What is the role of subordinate courts?

Correct answer: Hearing cases at local and district level

Subordinate courts are the lower levels of India’s judicial system and function below the High Courts. Their governing role is to hear and decide ordinary civil and criminal disputes at the local, district, and sometimes sub-district levels. They examine evidence, apply relevant laws, record judgments, and provide the first formal forum for many citizens seeking justice. A person dissatisfied with a decision may generally use the legally permitted appeal process before a higher court. Option A is correct because it describes their territorial and practical function. Option B concerns Parliament’s Upper House, option C concerns the constitutional executive process, and option D is mainly a constitutional amendment function of Parliament, subject to constitutional limits. Thus, subordinate courts bring justice closer to the people.