The 'Alternative Dispute Resolution' (ADR) includes:
- Conciliation
- Mediation
- Arbitration
- All of the above
Explanation: ADR refers to a wide range of dispute resolution processes that assist parties in settling disputes outside of the courtroom.
The Supreme Court of India is a 'Court of Record'. This means:
1. Its decisions are admitted as evidentiary value.
2. It has the power to punish for its contempt.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Article 129 makes the SC a 'Court of Record', meaning its records are preserved for perpetual testimony and it can punish for its own contempt.
Which Article states that 'the law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding on all courts'?
- Article 141
- Article 144
- Article 140
- Article 142
Explanation: Article 141 provides for the 'Doctrine of Precedent', making SC rulings binding on all subordinate courts within the territory of India.
The power of the High Court to issue writs is wider than that of the Supreme Court because:
- SC is only an appellate court
- HC can issue writs for legal rights too
- SC can issue writs for all rights
- HC has more judges
Explanation: Under Art 32, SC issues writs ONLY for Fundamental Rights. Under Art 226, HC issues writs for Fundamental Rights AND for 'any other purpose' (legal rights).
The Supreme Court has the power to review its own judgments under:
- Article 141
- Article 139
- Article 137
- Article 131
Explanation: Article 137 allows the SC to review any judgment pronounced or order made by it, subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament.
The minimum number of judges required to hear a 'Substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution' is:
Explanation: Article 145(3) provides that a minimum of five judges (Constitution Bench) must sit for deciding cases involving constitutional interpretation.
The 'Lok Adalat' is based on the principles of:
- British Common Law
- Marxist Principles
- Gandhian Principles
- Socialist Principles
Explanation: Lok Adalats (People's Courts) are based on Gandhian principles of peaceful settlement of disputes through negotiation and compromise.
The 'National Tax Tribunal' was declared unconstitutional because it violated:
- Separation of Powers / Independence of Judiciary
- Federalism
- Secularism
- Right to Equality
Explanation: The SC ruled that the NTT encroached upon the judicial power of the High Courts, thereby violating the Basic Structure of the Constitution.
What is the qualification for being appointed a 'District Judge' from the Bar?
- 10 years as an advocate
- 7 years as an advocate
- 5 years as an advocate
- Must be a civil servant
Explanation: Under Article 233, a person not already in the service of the Union or State must have been an advocate or a pleader for at least seven years.
The 'Ad-hoc' judges are appointed in the Supreme Court when:
- No one is available for permanent appointment
- Some judges go on leave
- There is a temporary increase in work
- There is a lack of quorum of permanent judges
Explanation: Article 127 allows the CJI to appoint a High Court judge as an ad hoc judge of the SC when there is no quorum of SC judges available to hold a session.
The 'E-Courts' project in India is managed by:
- NIC
- Bar Council of India
- Ministry of IT
- Supreme Court e-Committee
Explanation: The e-Committee of the Supreme Court, in collaboration with the Department of Justice, implements the E-Courts mission-mode project.
The 'Judicial Review' in the Indian Constitution is based on:
- Procedure established by law
- Due process of law
- Rule of Law
- Precedents and Conventions
Explanation: While the US uses 'Due Process', India originally followed 'Procedure established by law' (Art 21). However, since the Maneka Gandhi case, the SC has effectively introduced 'Due Process' elements.
Who has the power to extend the jurisdiction of a High Court to a Union Territory?
- The UT Administrator
- The Chief Justice of India
- The President
- The Parliament
Explanation: Article 230 empowers the Parliament to extend the jurisdiction of a High Court to, or exclude it from, any Union Territory.
Which Article provides for the establishment of 'Administrative Tribunals'?
- Article 262
- Article 324
- Article 323B
- Article 323A
Explanation: Article 323A was added by the 42nd Amendment to provide for the adjudication of disputes relating to recruitment and conditions of service of public servants.
Who has the power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India?
- The Parliament
- The Chief Justice of India
- The Law Commission
- The President of India
Explanation: Under Article 124, the Parliament has the power to prescribe the number of judges in the Supreme Court by law.
A judge of the Supreme Court can be removed by the President only on the grounds of:
- Criminal misconduct
- Proved misbehaviour or incapacity
- Violation of the Constitution
- Insolvency
Explanation: Article 124(4) specifies that a judge can only be removed on the grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity via a special majority in Parliament.
Who can be appointed as the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)?
- Retired Chief Justice of High Court
- Any jurist
- Any Judge of Supreme Court
- Retired CJI or Judge of Supreme Court
Explanation: Following the 2019 amendment, a retired Judge of the SC is also eligible to be Chairman of the NHRC, alongside a retired CJI.
The salaries and allowances of the Judges of the High Court are charged to the:
- Public Accounts of India
- Consolidated Fund of the State
- Contingency Fund of India
- Consolidated Fund of India
Explanation: Salaries of HC judges are charged to the State fund, but their PENSIONS are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India.
Under Article 142, the Supreme Court can pass orders for:
- Doing complete justice
- Advising the President
- Punishing contempt
- Reviewing laws
Explanation: Article 142 grants the SC unique power to pass any decree or order necessary for doing 'complete justice' in any cause or matter pending before it.
Which Constitutional Amendment attempted to replace the Collegium with the 'National Judicial Appointments Commission' (NJAC)?
- 98th Amendment
- 100th Amendment
- 97th Amendment
- 99th Amendment
Explanation: The 99th Amendment (2014) created the NJAC, but it was declared unconstitutional by the SC in 2015 for violating judicial independence.
A High Court judge sends his resignation to:
- The Chief Justice of the High Court
- The President
- The Chief Justice of India
- The Governor
Explanation: Since the President appoints the High Court judges, they also address their resignation letters to the President.
Which case is known as the 'Fundamental Rights Case'?
- Golaknath v. State of Punjab
- Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
- Minerva Mills v. Union of India
- Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain
Explanation: The 1973 Kesavananda Bharati case is often called the Fundamental Rights case as it outlined the 'Basic Structure' doctrine.
The 'Doctrine of Pith and Substance' is usually applied by courts to:
- Review executive orders
- Protect Fundamental Rights
- Interpret the Preamble
- Determine the legislative competence
Explanation: This doctrine is used when a law made by one legislature (say, State) encroaches upon a subject assigned to another (say, Union) to see if the 'true nature' of the law is valid.
Which Article deals with the appointment of 'Acting Chief Justice' of India?
- Article 127
- Article 125
- Article 126
- Article 124
Explanation: Article 126 allows the President to appoint a judge of the SC as the acting CJI when the office of CJI is vacant or he is unable to perform duties.
Which High Court has jurisdiction over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
- Madras High Court
- Kerala High Court
- Calcutta High Court
- Orissa High Court
Explanation: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands fall under the appellate jurisdiction of the Calcutta High Court (Circuit Bench at Port Blair).
The 'Epistolary Jurisdiction' of the Supreme Court is associated with:
- Advisory Jurisdiction
- Judicial Restraint
- Judicial Activism
- Writ Jurisdiction
Explanation: Epistolary jurisdiction allows the court to treat a simple letter or postcard as a PIL, a hallmark of Judicial Activism in India.
The 'Doctrine of Prosperous Overruling' was first invoked in:
- Golaknath v. State of Punjab
- Kesavananda Bharati case
- Indira Gandhi case
- Minerva Mills case
Explanation: In Golaknath (1967), the SC applied this doctrine, meaning the ruling would not affect the validity of amendments made in the past but would apply only to the future.
The 'Gram Nyayalayas' are established under which Act?
- Gram Nyayalayas Act 2008
- Panchayati Raj Act
- Civil Procedure Code
- Legal Services Authorities Act
Explanation: Gram Nyayalayas are mobile village courts established at the intermediate Panchayat level to provide speedy and easy access to justice.
The 'Collegium' for Supreme Court judge appointments consists of:
- CJI + 2 Senior-most judges
- CJI + Law Minister
- CJI + 4 Senior-most judges
- CJI + PM + Leader of Opposition
Explanation: The Third Judges Case (1998) expanded the Collegium to include the CJI and a plurality of four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
Who is the 'Administrative Head' of a District Court?
- Chief Minister
- District Judge
- District Magistrate
- Governor
Explanation: The District Judge is the highest judicial authority in the district and possesses administrative powers over all subordinate courts in the district.
Which Article gives the High Court 'Power of Superintendence' over all subordinate courts?
- Article 230
- Article 227
- Article 226
- Article 228
Explanation: Article 227 confers the power of superintendence on every High Court over all courts and tribunals throughout the territories in relation to which it exercises jurisdiction.
The first High Court established in India was:
- Calcutta High Court
- Madras High Court
- Bombay High Court
- Allahabad High Court
Explanation: The Calcutta High Court was the first to be established (July 1, 1862), followed by Bombay and Madras later that year.
The retirement age of a High Court Judge was increased from 60 to 62 by which Amendment?
- 44th Amendment
- 42nd Amendment
- 7th Amendment
- 15th Amendment
Explanation: The 15th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1963 increased the retirement age of High Court judges from 60 to 62 years.
The 'National Legal Services Authority' (NALSA) was constituted to give effect to which Article?
- Article 44
- Article 14
- Article 39A
- Article 21
Explanation: Article 39A provides for 'Free Legal Aid' to the poor. NALSA was formed under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, to fulfill this goal.
The 'Second Judges Case' (1993) is related to:
- Removal of CJI
- Establishment of Collegium System
- Transfer of Judges
- Retirement age
Explanation: In the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association case (1993), the SC ruled that 'consultation' means 'concurrence', leading to the Collegium system.
The 'Justice Malimath Committee' report is related to:
- Judicial Appointments
- Criminal Justice System Reforms
- Electoral Reforms
- Police Reforms
Explanation: The Malimath Committee (2003) made several recommendations to improve the efficiency and fairness of the Indian Criminal Justice System.
The concept of 'Special Leave Petition' (SLP) is mentioned under:
- Article 141
- Article 136
- Article 137
- Article 131
Explanation: Article 136 grants the SC discretionary power to grant special leave to appeal from any judgment, decree, or order in any cause or matter passed by any court/tribunal.
The Supreme Court case 'Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan' is related to:
- Sexual Harassment at Workplace
- Transgender rights
- Right to Privacy
- Reservation in promotions
Explanation: In 1997, the SC laid down the 'Vishaka Guidelines' to prevent sexual harassment of women at the workplace, which stood until the 2013 Act was passed.
In the 'First Judges Case' (1981), the SC held that 'consultation' means:
- Exchange of views
- Binding advice
- Consent
- Concurrence
Explanation: In the S.P. Gupta case (1981), the SC held that consultation does not mean concurrence; it only implies exchange of views.
The 'Family Courts Act' was passed in which year?
Explanation: The Family Courts Act, 1984, was enacted to promote conciliation and secure speedy settlement of disputes relating to marriage and family affairs.
The 'Separation of Judiciary from Executive' is a Directive Principle under:
- Article 39A
- Article 50
- Article 51
- Article 44
Explanation: Article 50 of the DPSP mandates that the State shall take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in public services.
Who appoints the Judges of the Subordinate Courts (other than District Judges)?
- State Public Service Commission
- The President
- The Chief Justice of High Court
- The Governor
Explanation: Under Article 234, appointments are made by the Governor in consultation with the State Public Service Commission and the High Court.
Which of the following is NOT a qualification for appointment as a High Court Judge?
- Citizen of India
- Held judicial office for 10 years
- Advocate of a High Court for 10 years
- Distinguished Jurist in the opinion of the President
Explanation: The 'Distinguished Jurist' category is only for Supreme Court appointments (Art 124), not for High Court appointments (Art 217).
The High Court which has the distinction of having the largest number of Benches is:
- Madhya Pradesh High Court
- Guwahati High Court
- Bombay High Court
- Allahabad High Court
Explanation: The Guwahati High Court originally had jurisdiction over seven states (the 'Seven Sisters') and continues to have several benches across different states.
Which Article of the Constitution of India provides for the 'Power of President to consult Supreme Court'?
- Article 129
- Article 145
- Article 131
- Article 143
Explanation: Article 143 authorizes the President to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on questions of law or fact that are of public importance.
The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its:
- Writ Jurisdiction
- Appellate Jurisdiction
- Original Jurisdiction
- Advisory Jurisdiction
Explanation: Article 131 of the Constitution deals with the Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, which includes disputes between the Government of India and one or more States.
The power of 'Curative Petition' was evolved by the Supreme Court in which case?
- Shayara Bano case
- Navtej Singh Johar case
- Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan
- Rupa Ashok Hurra v. Ashok Hurra
Explanation: In 2002, the SC evolved the 'Curative Petition' to prevent abuse of its process and to cure a gross miscarriage of justice after a review petition is dismissed.
Who among the following was the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India?
- Justice Ruma Pal
- Justice Fathima Beevi
- Justice Leila Seth
- Justice Indu Malhotra
Explanation: Justice M. Fathima Beevi was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1989, becoming the first woman to hold that office.
Who was the first Chief Justice of independent India?
- Sudhi Ranjan Das
- M. Patanjali Sastri
- H.J. Kania
- Mehr Chand Mahajan
Explanation: Sir Harilal Jekisundas Kania was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, serving from 1950 to 1951.
The 'Bar Council of India' is a:
- Executive Body
- NGO
- Statutory Body
- Constitutional Body
Explanation: The Bar Council of India is a statutory body established under the Advocates Act, 1961, to regulate legal practice and education.
Who can remove a member of the 'State Administrative Tribunal' (SAT)?
- The Chief Justice of High Court
- The President
- The State Legislature
- The Governor
Explanation: While SATs deal with State employees, its members are appointed and can be removed only by the President of India.
Under which Article can the Supreme Court transfer cases from one High Court to another?
- Article 139A
- Article 141
- Article 136
- Article 142
Explanation: Article 139A allows the Supreme Court to transfer cases to itself or from one High Court to another if they involve substantially the same questions of law.
In which case did the Supreme Court hold that 'Judicial Review' is a part of the Basic Structure?
- L. Chandra Kumar Case
- Minerva Mills Case
- Kesavananda Bharati Case
- All of the above
Explanation: While Kesavananda initiated Basic Structure, Minerva Mills (1980) and L. Chandra Kumar (1997) specifically reaffirmed that Judicial Review is an unamendable part of it.
Which Article provides that 'All authorities, civil and judicial, shall act in aid of the Supreme Court'?
- Article 142
- Article 144
- Article 141
- Article 145
Explanation: Article 144 mandates all civil and judicial authorities in India to support and assist the Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction.
What is the maximum number of judges (including CJI) currently allowed in the Supreme Court?
Explanation: The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 2019, increased the strength from 31 to 34 (1 CJI + 33 Judges).
The 'Circuit Benches' of the Supreme Court can be established by the CJI with the approval of:
- Cabinet Committee on Security
- The President
- The Parliament
- The Law Ministry
Explanation: Under Article 130, the SC shall sit in Delhi or in such other place as the CJI may, with the approval of the President, appoint.
The concept of 'Public Interest Litigation' (PIL) was introduced in India by:
- Justice M. Hidayatullah
- Justice P.N. Bhagwati
- Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer
- Both Justice Iyer and Bhagwati
Explanation: PIL was pioneered in the late 1970s and early 1980s by Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer and Justice P.N. Bhagwati, relaxing the traditional rule of 'Locus Standi'.
In which case did the SC rule that 'there can be no blanket immunity from judicial review for laws in the Ninth Schedule'?
- Minerva Mills Case
- Waman Rao Case
- Kishore Singh Case
- I.R. Coelho Case
Explanation: In I.R. Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu (2007), the SC ruled that any law added to the 9th Schedule after April 24, 1973, can be tested against the Basic Structure.
Under the 'Fast Track Courts' scheme, who is responsible for the appointment of judges?
- State Governments
- Supreme Court
- High Courts
- Central Government
Explanation: State Governments establish Fast Track Courts in consultation with the respective High Courts, which then appoint the judges (mostly retired or promoted).
Which writ is issued by a higher court to a lower court to quash its order?
- Certiorari
- Mandamus
- Prohibition
- Quo-Warranto
Explanation: Certiorari (to be certified) is issued to quash an order already passed by a lower court or tribunal on grounds of lack of jurisdiction or error of law.