The Delhi High Court Act, 1966 was enacted to establish a separate High Court for the National Capital Territory of Delhi, replacing the previous jurisdiction of the Punjab High Court over Delhi matters. This legislation came as Delhi's growing administrative and political significance demanded an independent judicial institution.
Key Provisions:
Establishment (Section 3):
Constituted the Delhi High Court on 31st October 1966
Granted status equivalent to other State High Courts
Jurisdiction (Section 5):
Original and appellate jurisdiction over Delhi territory
Powers equivalent to other High Courts under Constitution
Judges (Section 4):
Provided for Chief Justice and puisne judges
Defined appointment process and qualifications
Transitional Provisions:
Transferred pending cases from Punjab High Court
Continued existing laws until amended/repealed
The Act marked Delhi's transition from a Union Territory with shared judiciary to having its own full-fledged High Court, reflecting its unique constitutional position before becoming a partial state in 1991.