The High Court discharges its mandate independently in accordance with the Constitution. Judges apply the law impartially without fear, favour or prejudice.

The court is required to exercise jurisdiction conferred to it by Article 165(3) and (6) of the Constitution and jurisdiction as prescribed by various statutes.

In exercise of its judicial authority, the High Court is guided by the national values and principles set out in Article 10 of the Constitution, the principles of judicial authority set out in Article 159 of the Constitution and the values and principles of Public Service set out in Article 232(1)(c), (e) and (f) of the Constitution.-

The High Court has unlimited original jurisdiction to determine all criminal and civil matters. The Court interprets the Constitution and hears cases concerning violation and/ or infringement of the Bill of Rights. In addition, it handles appeals emanating from Subordinate Courts (Magistrates Court, Kadhis Court, Tribunals, Court Martials, Small Claims Court). It exercises supervisory jurisdiction over Subordinate Courts and over any person, body or authority exercising judicial or quasi-judicial function.
In exercise of its supervisory powers the Court may call for the record of any proceedings before any subordinate court or person, body or authority and may make any order or give any direction it considers appropriate to ensure fair administration of justice.

A duly constituted court comprises of a Judge who presides over it, assisted by a court assistant and parties to the court proceedings who may appear in person or be represented by an advocate. In criminal matters a Prosecutor must be present. Court sessions may be conducted virtually or physically.
Deputy Registrars assist Judges with Judicial and administrative duties of the court such as taxation, mentions, extraction, signing of orders, and active case management.

The Constitution in Article 165 (4) provides that if any matter is certified by the Court as raising a substantial question of law, the same shall be heard by an uneven number of judges, being not less than three, assigned by the Chief Justice in consultation with the Principal Judge. The number of judges will be determined by the weight of the subject matter.
Where the bench of the Court is comprised of an uneven number of judges, the judgment of the court shall be in accordance with the opinion of the majority of the Judges hearing the proceedings.