Civics Polity · Law Legal Studies

Judiciary and Legal Systems

1,814 Questions

Judiciary and legal systems form the framework for interpreting laws and delivering justice. Questions in this section explore judicial review, the hierarchy of courts, and the issuance of writs. This topic is crucial for polity and law prelims preparation.

Judicial reviewHigh courts structureIssuance of writsSubordinate courtsPublic interest litigation

Judiciary and Legal Systems Questions

Multiple choice

A writ of Mandamus can be issued by the Supreme Court to

  1. An official to perform public duty

  2. The Prime Minister to dissolve the Cabinet

  3. The company to raise wages

  4. The Government to pay the salaries to employees
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A writ of mandamus is a court order compelling a government official or public authority to perform a mandatory duty correctly. It cannot be used to direct policy decisions (like dissolving cabinets) or private matters (company wages).

Multiple choice

In which of the following countries the courts do not have the power of Judicial Review?

i. USA ii. UK iii. France iv. India

  1. iii

  2. ii and iii

  3. i and iii

  4. ii
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The UK is unique among major democracies in not having judicial review - its courts cannot strike down primary legislation passed by Parliament due to the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty. The US, India, and France all have some form of judicial review power. Therefore, only option 'ii' (UK) is correct.

Multiple choice

Who appoints the officers and employees of the High Court?

  1. Chief Justice of High Court

  2. Governor of the concerned state

  3. Public Service Commission

  4. Registrar of High Court
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Under Article 229(2) of the Constitution, the President may frame rules regarding the conditions of service of High Court staff after consultation with the High Court Public Service Commission. While the Chief Justice makes the actual appointment, it must be in consultation with the Public Service Commission.

Multiple choice

The Chief Justice of India may appoint an adhoc judge in the Supreme Court from amongst

  1. retired judges of Supreme Court

  2. serving judges of the High Court

  3. persons qualified to be appointed as judge of the Supreme Court

  4. retired judge of a High Court
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Article 127 of the Constitution allows the Chief Justice of India to appoint ad hoc judges from retired Supreme Court judges if there is a lack of quorum. This provision ensures the Supreme Court can function properly when regular judges are absent or recuse themselves.

Multiple choice

Who was the first Chief Justice of India?

  1. M. Patanjali Sastri

  2. B.K. Mukherjee

  3. Harilal J. Kania

  4. M.C. Mahajan
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Harilal J. Kania served as the first Chief Justice of India from January 26, 1950, to November 10, 1951. He was previously a judge of the Federal Court of India and played a crucial role in establishing the Supreme Court's procedures and traditions. M. Patanjali Sastri became the second Chief Justice. The Chief Justice is appointed by the President and presides over the judicial system.

Multiple choice

What does the term 'Epistolary jurisdiction' of the Court imply?

  1. Power to take suo moto action without a formal petition

  2. Relaxation in the Court procedures

  3. Enlarging scope of a writ petition

  4. Transferring a case to the constitutional bench
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Epistolary jurisdiction refers to the judicial innovation where the Supreme Court or High Courts entertain public interest litigation based on letters, postcards, or informal communications, representing a relaxation of traditional court procedures regarding locus standi.

Multiple choice

What is the jurisdiction of courts in RTI?

  1. The court can't interfere in implementation of the RTI Act.

  2. The Supreme Court and High court can interfere.

  3. The Central Information Commission is the last resort.

  4. The State Government can interefere.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Lower Courts are barred from entertaining suits or applications against any order made under this Act. (S.23) However, the writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and High Courts under Articles 32 and 225 of the Constitution remains unaffected.

Multiple choice

How do I appeal a denial/ delay / unsatisfactory information?

  1. File case before a court of Law

  2. Appeal to the Central /State Information Commission, as the case may be

  3. Appeal to the just above authority of appeal

  4. Appeal to the state/ central government
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Appeal to the just above authority of appeal. In case appeal is allowed, the Competent Authority shall supply the information to the applicant within such period as ordered by the Appellate Authority. This period shall not exceed 30 days from the date of receipt of the order. There is no provision for second appeal under the Act.

Multiple choice

Attempt to commit suicide is triable by

  1. the Court of Session

  2. a Magistrate of the first class

  3. any Magistrate

  4. an executive Magistrate
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Option (3) is correct: Attempt to commit suicide is triable by any Magistrate.