6 18. (a) The judicial power of the Union is shared among the Supreme Court of the Union, High Courts of the Regions, High Courts of the States and Courts of different levels including Courts of Self-Administered Areas. (b) There shall be one Supreme Court of the Union. The Supreme Court of the Union is the highest Court of the Republic. (c) The Supreme Court of the Union has powers to issue writs. (d) A High Court of the Region or State is constituted in each Region or State. 19. The following are prescribed as judicial principles : (a) to administer justice independently according to law; (b) to dispense justice in open court unless otherwise prohibited by law; (c) to guarantee in all cases the right of defence and the right of appeal under law. 20. (a) The Defence Services is the sole patriotic defence force which is strong, competent and modern. (b) The Defence Services has the right to independently administer and adjudicate all affairs of the armed forces. (c) The Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services is the Supreme Commander of all armed forces. (d) The Defence Services has the right to administer for participation of the entire people in Union security and defence. (e) The Defence Services is mainly responsible for safeguarding the nondisintegration of the Union, the non-disintegration of National solidarity and the perpetuation of sovereignty. (f) The Defence Services is mainly responsible for safeguarding the Constitution.