Bombay High Court – Case Status, Cause List, Benches, Chief Justice & e-Filing

Bombay High Court — Overview & Why It Matters

The Bombay High Court is one of India’s oldest and most significant judicial institutions. Situated primarily in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), this High Court exercises jurisdiction over the states of Maharashtra and Goa, as well as the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
Founded in 1862 under the Indian High Courts Act, the Bombay High Court has witnessed India’s legal evolution through colonial times, independence and modern reform efforts. (ecommitteesci.gov.in)
For lawyers, litigants and citizens alike, the Bombay High Court matters because it:

• functions as an appellate and original jurisdiction court for key civil, criminal and constitutional matters;
• sets precedent and interprets law that shapes governance across a large region;
• provides public-facing digital services (case status, cause lists, e-filing) that enhance transparency and access. (bombayhighcourt.gov.in)
  In short, understanding the Bombay High Court is essential for navigating the legal landscape of western India.

Bombay High Court Jurisdiction & Benches (Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Goa, Kolhapur)

The Hong Court’s jurisdiction covers:

• Maharashtra (majority of districts)
• Goa (state)
• The Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
  Its seats and benches are distributed to improve access:
• Principal Seat: Mumbai (Fort area) for the major region of Maharashtra.
• Nagpur Bench: covering Vidarbha region, enabling litigants away from Mumbai to access bench sittings.
• Aurangabad Bench: serving Marathwada region.
• Goa Bench (Porvorim/Panjim): for Goa and adjoining territories.
• Kolhapur Bench (new as of Aug 18, 2025): covering six western Maharashtra districts (Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Kolhapur) to alleviate burden on Mumbai.
  
• By establishing these benches, the Bombay High Court is addressing geographical, logistical and backlog challenges—making justice more reachable for litigants beyond the metropolis.

Bombay High Court History & Architecture (Gothic Revival)

The Bombay High Court was inaugurated on 14 August 1862 under letters patent issued by Queen Victoria, pursuant to the Indian High Courts Act 1861.

The current iconic building in Mumbai:

• Work began in April 1871 and completed by November 1878.
• Designed by British engineer Col. James A. Fuller in the Gothic Revival (Early English) style.
• The building’s dimensions: about 562 ft long and 187 ft wide, with two octagonal towers to the west of the central tower and statues of Justice and Mercy atop.
• The first sitting in this building was on 10 January 1879.
  The architecture not only symbolises the colonial legacy of India’s legal institutions but also stands as a part of the “Victorian & Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  Hence, beyond jurisprudence, the Bombay High Court is a landmark in heritage, reflecting legal, cultural and architectural history.

Current Chief Justice & Strength of the Bombay High Court

As of September 2025, the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court is Shree Chandrashekhar, who took office on 5 September 2025.
The court has a sanctioned strength of 94 judges, comprising 71 permanent and 23 additional judges.
However, at the time of writing, the strength is somewhat below the full sanctioned number—highlighting the common issue of judicial vacancies across high courts.
These figures are significant because the judge strength and timeliness of appointments have a direct impact on backlog, litigant delay and access to justice. For example, in September 2025 the President appointed six additional judges as permanent judges, further reducing vacancies.
Thus, staying updated about the judge strength, bench composition and CJ leadership is key to understanding how the Bombay High Court functions in practice.

Bombay HighCourt e-Services: Case Status, Cause List, e-Filing & Live Streaming

The Bombay High Court offers a suite of digital services to litigants, advocates and the public—making legal information more accessible:

• Case Status / Unified Search: Users can search via CNR/CIN number, party name, neutral citation, or e-Filing number through the official site.
• Cause Lists: Daily (and weekly) cause lists are published for each bench/sitting, enabling parties to track when their matters are listed.
• e-Filing Portal: Advocates and litigants may register, submit pleadings, pay court fees and upload documents electronically—both for original side and appellate matters. (hcservices.ecourts.gov.in)
• Live/Virtual Proceedings: The court has infrastructure for virtual hearings and live streaming (especially during the pandemic era) and provides e-Library, e-Display Boards and digital archives.
  For users: Know your case number, use the correct bench filter, check the PDF cause list early (since sittings may shift), and maintain digital / physical copies of filings. These services demystify what used to require in-person registry visits.

Bombay High Court Practice Areas & Typical Matters (Civil, Criminal, Writs, PILs, Commercial)

The Bombay High Court handles a broad spectrum of legal work, including:

• Civil Jurisdiction (original and appellate): High value suits, company matters, family law, property disputes.
• Criminal Jurisdiction: Appeals from Sessions Courts, writs in criminal matters, bail/anticipatory bail applications.
• Writs & Constitutional Petitions (Articles 226/227): Public Interest Litigations (PILs), fundamental rights cases.
• Commercial Disputes & Company Law: Given Mumbai’s status as a financial hub, the court often deals with high-stakes corporate litigation, trademark and IP disputes. For example, the court declined interim injunction in the “KARPURE vs CAMPURE” trade mark dispute.
• Regional / Social Justice Matters: e.g., the Bombay HighCourt ordered local bodies to immerse Ganesha idols up to 6 ft only in artificial tanks—an environmental regulatory judgment.
  Knowing the practice areas is useful because it helps litigants and lawyers assess whether the BombayHighCourt is the right forum, what kind of listing to expect, and the resources required.

How to Check Bombay High Court Case Status Online (Step-by-Step)

To check your case status via the Bombay High Court’s digital portal:

1. Obtain the Case Number (CNR/CIN), party names, and bench/side (Original / Appellate).
2. Visit the official “Case Status” page of the Bombay High Court.
3. Enter the details: case number or CNR/CIN, side (civil/criminal/original), filing year.
4. View the case summary: listing dates, judge(s), orders/judgments, next hearing date.
5. For more detailed orders or e-copies you may need to log into the e-Filing portal or apply via RTI.
   Tips: Save the PDF or screenshot; keep the neutral citation handy; verify the bench and registry; if you don’t find your case, double check that the matter is listed under the correct bench (Mumbai vs Nagpur vs Aurangabad vs Goa vs Kolhapur). Using the mobile SMS service (if available) can also provide status updates.

How to Find Daily/Weekly Cause Lists of the Bombay High Court

Accessing cause lists allows litigants to anticipate when their matter will be listed and avoid missing hearings.

• Visit the Bombay High Court’s “Cause List” page. (Bombay High Court portal)
• Filter by bench (Mumbai / Nagpur / Aurangabad / Goa / Kolhapur), by side (civil/criminal), and by listing date.
• Download the PDF for the day-wise list—some matters may shift at short notice, so regular checking is advised.
• Note: Courts may publish weekly/fortnightly lists; urgent applications may appear in “urgent matters” section.
  For best practice: Check the list the evening before, arrive early if your matter is listed, verify the hall number and judge(s) via the e-Display board or registry notice board.

How to e-File in the Bombay High Court (Advocates & Litigants)

The Bombay High Court has streamlined e-Filing procedures, enabling remote submissions and tracking:

• Registration: Advocates must register with their Bar registration number; litigants (self-represented) may register via the e-Filing portal.
• Uploading documents: Create PDF documents (with bookmarks, searchable text where possible), ensure attachments (Vakalatnama, power of attorney) are digital.
• Filing fee & payment: Pay court fees online via the portal and upload acknowledgement/receipt.
• Filing number & tracking: After submission you receive a filing number; track status, listing, posting via the same portal.
• Original Side vs Appellate Side: Note which side your matter is on—original side has different registry rules and chronology.
  Best practices: Ensure correct case title spelling, party names, advocate names; submit proposed draft order (if requested); keep soft and hard copies; check for registry notifications in e-Service inbox. This digital route helps reduce physical visits, speeds up listing, and ensures better traceability.

Visiting the Bombay High Court: Addresses, Timings & Practical Info

If you need to visit in person:

• Correspondence Address: The Registrar General, Bombay High Court, Fort, Mumbai-400032.
• Timings: Usually 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM (registry hours) — subject to change for vacations, summer schedule or special sittings.
• Benches: Identify the correct bench (Mumbai / Nagpur / Aurangabad / Goa / Kolhapur) for your case.
• Registry & Hall Number: After cause list release, check hall allocation via e-Display board or notice board.
• Infrastructure Note: There is an upcoming new complex at Bandra East (30.2 acres) approved by state cabinet (₹3,750 crore) to modernise Bombay HighCourt facilities.
  Tips: Arrive 30 minutes early, carry photo ID, ensure you have the cause list printout or entry pass, verify judge name/hall before entering. This ensures smoother in-court experience.

FAQs –

Conclusion

The Bombay High Court stands as a cornerstone of India’s judicial system – both historically and in modern times. With its multiple benches, digital services, heritage architecture and far-reaching jurisprudence, it plays a vital role in delivering justice to millions across Maharashtra, Goa and neighbouring territories.

Whether you’re a litigant checking your case status, an advocate planning a filing, or a citizen following important rulings, knowing how the Bombay High Court functions, where it sits and how to engage with its systems is key. Using the steps outlined above and leveraging the external resources, you’ll be better equipped to navigate this institution with confidence.