The Supreme Court recognized the 'Right to Know' regarding the criminal antecedents and assets of electoral candidates in which specific case?
- Lily Thomas Case
- PUCL v. UOI
- ADR v. UOI
- Rambabu Singh
Explanation: In Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India (2002), the Court ruled that voters have a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) to know the background of candidates contesting elections.
In which case did the Supreme Court strike down the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, heavily scrutinizing the adequacy of 'compensation' under Article 31?
- R.C. Cooper v. UOI
- Bennett Coleman
- Golaknath
- Sanjeev Coke Case
Explanation: The R.C. Cooper (1970) or Bank Nationalization case held that compensation for acquired property must be meaningful and not illusory, prompting the 25th Amendment.
In which case did the Supreme Court hold that the state cannot impose reservation policies on minority and non-minority unaided private educational institutions?
- T.M.A. Pai
- Unni Krishnan
- Islamic Academy
- P.A. Inamdar
Explanation: In P.A. Inamdar v. State of Maharashtra (2005), the Court held that the state cannot appropriate seats in unaided private professional institutions for its quota, leading to the 93rd Amendment.
The landmark T.M.A. Pai Foundation case (2002), which deeply analyzed the rights of minority and non-minority educational institutions under Article 30, was decided by a:
- 7-judge bench
- 13-judge bench
- 9-judge bench
- 11-judge bench
Explanation: An 11-judge bench delivered the complex judgment balancing the autonomy of private educational institutions with the state's power to enforce regulatory measures.
Which judgment dealt extensively with the issue of the Uniform Civil Code and held that a Hindu husband cannot convert to Islam solely to commit bigamy?
- Shah Bano
- Shamim Ara
- Sarla Mudgal
- Daniel Latifi
Explanation: In Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India (1995), the Court ruled that a second marriage by a Hindu convert to Islam, without dissolving the first Hindu marriage, is void and punishable for bigamy.
In which case did the Supreme Court lay down the 'rarest of rare' doctrine for awarding the death penalty?
- Sunil Batra
- Machhi Singh
- Kehar Singh
- Bachan Singh
Explanation: In Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab (1980), the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the death penalty but restricted its application to the 'rarest of rare' cases.
The NALSA v. Union of India (2014) judgment was a watershed moment for recognizing the right of individuals to self-identify their gender, officially establishing the legal status of:
- Marginalized Group
- Other Backward Class
- Transgender
- Third Gender
Explanation: The Court recognized transgender persons as a 'Third Gender' for the purpose of safeguarding their rights under Part III, directing the government to provide them reservations.
In Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015), the Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act because its vaguely worded offenses created a what on free speech?
- Defamation Law
- Chilling Effect
- Public Order
- National Security
Explanation: The Court held that Section 66A was unconstitutionally vague and overbroad, failing the test of reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) and creating a chilling effect on speech.
The First Amendment to the Constitution, which added 'public order' as a restriction on free speech, was primarily necessitated by the Supreme Court's ruling involving which publication?
- The Statesman
- Cross Roads
- Blitz Weekly
- The Hindu
Explanation: In Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras (1950), the ban on the entry of the left-leaning journal 'Cross Roads' was struck down, prompting the government to amend Article 19(2).
Which judgment mandated that the power of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi is bound by the 'aid and advice' of the Council of Ministers in matters excluding public order, police, and land?
- NDMC v. State of Punjab
- U.N.R. Rao
- Samsher Singh
- GNCTD v. Union of India
Explanation: In Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court laid down the constitutional principles governing the capital, restricting the LG's independent decision-making powers.
In Mohini Jain v. State of Karnataka (1992), the Supreme Court ruled that the collection of which type of fee by private educational institutions is completely unconstitutional?
- Donation
- Development Fee
- Tuition Fee
- Capitation Fee
Explanation: The Court held that charging a capitation fee violates the right to equality (Article 14) and makes education a commercial commodity, recognizing the right to education under Article 21.
The Vishaka guidelines against sexual harassment at the workplace were triggered by a PIL filed after the brutal gang rape of which Rajasthan government social worker?
- Mathura
- Nirbhaya
- Rupan Deol Bajaj
- Bhanwari Devi
Explanation: Bhanwari Devi, a 'sathin' who campaigned against child marriage, was raped. The resulting outrage led NGOs to file a PIL, resulting in the historic Vishaka judgment (1997).
Which landmark decision ruled that civil servants should not act on verbal orders of political bosses and mandated the creation of Civil Services Boards?
- Vineet Narain
- T.S.R. Subramanian
- K.M. Chacha
- Prakash Singh
Explanation: In T.S.R. Subramanian v. Union of India (2013), the Court directed that civil servants must receive written instructions to ensure accountability and insulated postings through Civil Services Boards.
Which landmark case led to the Supreme Court giving statutory backing to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and established guidelines for CBI autonomy?
- Subramanian Swamy
- Prakash Singh
- Vineet Narain
- Common Cause
Explanation: Also known as the Jain Hawala case, Vineet Narain v. Union of India (1997) resulted in the Court laying down directives to insulate the CBI and Enforcement Directorate from political interference.
The Supreme Court explicitly held that the right to choose a life partner is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 in:
- Navtej Singh Johar
- Shafin Jahan
- Sarla Mudgal
- Sakti Vahini
Explanation: In Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M. (2018), often referred to as the Hadiya case, the Court upheld the right of an adult to choose their religion and life partner as a core aspect of personal liberty.
Which case established that solitary confinement and the use of heavy bar fetters on prisoners grossly violate the right to life and liberty under Article 21?
- Prem Shankar Shukla
- Sheela Barse
- Charles Sobhraj
- Sunil Batra
Explanation: In Sunil Batra v. Delhi Administration (1978), the Supreme Court intervened significantly in prison administration, ruling that fundamental rights do not flee the person as they enter the prison gates.
Which case laid down the intricate framework for 'living wills' and detailed the procedure for executing advanced medical directives for passive euthanasia?
- Aruna Shanbaug
- Common Cause
- Gian Kaur
- P. Rathinam
Explanation: In Common Cause v. Union of India (2018), the Court recognized the right to die with dignity as part of Article 21 and issued extensive guidelines for validating living wills and passive euthanasia.
Which foundational case first established the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' to determine whether a religious practice falls under the constitutional protection of Article 25?
- Dargah Committee
- Sri Venkataramana
- Bijoe Emmanuel
- Shirur Mutt Case
Explanation: In the Commissioner, Hindu Religious Endowments, Madras v. Sri Lakshmindra Thirtha Swamiar of Sri Shirur Mutt (1954), the Court ruled that the protection extends only to 'essential' religious practices.
Which landmark judgment expanded the scope of Article 21 to include the 'Right to Livelihood', arguing that evicting slum dwellers without notice deprives them of their means of living?
- Pavement Dwellers
- Bonded Labourers
- Slum Eviction
- Forest Dwellers
Explanation: In Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985), known as the Pavement Dwellers case, the Court recognized the right to livelihood as an integral part of the right to life.
In the context of parliamentary privileges, which 1998 case controversially ruled that MPs are immune from prosecution for taking bribes to vote in Parliament?
- A.R. Antulay
- Kalpnath Rai
- P.V. Narasimha Rao
- Raja Ram Pal
Explanation: In P.V. Narasimha Rao v. State (1998), a majority held that Article 105(2) protects MPs from criminal prosecution for anything said or any vote given, a ruling overturned in 2024 (Sita Soren case).
The constitutional validity of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was comprehensively upheld by the Supreme Court in:
- Luithukla
- Irom Sharmila Case
- Naga People's Movement
- Extra Judicial Execution
Explanation: In Naga People's Movement of Human Rights v. Union of India (1997), the Court upheld AFSPA but laid down dos and don'ts for the armed forces to prevent the abuse of sweeping powers.
In which case did the Supreme Court explicitly affirm that the Chief Justice of India is the 'Master of the Roster', having the exclusive prerogative to allocate cases?
- Asok Pande
- Kamini Jaiswal
- Prashant Bhushan
- Campaign for Judicial
Explanation: In Kamini Jaiswal v. Union of India (2017) and related cases, the Court decisively ruled that the CJI has the exclusive authority to constitute benches and allocate cases, cementing administrative control.
Which specific provision of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, that allowed convicted MPs/MLAs a 3-month window to appeal and retain their seats, was struck down in Lily Thomas?
- Section 8(3)
- Section 8(1)
- Section 8(4)
- Section 8(2)
Explanation: In Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2013), the Court ruled Section 8(4) ultra vires, mandating immediate disqualification of legislators sentenced to two or more years in prison.
In which case did the Supreme Court formulate the seminal tests for determining whether an entity is an 'instrumentality or agency' of the State under Article 12?
- Sabhajit Tewary
- Sukhdev Singh
- U.P. Warehousing
- R.D. Shetty
Explanation: In R.D. Shetty v. International Airport Authority (1979), Justice P.N. Bhagwati laid down the functional, financial, and administrative control tests to determine if a body is an agency of the State.
To definitively overrule the historical M.P. Sharma and Kharak Singh judgments and declare the Right to Privacy a fundamental right, the Supreme Court constituted a bench of:
- Seven Judges
- Five Judges
- Eleven Judges
- Nine Judges
Explanation: In K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017), a 9-judge bench unanimously affirmed that privacy is a fundamental right protected under Article 21 and Part III of the Constitution.
In Indra Sawhney v. Union of India, the Supreme Court upheld the Mandal Commission's 27% quota for OBCs by interpreting which specific constitutional provision?
- Article 15(4)
- Article 16(4)
- Article 340
- Article 335
Explanation: The 9-judge bench interpreted Article 16(4) to allow reservations in public employment for backward classes, provided they exclude the 'creamy layer' and don't exceed a 50% cap.
Which case dealt with the constitutional validity of re-promulgating ordinances without placing them before the legislature, terming it a fraud on the Constitution?
- A.K. Roy
- D.C. Wadhwa
- Krishna Kumar Singh
- R.K. Garg
Explanation: In D.C. Wadhwa v. State of Bihar (1987), the Court heavily criticized the practice of continuously re-promulgating ordinances by the Governor without legislative approval, striking it down.
The Prakash Singh v. Union of India (2006) judgment laid down seven binding directives for police reforms. Which of the following mechanisms was central to these directives?
- Prison Reforms
- DGP Appointment
- CBI Independence
- Judicial Policing
Explanation: The directives included creating a State Security Commission, fixing a minimum 2-year tenure for the DGP, and separating investigation from law and order functions.
The Aruna Shanbaug case (2011) laid down guidelines for passive euthanasia. The Court ruled that the decision to withdraw life support must be made by the High Court, acting on a petition by a:
- Attending Doctor
- Legal Heir
- State Government
- Next Friend
Explanation: Because Aruna Shanbaug was in a persistent vegetative state, the Court allowed a 'next friend' (like the KEM hospital staff) to petition the High Court for withdrawing life support.
The principle that the power to prorogue or dissolve the state assembly cannot be used merely to prevent a claimant from proving their majority was emphasized in:
- Nabam Rebia
- Rameshwar Prasad
- S.R. Bommai
- Jagdambika Pal
Explanation: In Rameshwar Prasad v. Union of India (2006), the Court declared the dissolution of the Bihar Assembly unconstitutional, stating the Governor's report was based on extraneous considerations.
In which judgment did the Supreme Court declare that the right to access the internet is a fundamental right protected under Article 19(1)(a)?
- K.A. Abbas
- Puttaswamy Case
- Anuradha Bhasin
- Shreya Singhal
Explanation: In Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020), dealing with the communication blackout in J&K, the Court held that the freedom of speech and expression over the internet is a fundamental right.
Which famous case is widely cited as marking the end of jury trials in the Indian judicial system due to the perceived susceptibility of jurors to media and public influence?
- Machhi Singh
- Sunil Batra
- K.M. Nanavati
- Hussainara Khatoon
Explanation: The K.M. Nanavati v. State of Maharashtra (1959) case, involving a naval officer who murdered his wife's lover, led the government to officially abolish jury trials via the CrPC.
Which 2023 landmark judgment fundamentally altered the process for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner by mandating a committee that includes the CJI?
- Ashwini Upadhyay
- T.N. Seshan
- Anoop Baranwal
- Prashant Bhushan
Explanation: In Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023), the Court directed that the CEC and ECs be appointed by the President on the advice of a committee comprising the PM, Leader of Opposition, and the CJI.
The Navtej Singh Johar (2018) judgment, which read down Section 377 of the IPC to decriminalize consensual same-sex relations, explicitly overruled which 2013 verdict?
- Suresh Koushal
- NALSA vs UOI
- Naz Foundation
- Shafin Jahan
Explanation: The Court overturned its own retrograde decision in Suresh Kumar Koushal v. Naz Foundation (2013), stating that history owes an apology to the LGBTQ community.
Which landmark judgment established that arbitrariness is the very antithesis of equality, moving away from the traditional reasonable classification test under Article 14?
- Dalmia Case
- E.P. Royappa
- Maneka Gandhi
- Chiranjit Lal
Explanation: In E.P. Royappa v. State of Tamil Nadu (1974), Justice Bhagwati propounded the new concept of equality, stating that equality is a dynamic concept and arbitrariness is its sworn enemy.
The D.K. Basu guidelines, which mandate that police officers wear accurate name tags and prepare arrest memos, enforce the constitutional safeguards primarily enshrined in:
- Article 21
- Article 23
- Article 20
- Article 22
Explanation: D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997) laid down specific requirements for arrest and detention to prevent custodial violence, giving teeth to Article 22 protections.
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of criminal defamation (Sections 499 and 500 of IPC), ruling it does not violate Article 19(1)(a) in:
- Sahara India
- R. Rajagopal Case
- Subramanian Swamy
- K.A. Abbas Case
Explanation: In Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India (2016), the Court upheld the penal provisions of defamation, stating that the right to reputation is a constituent of Article 21 and balances free speech.
Arising out of a series of articles in the Indian Express exposing the plight of undertrials in Bihar, the Hussainara Khatoon case (1979) formally established the fundamental right to:
- Free Legal Aid
- Prison Conditions
- Bail not Jail
- Speedy Trial
Explanation: The Court ruled that a speedy trial is an implicit component of the 'procedure established by law' under Article 21, leading to the release of thousands of undertrials.
Which case definitively ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not 'State' within the meaning of Article 12?
- Pradeep Kumar Biswas
- Ajay Hasia
- BCCI v. Netaji Cricket
- Zee Telefilms
Explanation: In Zee Telefilms Ltd. v. Union of India (2005), a 5-judge bench held that despite having a monopoly over cricket, the BCCI does not fulfill the criteria to be considered an instrumentality of the State.
The Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar (1962) judgment upheld the constitutional validity of the sedition law (Section 124A IPC), but restricted its application only to acts involving:
- Incitement to violence
- Criticism of Govt
- Disaffection
- Public Disorder
Explanation: The Court distinguished between strong criticism of the government and acts that have the tendency or intention to create public disorder or incite violence.
In L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India, the Supreme Court struck down provisions of the 42nd Amendment that excluded the jurisdiction of High Courts over:
- High Courts
- Lok Adalats
- Tribunals
- Supreme Court
Explanation: The Court ruled that the judicial review power of High Courts under Article 226/227 over decisions of Central Administrative Tribunals is a basic feature of the Constitution.
The Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978) judgment established the interconnectedness of Articles 14, 19, and 21, a concept widely known in Indian jurisprudence as the:
- Golden Triangle
- Eminent Domain
- Due Process of Law
- Basic Structure
Explanation: The Court ruled that a law depriving a person of personal liberty under Article 21 must also satisfy the tests of equality (Art 14) and freedoms (Art 19), forming the Golden Triangle.
Which judgment ruled that the Governor of a state cannot be removed arbitrarily merely because a new government has taken power at the Centre?
- B.P. Singhal
- Hargovind Pant
- Rameshwar Prasad
- S.R. Bommai
Explanation: In B.P. Singhal v. Union of India (2010), the Court held that while the President can remove a Governor at pleasure, the power cannot be exercised in an arbitrary or unreasonable manner.
The State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan case, which struck down communal quotas in educational institutions, led to the insertion of which provision via the First Amendment?
- Article 16(4)
- Article 15(5)
- Article 16(5)
- Article 15(4)
Explanation: The judgment held that Directive Principles cannot override Fundamental Rights. To bypass this and allow reservations for backward classes, Article 15(4) was added.
Which landmark judgment narrowly interpreted Article 21, holding that 'procedure established by law' means state-made law and rejected the American doctrine of due process?
- A.K. Gopalan vs State of Madras
- Kharak Singh
- Maneka Gandhi
- R.C. Cooper
Explanation: In A.K. Gopalan (1950), the Supreme Court took a strict literal view, holding that Article 21 provided no protection against competent legislative action, a stance later overturned in Maneka Gandhi.
Moving away from the 19th-century English principle of 'Strict Liability' (Rylands v. Fletcher), the Supreme Court evolved the doctrine of 'Absolute Liability' in the context of the:
- Ganga Pollution
- Bhopal Gas Tragedy
- Oleum Gas Leak
- Endosulfan Case
Explanation: In M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1986), dealing with the Oleum gas leak at Shriram Foods, the Court held that hazardous industries owe an absolute, non-delegable duty to the community.
In which case did the Supreme Court introduce the 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option on EVMs to enforce the voter's right to register a negative vote?
- Abhiram Singh
- PUCL Case
- Kuldip Nayar
- Rameshwar Prasad
Explanation: In PUCL v. Union of India (2013), the Court directed the Election Commission to provide a NOTA button, stating that the right to vote includes the right not to vote for any candidate.
The concept of a 'Curative Petition' to prevent abuse of its process and cure gross miscarriages of justice was evolved by the Supreme Court in:
- A.R. Antulay
- Naresh Mirajkar
- Raja Ram Pal
- Rupa Ashok Hurra
Explanation: In Rupa Ashok Hurra v. Ashok Hurra (2002), the Supreme Court devised the mechanism of curative petitions under Article 142 to reconsider judgments even after the dismissal of a review petition.
The Madhavrao Scindia v. Union of India (1970) judgment struck down the Presidential order that attempted to unilaterally abolish which historical arrangement?
- Zamindari Abolition
- Land Ceilings Act
- Privy Purses
- Bank Nationalization
Explanation: The Court ruled that the President's derecognition of erstwhile rulers violated Articles 291 and 362. This forced the government to enact the 26th Amendment to officially abolish Privy Purses.
The S.R. Bommai case severely restricted the arbitrary dismissal of state governments by making the subjective satisfaction of the President subject to judicial review under:
- Article 352
- Article 365
- Article 356
- Article 360
Explanation: The 1994 judgment held that the power under Article 356 (President's Rule) is not absolute, and the proper place to test a government's majority is the floor of the House.
In Shayara Bano v. Union of India (2017), a 3:2 majority of the Supreme Court set aside the practice of 'Talaq-e-Biddat', commonly known as:
- Triple Talaq
- Polygamy
- Nikah Halala
- Muta Marriage
Explanation: The majority held that instantaneous and irrevocable Triple Talaq is manifestly arbitrary, un-Islamic, and not protected by Article 25, leading to its statutory ban.
In Selvi v. State of Karnataka (2010), the Supreme Court held that involuntary administration of narcoanalysis, brain-mapping, and polygraph tests violates the right against self-incrimination under:
- Article 20(3)
- Article 20(1)
- Article 20(2)
- Article 21
Explanation: The Court ruled that compelling an accused to undergo such tests infringes upon the right to remain silent and violates the substantive due process aspect of Article 21.
The Sabarimala verdict (Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala) struck down which specific rule that barred women of menstruating age from entering the temple?
- Rule 3(a)
- Rule 3(c)
- Rule 3(d)
- Rule 3(b)
Explanation: The Court struck down Rule 3(b) of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Rules, 1965, holding it violated women's right to worship under Article 25.
The judgment that defined the limits of the pardoning power of the President and Governors, establishing that it is subject to limited judicial review, was:
- Shatrughan Chouhan
- Maru Ram
- Epuru Sudhakar
- Kehar Singh
Explanation: In Epuru Sudhakar v. Govt of AP (2006), the Court held that the clemency power under Articles 72 and 161 is not beyond judicial review and can be challenged on grounds of arbitrariness or malafide.
The Supreme Court held that 'voluntarily giving up membership' under the Tenth Schedule is not synonymous with resignation, but can be inferred from conduct in:
- Ravi S. Naik
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan
- Kihoto Hollohan
- Rajendra Singh Rana
Explanation: In Ravi S. Naik v. Union of India (1994), the Court established a wider meaning for the phrase, holding that an MLA formally joining another party isn't required if their conduct implies defection.
Which landmark case introduced the concept of 'Continuing Mandamus' to monitor complex investigations involving high-level political corruption?
- 2G Spectrum Case
- B.G. Verghese
- Coalgate Case
- Vineet Narain
Explanation: In the Vineet Narain case (1997), the Court used the tool of 'continuing mandamus' to supervise the CBI's investigation into the Jain Hawala scandal without actually interfering in the probe itself.
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Aadhaar Act but struck down Section 57 which allowed private corporate entities to use Aadhaar data in:
- Binoy Viswam
- Karmanya Singh
- S.G. Vombatkere
- K.S. Puttaswamy
Explanation: In the K.S. Puttaswamy (Aadhaar) judgment (2018), the Court validated the Act as a Money Bill but prohibited mandatory Aadhaar linking for bank accounts, mobile connections, and private entities.
Who was the sole dissenting judge in the ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla case, famously upholding the right to life and personal liberty even during a National Emergency?
- Justice H.R. Khanna
- Justice Y.V. Chandrachud
- Justice M.H. Beg
- Justice P.N. Bhagwati
Explanation: Justice H.R. Khanna famously dissented in the 'Habeas Corpus case' (1976), arguing that Article 21 is not the sole repository of the right to life, costing him the Chief Justiceship.
In Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court struck down which archaic penal provision, declaring it treated women as the chattel of their husbands?
- Section 497
- Section 498A
- Section 377
- Section 124A
Explanation: The Court struck down Section 497 of the IPC (Adultery), ruling it manifestly arbitrary and violative of Articles 14, 15, and 21, as it penalized the outsider man while ignoring female agency.
The Supreme Court first established the precedent of awarding monetary compensation for the violation of fundamental rights in a writ petition under Article 32 in:
- Bhim Singh
- Khatri v. State
- Nilabati Behera
- Rudul Sah
Explanation: In Rudul Sah v. State of Bihar (1983), the Court ordered the state to pay compensation to a man kept in illegal detention for 14 years after his acquittal, inaugurating compensatory jurisprudence.