JUDICIARY
ARTICLE 21
It is a foundational right, often considered the "heart" of the Constitution
The fundamental right to "Protection of Life and Personal Liberty
The right to live with dignity, health, privacy, education, and a clean environment.
1. The rule of law means:
a) Laws apply only to the rich
b) Laws apply equally to all persons
c) Government is above law
d) Only courts make laws
2. The judiciary is:
a) Part of executive
b) Organ of government that interprets laws
c) Police department
d) Revenue department
3. The Supreme Court was established on:
a) 15 August 1947
b) 26 January 1950
c) 26 November 1949
d) 2 October 1948
4. The highest court in India is:
a) High Court
b) District Court
c) Supreme Court
d) Sessions Court
5. Judicial Review means:
a) Reviewing police work
b) Reviewing government accounts
c) Power to strike down unconstitutional laws
d) Reviewing elections
6. Independence of judiciary means:
a) Courts work under Parliament
b) Courts are controlled by executive
c) Courts are free from interference
d) Judges are elected
7. Separation of powers means:
a) One organ controls all
b) Judiciary controls legislature
c) Different organs have separate powers
d) Executive controls courts
8. The Supreme Court is located in:
a) Mumbai
b) New Delhi
c) Kolkata
d) Chennai
9. The highest court in a state is:
a) District Court
b) Sessions Court
c) High Court
d) Supreme Court
10. The head of the Supreme Court is:
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Chief Justice of India
d) Law Minister
11. District courts are also called:
a) Trial courts
b) Apex courts
c) Constitutional courts
d) Federal courts
12. India has an integrated judicial system because:
a) States have separate systems
b) Decisions of higher courts bind lower courts
c) Judges are elected
d) Courts are private
13. The appellate system allows:
a) Filing FIR
b) Appeal to higher court
c) Police inquiry
d) Governor’s review
14. Criminal law deals with:
a) Property disputes
b) Divorce
c) Offences like theft and murder
d) Rent matters
15. Civil law deals with:
a) Murder
b) Theft
c) Land and rent disputes
d) Kidnapping
16. FIR is related to:
a) Civil cases
b) Criminal cases
c) Divorce cases
d) Rent matters
17. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was introduced in:
a) 1950s
b) 1960s
c) 1980s
d) 1990s
18. PIL can be filed by:
a) Only affected person
b) Only government
c) Any individual or organisation
d) Only lawyers
19. Right to Food was linked to:
a) Article 19
b) Article 21
c) Article 14
d) Article 32
20. Article 21 guarantees:
a) Right to Equality
b) Right to Freedom
c) Right to Life
d) Right to Religion
21. Judicial review protects:
a) Executive power
b) Parliament supremacy
c) Basic structure of Constitution
d) State governments
22. High Courts were first established in:
a) Delhi, Lucknow, Patna
b) Calcutta, Bombay, Madras
c) Jaipur, Bhopal, Indore
d) Chandigarh, Shimla, Ranchi
23. Courts protect:
a) Political parties
b) Government officials
c) Fundamental Rights
d) Only ministers
24. Judges are difficult to remove to ensure:
a) Popularity
b) Independence
c) Power
d) Wealth
25. “Justice delayed is justice denied” refers to:
a) Fast trials
b) Appeal system
c) Delay in court cases
d) Bail system
26. The Supreme Court decisions are:
a) Advisory only
b) Binding on all courts
c) Optional
d) Temporary
27. Dispute between two states is resolved by:
a) Police
b) Executive
c) Judiciary
d) Media
28. Violation of Fundamental Rights can be challenged in:
a) Supreme Court
b) High Court
c) Both
d) Police station
29. Eviction cases generally fall under:
a) Criminal law
b) Civil law
c) Military law
d) Tax law
30. The judiciary acts as a:
a) Tool of government
b) Check on executive and legislature
c) Revenue collector
d) Political party
What is Judicial Review? Why is it important?
Judicial Review is the power of the judiciary to examine laws passed by Parliament and state legislatures. If a law violates the Constitution or its basic structure, the court can strike it down. It is important because it protects the supremacy of the Constitution. It prevents misuse of power by the legislature and executive. Judicial Review ensures that Fundamental Rights are protected and that no authority acts beyond its constitutional limits. It strengthens democracy and maintains balance among the three organs of government.
Explain the three levels of courts in India and their key features.
India has a three-tier judicial system. At the bottom are the District or Subordinate Courts, also called Trial Courts. They hear civil and criminal cases. Above them are the High Courts in each state, which hear appeals from lower courts. At the top is the Supreme Court of India, located in New Delhi, headed by the Chief Justice of India. It is the highest court, and its decisions are binding on all other courts. This structure forms a pyramid and ensures an integrated judicial system.
What is Public Interest Litigation (PIL)? Give four examples.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a legal mechanism introduced in the 1980s to increase access to justice. Any individual or organisation can file a PIL on behalf of those whose rights are violated. It simplifies legal procedures. Examples include:
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Right to Food case leading to mid-day meal scheme.
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Release of bonded labourers.
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Release of undertrial prisoners.
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Protection of slum dwellers’ right to livelihood.
PIL makes justice accessible to the poor and vulnerable.
Why is independence of judiciary essential in a democracy?
An independent judiciary means courts are free from interference by the executive and legislature. Judges cannot be easily removed and are protected by the Constitution. This independence ensures fair and impartial decisions. It allows courts to check misuse of power and protect Fundamental Rights. Without independence, powerful people could influence judgments. It maintains rule of law and strengthens democracy by ensuring justice for all citizens.
Explain the difference between Criminal Law and Civil Law.
Criminal law deals with offences against society such as murder, theft and dowry harassment. It usually begins with filing an FIR, and if the accused is found guilty, punishment includes jail or fine. Civil law deals with disputes between individuals such as property disputes, rent issues or divorce. A petition must be filed by the affected party. The court grants relief like compensation or specific orders. Thus, criminal law punishes offences, while civil law resolves disputes.
How does the judiciary protect Fundamental Rights?
The judiciary protects Fundamental Rights by allowing citizens to approach High Courts or the Supreme Court if their rights are violated. Through judicial review, courts can strike down unconstitutional laws. In cases like the Right to Food, courts expanded Article 21 to include the Right to Life with dignity. Courts also use PIL to ensure access to justice. By acting as a check on executive and legislature, the judiciary ensures that constitutional rights are safeguarded.
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