The judicial system in India underwent significant development under British rule. The British established a hierarchical court structure with the Supreme Court at the apex followed by High Courts, District Courts and lower courts. This structure remains largely intact today.

Key reforms and their impact –

1. Charter Act of 1726 established the first Supreme Court in India marking the beginning of a modern judicial system.
2. Regulating Act of 1773 introduced the concept of a hierarchical court structure and established the Calcutta High Court.
3. Indian High Courts Act of 1861 established High Courts in Bombay, Madras and Calcutta introduced the concept of appellate jurisdiction.
4. Code of Civil Procedure 1859 standardized civil procedure across India.
5. Indian Evidence Act 1872 codified the law of evidence, ensuring consistency in judicial proceedings.

The evolution of courts and legal frameworks during the colonial period shaped the current judicial structure of India in several ways –

• The British established court hierarchy remains in place today.
• The British introduced codified laws such as the Indian Penal Code and the Code of Civil Procedure which continue to govern Indian law.
• The British established an independent judiciary which has been maintained in post colonial India.

These reforms and the overall development of the judicial system under British rule have had a lasting impact on the Indian judiciary shaping its structure, laws and procedures.