Q1. What is the primary role of the judiciary in India?
a) To enforce government policies
b) To provide a mechanism for resolving disputes
c) To manage the economic system
d) To conduct national elections
Answer: b) To provide a mechanism for resolving disputes
Explanation: The judiciary in India primarily resolves disputes between citizens, citizens and the government, and between different levels of governments, ensuring the rule of law is maintained.
Q2. When was the Supreme Court of India established?
a) 15th August 1947
b) 26th January 1950
c) 2nd October 1949
d) 1st January 1952
Answer: b) 26th January 1950
Explanation: The Supreme Court of India was established on 26th January 1950, coinciding with India becoming a Republic.
Q3. What is ‘judicial review’ in the context of the Indian judiciary?
a) Review of judicial decisions by the President
b) Supervision of lower courts by higher courts
c) The power to strike down laws violating the Constitution
d) Regular performance review of judges
Answer: c) The power to strike down laws violating the Constitution
Explanation: Judicial review is the authority of the judiciary to invalidate laws passed by the Parliament if they are found to violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
Q4. Which case would be an example of a dispute between two citizens?
a) A conflict over the sharing of river waters between states
b) A case involving violation of fundamental rights by the state
c) A property dispute between two neighbors
d) A case challenging the constitutionality of a law
Answer: c) A property dispute between two neighbors
Explanation: Disputes between two citizens, such as property disputes, are examples of cases that the judiciary would resolve.
Q5. Why is an independent judiciary essential to democracy?
a) It allows for faster legal processes
b) It ensures the judiciary is free from legislative and executive influence
c) It permits judges to hold political offices
d) It focuses on international law
Answer: b) It ensures the judiciary is free from legislative and executive influence
Explanation: An independent judiciary is crucial for democracy as it ensures that judicial decisions are made without undue influence from the other branches of government.
Q6. What does the appellate system in India’s judicial system signify?
a) The ability to appeal to international courts
b) The process of directly appealing to the Supreme Court
c) The ability to appeal to a higher court if dissatisfied with a lower court’s decision
d) Special courts for appellate cases only
Answer: c) The ability to appeal to a higher court if dissatisfied with a lower court’s decision
Explanation: The appellate system in India allows a person to appeal to a higher court if they believe that the judgment passed by the lower court is unjust.
Q7. What is the primary function of the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) mechanism in the Indian judiciary?
a) To resolve private disputes between individuals
b) To facilitate the government in policy implementation
c) To allow individuals or groups to file cases on behalf of those whose rights are being violated
d) To prosecute political leaders
Answer: c) To allow individuals or groups to file cases on behalf of those whose rights are being violated
Explanation: Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a mechanism in the Indian judicial system that allows any individual or organization to file a litigation in the interest of the public at large, particularly for those unable to do so themselves.
Q8. What does the term ‘independent judiciary’ imply in the context of the Indian legal system?
a) Judges are free to run for political office
b) Judiciary operates independently of the legislative and executive branches
c) Judges can change laws independently
d) The judiciary is financially independent
Answer: b) Judiciary operates independently of the legislative and executive branches
Explanation: An independent judiciary means that it functions independently of the other branches of government (legislative and executive), ensuring unbiased and fair justice.
Q9. As of the information provided, how many High Courts were there in India?
a) 25
b) 20
c) 30
d) 15
Answer: a) 25
Explanation: According to the given chapter, there were 25 High Courts in India, with some states having their own High Courts and others sharing.
Q10. What is the significance of the case ‘Olga Tellis vs Bombay Municipal Corporation’?
a) It defined the right to shelter as a Fundamental Right
b) It established the Right to Livelihood as part of the Right to Life under Article 21
c) It was about the right to privacy
d) It dealt with the right to education
Answer: b) It established the Right to Livelihood as part of the Right to Life under Article 21
Explanation: The Olga Tellis vs Bombay Municipal Corporation case was significant as the Supreme Court held that the Right to Livelihood is part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Q11. In the Indian judicial system, what is the role of a ‘Trial Court’?
a) To handle appeals from lower courts
b) To conduct the initial hearing of a case
c) To review laws passed by the Parliament
d) To hear appeals against High Court decisions
Answer: b) To conduct the initial hearing of a case
Explanation: A Trial Court, also known as a subordinate or district court, is where a case is first heard, involving the initial examination of evidence and the first judgment.
Q12. What triggered the introduction of the mid-day meal scheme in Indian schools?
a) A directive from the Indian Parliament
b) A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Supreme Court
c) A policy decision by the Ministry of Education
d) A recommendation by the United Nations
Answer: b) A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Supreme Court
Explanation: The introduction of the mid-day meal scheme in Indian schools was a result of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Supreme Court, which recognized the Right to Food as part of the fundamental Right to Life.
Q13. What is a significant feature of India’s integrated judicial system?
a) Decisions of higher courts are not binding on lower courts
b) Each state has its own independent judicial system
c) Decisions made by higher courts are binding on lower courts
d) There is no system of appeal from lower to higher courts
Answer: c) Decisions made by higher courts are binding on lower courts
Explanation: In India’s integrated judicial system, decisions made by higher courts, like the Supreme Court and High Courts, are binding on the lower courts. This ensures consistency and uniformity in the application of law across the country.
Q14. What does the term ‘judicial review’ enable the Indian judiciary to do?
a) Appoint judges to the Supreme Court
b) Amend the Constitution
c) Overturn laws that violate the Constitution
d) Conduct elections
Answer: c) Overturn laws that violate the Constitution
Explanation: Judicial review is the power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive orders. If a law is found to violate the Constitution, the judiciary has the power to overturn it.
Q15. What was the main subject of dispute in the case State (Delhi Administration) vs Laxman Kumar and Others (1985)?
a) Property rights
b) Dowry death
c) Environmental protection
d) Political corruption
Answer: b) Dowry death
Explanation: The case of State (Delhi Administration) vs Laxman Kumar and Others (1985) revolved around a dowry death. It was a significant case that brought attention to the issue of dowry deaths and the role of the judiciary in addressing such social issues.
Q16. Why is the concept of ‘separation of powers’ crucial for an independent judiciary in India?
a) It ensures judges have legislative powers
b) It prevents the judiciary from making laws
c) It keeps the judiciary independent from legislative and executive interference
d) It allows the judiciary to control the executive
Answer: c) It keeps the judiciary independent from legislative and executive interference
Explanation: The concept of ‘separation of powers’ is essential as it ensures that the judiciary operates independently, without undue influence or interference from the legislative and executive branches of the government.
Q17. What role does a High Court play in the Indian judicial system?
a) It only hears appeals from the Supreme Court
b) It is the highest court in each state and hears both appellate and original cases
c) It only handles international law cases
d) It is responsible for electing Supreme Court judges
Answer: b) It is the highest court in each state and hears both appellate and original cases
Explanation: The High Court in each state is the highest judicial authority at the state level. It hears both appellate cases (appeals from lower courts) and original cases (certain types of cases initiated in the High Court).
Q18. What is the significance of the phrase “justice delayed is justice denied” in the context of the Indian judicial system?
a) It highlights the efficiency of the judiciary in handling cases promptly
b) It emphasizes the importance of quick legal procedures for effective justice
c) It refers to the judicial policy of delaying cases for thorough examination
d) It signifies the judiciary’s preference for delayed judgments for accuracy
Answer: b) It emphasizes the importance of quick legal procedures for effective justice
Explanation: The phrase “justice delayed is justice denied” underscores the critical importance of timely justice in the legal system. Prolonged legal proceedings can effectively deny justice, as it may become irrelevant or unattainable due to the delay.
Q19. What is the role of ‘Public Interest Litigation’ (PIL) in the Indian judiciary?
a) It allows public officials to bypass regular court procedures.
b) It provides a mechanism for the public to participate in legal processes for social justice.
c) It is used for resolving private disputes between individuals.
d) It helps businesses in settling commercial disputes.
Answer: b) It provides a mechanism for the public to participate in legal processes for social justice.
Explanation: Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India is a tool that allows any individual or organization to file a lawsuit in the interest of the public or a section of the community for the enforcement of legal rights or seeking remedies for legal wrongs.
Q20. How does the appellate system function in the Indian judiciary?
a) It allows lower courts to review the decisions of higher courts.
b) It enables individuals to seek a review of a decision by a higher court.
c) It restricts the review process to criminal cases only.
d) It is a mechanism for the executive branch to challenge court decisions.
Answer: b) It enables individuals to seek a review of a decision by a higher court.
Explanation: The appellate system in India allows parties to a case to challenge the decision of a lower court in a higher court, such as appealing from a district court to a high court, or from a high court to the Supreme Court.
Q21. What is the primary purpose of the ‘separation of powers’ doctrine in the Indian Constitution?
a) To grant absolute power to the judiciary
b) To divide power equally among the three branches of government
c) To prevent any one branch from exercising the functions of another
d) To allow for a combination of legislative and executive powers
Answer: c) To prevent any one branch from exercising the functions of another
Explanation: The doctrine of separation of powers in the Indian Constitution aims to prevent the concentration of power by dividing governmental functions among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, each with distinct and separate powers.
Q22. What does the term ‘judicial review’ empower the judiciary to do?
a) Increase the number of judges in higher courts
b) Modify the constitution as per the changing needs of society
c) Examine the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive orders
d) Elect members of the legislative and executive branches
Answer: c) Examine the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive orders
Explanation: Judicial review is the power of the judiciary to scrutinize and, if necessary, invalidate legislative acts and executive orders if they are found to be unconstitutional.
Q23. In the Indian judiciary, what is the significance of the ‘Olga Tellis vs Bombay Municipal Corporation’ case?
a) It established the right to education as a fundamental right.
b) It interpreted the Right to Life to include the Right to Livelihood.
c) It focused on the right to privacy in personal matters.
d) It dealt with the rights of overseas citizens.
Answer: b) It interpreted the Right to Life to include the Right to Livelihood.
Explanation: In the ‘Olga Tellis vs Bombay Municipal Corporation’ case, the Supreme Court of India expanded the meaning of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution to include the Right to Livelihood, highlighting that no person can live without the means of living.
Q24. What role does the Supreme Court play in the Indian judicial system?
a) It only hears cases related to constitutional matters.
b) It is the final appellate court and the highest judicial forum.
c) It is responsible for the election of the President.
d) It only deals with cases between the central and state governments.
Answer: b) It is the final appellate court and the highest judicial forum.
Explanation: The Supreme Court of India serves as the final court of appeal and the highest judicial forum. It hears appeals against the judgments of the lower courts and has the power to adjudicate on disputes involving any branch of law.
Q25. What is the primary function of the District Courts in the Indian judicial system?
a) To serve as the final appellate authority in civil cases
b) To oversee the administrative functions of lower courts
c) To handle the initial trial and judgment of most civil and criminal cases
d) To supervise the functioning of the High Courts
Answer: c) To handle the initial trial and judgment of most civil and criminal cases
Explanation: District Courts in India are primarily responsible for conducting the initial trial and judgment of both civil and criminal cases at the district level. They form the first point of contact for most litigation.
Q26. In the context of the Indian judiciary, what does ‘judicial independence’ ensure?
a) Judges have lifelong appointments
b) Judiciary is financially independent from the government
c) The judiciary is free from external pressures and influences
d) Judges are allowed to participate in politics
Answer: c) The judiciary is free from external pressures and influences
Explanation: Judicial independence in India ensures that the judiciary is free from external pressures, influences, or interferences by other branches of government or outside entities, allowing it to function impartially and uphold the rule of law.
Q27. What does the term ‘Public Interest Litigation’ (PIL) signify in the Indian legal system?
a) Legal actions initiated by public officials for governmental reforms
b) Litigations filed by individuals or groups for the broader public interest
c) Cases related to the public sector undertakings
d) Lawsuits involving public figures
Answer: b) Litigations filed by individuals or groups for the broader public interest
Explanation: Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India refers to legal actions filed by individuals or organizations not directly affected by the matter but raising issues of broader public interest, typically concerning environmental, social justice, or human rights issues.
Q28. What was a significant outcome of the case ‘State (Delhi Administration) vs Laxman Kumar and Others (1985)’?
a) It led to the amendment of the Indian Constitution
b) It highlighted the issue of dowry deaths and judicial response to them
c) It resulted in the establishment of new courts
d) It reformed the electoral system in India
Answer: b) It highlighted the issue of dowry deaths and judicial response to them
Explanation: The case of ‘State (Delhi Administration) vs Laxman Kumar and Others (1985)’ was significant in bringing the issue of dowry deaths to the forefront and showcasing the judicial approach to dealing with such social issues.
Q29. How does the appellate system in the Indian judiciary contribute to justice?
a) By allowing repeated trials for the same case in the same court
b) By permitting legal matters to be appealed to higher courts for review
c) By restricting the right to appeal to only criminal cases
d) By enabling legislative intervention in judicial decisions
Answer: b) By permitting legal matters to be appealed to higher courts for review
Explanation: The appellate system in the Indian judiciary allows for cases to be reviewed by higher courts if the parties involved are dissatisfied with the decisions of lower courts, thereby ensuring a higher level of scrutiny and fairness.
Q30. What is the key purpose of the separation of powers doctrine in the Indian Constitution?
a) To allow for the seamless integration of legislative, executive, and judicial functions
b) To prevent any single branch of government from becoming too powerful
c) To ensure that the judiciary controls the legislative process
d) To centralize power in the executive branch for efficiency
Answer: b) To prevent any single branch of government from becoming too powerful
Explanation: The separation of powers doctrine in the Indian Constitution aims to distribute governmental powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, thereby preventing the concentration of power in any single branch and ensuring a system of checks and balances.
Q31. What is the primary focus of criminal law within the Indian legal system?
a) Handling disputes related to property and contracts
b) Dealing with offenses against the state and individuals, like theft or murder
c) Resolving family disputes such as divorce or inheritance
d) Managing commercial disputes between companies
Answer: b) Dealing with offenses against the state and individuals, like theft or murder
Explanation: Criminal law in India is concerned with offenses against society, the state, or individuals, including crimes like theft, murder, and assault. It involves prosecution by the state of wrongful acts which are considered so serious that they are a breach of the sovereign’s peace.
Q32. Which statement best describes civil law in the Indian judicial system?
a) It deals exclusively with cases involving government agencies.
b) It focuses on disputes between individuals and organizations over rights and obligations.
c) It is concerned with punishing individuals who commit crimes.
d) It regulates the structure and administration of government entities.
Answer: b) It focuses on disputes between individuals and organizations over rights and obligations
Explanation: Civil law in India primarily deals with disputes between individuals or organizations, typically involving private rights and obligations in matters such as contracts, property, family disputes, and torts.
Q33. What was the significant impact of the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the People’s Union of Civil Liberties (PUCL)?
a) It led to the establishment of environmental laws.
b) It resulted in the introduction of the mid-day meal scheme in schools.
c) It brought about reforms in electoral laws.
d) It initiated changes in the public transportation system.
Answer: b) It resulted in the introduction of the mid-day meal scheme in schools
Explanation: The Public Interest Litigation filed by the People’s Union of Civil Liberties (PUCL) highlighted the issue of the Right to Food, leading to the Supreme Court’s directive for the implementation of the mid-day meal scheme in schools to address child hunger and nutrition.
Q34. How does the Indian judicial system interpret the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution?
a) As including the right to a fair trial
b) As encompassing the right to livelihood
c) As limited to the physical act of living
d) As a protection against exile
Answer: b) As encompassing the right to livelihood
Explanation: The Indian judiciary, through landmark judgments like Olga Tellis vs Bombay Municipal Corporation, has interpreted the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution as encompassing not just the mere physical act of living but also the right to livelihood, ensuring a life with dignity.
Q35. In what way are the High Courts in India significant?
a) They are the only courts with the power of judicial review.
b) They serve as the apex court in each Indian state and have both original and appellate jurisdiction.
c) They exclusively handle international legal disputes.
d) They are responsible for electing the President of India.
Answer: b) They serve as the apex court in each Indian state and have both original and appellate jurisdiction
Explanation: High Courts in India are significant as they are the highest courts at the state level, with the power to hear both appellate and original jurisdiction cases. They play a crucial role
in interpreting the law and ensuring justice at the state level.
Q36. What is the role of the Supreme Court in the context of the appellate system in India?
a) It serves as the initial point of trial for criminal cases.
b) It acts as the final court of appeal in the Indian judicial system.
c) It solely handles appeals related to constitutional matters.
d) It provides advisory opinions on legislative matters to the Parliament.
Answer: b) It acts as the final court of appeal in the Indian judicial system
Explanation: The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority and acts as the final court of appeal. It hears appeals against the decisions of the lower courts, including the High Courts, making its judgments the final legal remedy in the appellate system.
Q37. What is the role of a ‘Chief Judicial Magistrate’ in the Indian judicial system?
a) To oversee the administration of High Courts
b) To preside over appellate cases in the Supreme Court
c) To handle administrative functions and judicial cases at the district level
d) To appoint judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts
Answer: c) To handle administrative functions and judicial cases at the district level
Explanation: A Chief Judicial Magistrate in India plays a crucial role at the district level, handling both administrative functions and judicial proceedings. They are responsible for overseeing the judicial processes and ensuring the smooth functioning of courts in their jurisdiction.
Q38. In the Indian judicial system, what is the significance of the ‘First Information Report’ (FIR) in criminal law?
a) It is the final report submitted after the completion of a trial.
b) It is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about a cognizable offense.
c) It is a formal complaint filed by the victim directly to the court.
d) It is an appeal document submitted to higher courts.
Answer: b) It is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about a cognizable offense.
Explanation: In criminal law, the First Information Report (FIR) is a critical document prepared by the police upon receiving information about the commission of a cognizable offense. It marks the beginning of an investigation and sets the process of criminal justice in motion.
Q39. What is the primary objective of the ‘Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014’ in India?
a) To regulate the commercial activities of multinational companies
b) To protect the rights and regulate the activities of street vendors
c) To control the pricing of essential commodities in the market
d) To oversee the functioning of shopping malls and retail chains
Answer: b) To protect the rights and regulate the activities of street vendors
Explanation: The ‘Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014’ in India aims to protect the rights of street vendors and regulate street vending activities. It seeks to provide them with a legal status and ensure their livelihoods are not unduly affected.
Q40. How does the Indian Constitution ensure the independence of the judiciary?
a) By allowing judges to be part of the legislative process
b) By making the judiciary financially dependent on the executive
c) By preventing other
branches of government from interfering in the judiciary’s functioning
d) By requiring judicial decisions to be approved by the executive
Answer: c) By preventing other branches of government from interfering in the judiciary’s functioning
Explanation: The Indian Constitution ensures the independence of the judiciary by establishing checks and balances that prevent interference from the legislative and executive branches. This separation of powers allows the judiciary to operate without bias and uphold the rule of law.
Q41. What is the role of the ‘Right to Constitutional Remedies’ in the context of Fundamental Rights in India?
a) It allows citizens to change the constitution.
b) It empowers citizens to seek enforcement of their Fundamental Rights through courts.
c) It gives the government the power to revoke Fundamental Rights.
d) It limits the application of Fundamental Rights to certain cases.
Answer: b) It empowers citizens to seek enforcement of their Fundamental Rights through courts.
Explanation: The ‘Right to Constitutional Remedies’ empowers citizens to approach the courts for the enforcement of their Fundamental Rights. This right is considered the heart and soul of the Indian Constitution as it ensures the protection and enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
Q42. In the Indian legal system, what is the significance of the phrase ‘justice delayed is justice denied’?
a) It refers to the speedy execution of all legal judgments.
b) It highlights the need for immediate legal reforms.
c) It underscores the importance of timely delivery of justice.
d) It suggests that delayed justice is more accurate and fair.
Answer: c) It underscores the importance of timely delivery of justice.
Explanation: The phrase ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ emphasizes the critical importance of timely justice delivery in the legal system. Prolonged legal processes can lead to injustice, as justice delayed can effectively mean justice is inaccessible or denied.