judicial independence at the lower levels. This consistent emphasis confirms that the High Court is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Supreme Court of India: It is the highest court for appeals and constitutional matters but does not supervise the routine functioning of every subordinate court in each state.
• District Court: It is itself a subordinate court, not an overseeing authority for all lower courts in the state.
• Parliament of India: A legislative body that makes laws; it does not exercise administrative or judicial supervision over courts.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent error is to think that because the Supreme Court is the apex court, it must supervise all other courts. Another pitfall is to overlook the specific constitutional provisions that grant superintendence to High Courts. To avoid such mistakes, always recall that for administrative and supervisory control over subordinate courts within a state, the relevant authority is the High Court, not the Supreme Court or Parliament.

Final Answer:
Subordinate courts in a state are supervised and controlled by the High Court of that state.