The correct option is (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Explanation
The Indian judiciary is a unified hierarchy with the Supreme Court at the apex, High Courts at the state level, and Subordinate Courts functioning below them at the district and lower levels. Provisions regarding subordinate courts are detailed in Articles 233 to 237 of Part VI of the Constitution. While the nomenclature may vary slightly across states, specific standard designations are recognized nationwide.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Subordinate courts are functionally referred to as Trial Courts. They are the courts of first instance where the trial proceedings (recording of evidence, examination of witnesses, and initial judgment) take place for both civil and criminal cases.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The Court of the District Judge is the highest judicial authority within the subordinate judiciary of a district. The District Judge exercises both original and appellate jurisdiction. When dealing with civil cases, the presiding officer is called the District Judge, and when dealing with criminal cases, the Sessions Judge.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) is a specific designation within the criminal subordinate judiciary. The CJM functions below the Sessions Court and supervises other Judicial Magistrates in the district.
- Statement 4 is Correct: A Metropolitan Magistrate is a judicial officer in the subordinate judiciary appointed for metropolitan areas (cities with a population exceeding one million). They hold powers equivalent to a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class.
Key Takeaway:
Subordinate courts encompass a wide range of designations based on jurisdiction (civil vs. criminal) and location (district vs. metropolitan), including District Judges, Sessions Judges, Chief Judicial Magistrates, and Metropolitan Magistrates.