The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Under Article 214 of the Constitution, each State is entitled to have a High Court. However, the Parliament is empowered to establish a common High Court for two or more States or for two or more States and a Union Territory.- Statement 1 is Correct: There are currently 25 High Courts in India. The number increased from 24 to 25 following the bifurcation of the High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad into separate High Courts for the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: While the State of Telangana was formed on June 2, 2014, the separate High Court for the state was not established in that year. From 2014 to 2018, the High Court at Hyderabad functioned as the common High Court for both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The separate High Court for the State of Telangana was established and commenced operations on January 1, 2019.
Key Takeaway: India has 25 High Courts. The separate High Courts for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh were established on January 1, 2019, ending the jurisdiction of the common High Court at Hyderabad.