The history of High Courts in India traces back to the period of British Raj. The British came to  India as traders, but soon established foothold over the Indian mainland and consequently became  involved in the administration of country. The first high court in India, 'The High Court of Judicature at Fort William', now called the 'High Court of Calcutta', was brought into existence by  the Letters Patent dated 14 May 1862, issued under the Indian High Courts Act, 1861 and was formally  opened on 1 July 1862. The Indian High Courts Act of 1861, vested in Queen of England, power to issue  charters/letters patent to erect and establish High Courts of Calcutta, Madras and Bombay. The  jurisdiction and powers of the High Court were defined by the Letters Patent.  Sir Barnes Peacock became the first Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court in 1862. Subsequently,  Justice Shri Sumboo Nath Pandit was appointed as the first Indian to ass ....