The Judiciary of India

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Questions and Answers

What is the highest court of appeal in India?

High Court

Subordinate Court

Supreme Court (correct)

District Court

What is a requirement for someone to become a judge of the Supreme Court?

Must have served as a judge in the District Court

Must be a citizen of India (correct)

Must have a law degree from an international university

Must be a lawyer for at least 15 years

Which statement correctly describes the composition of the Supreme Court?

It consists of the Chief Justice and an unlimited number of judges

It consists of the Chief Justice and a maximum of 20 judges

It consists of only 10 judges

It consists of the Chief Justice and not more than 25 judges (correct)

At what age does a judge of the Supreme Court retire?

65 years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following powers is NOT a function of the Supreme Court?

Legislative powers Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for appointing judges to the Supreme Court?

The President of India Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following is NOT a criterion to qualify as a judge of the Supreme Court?

Must hold a graduate degree in law Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstance can a judge of the Supreme Court be removed?

For proven misbehaviour or incapacity Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

Disputes between the Centre and States. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario can an appeal be made to the Supreme Court concerning civil cases?

When the High Court certifies a substantial question of law. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

It allows the President to seek opinions on questions of law. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Supreme Court’s role as a court of record entail?

Its judgments are authoritative and recorded for future reference. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following writs can the Supreme Court issue to protect Fundamental Rights?

Mandamus Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes contempt of court as per the powers of the Supreme Court?

Criticizing a judgment or refusing to abide by court decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can the Supreme Court review a judgment it has made?

If new evidence or facts arise. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a crime to be appealed in the Supreme Court?

A final order or judgement by a High Court must exist. Signup and view all the answers

What power does the High Court have concerning cases in Subordinate Courts involving substantial questions of law?

It can withdraw the case and decide the issue or send it back for conformity. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the High Court designated as a Court of Record?

Its decisions are binding and hold evidentiary value. Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest court in a district?

District Judge Court Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Gram Nyayalayas?

To provide inexpensive justice at the doorstep of rural communities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a power of the High Court regarding judgments from lower courts?

The power to modify decisions of the Supreme Court. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Lok Adalats is accurate?

They focus on disputes through conciliation and compromise. Signup and view all the answers

What type of cases do Gram Nyayalayas handle?

Both criminal and civil cases with modifications. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of Subordinate Courts?

They function under the supervision of the concerned High Court. Signup and view all the answers

What does original jurisdiction of the High Court refer to?

Cases that can be directly filed in the High Court Signup and view all the answers

In which case can an appeal be filed against a Sessions Judge's decision?

If the accused has been sentenced for 7 years or more Signup and view all the answers

Which jurisdiction allows the High Court to supervise lower courts and tribunals?

Supervisory jurisdiction Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to appoint officers and staff of the High Court?

The Chief Justice or authorized Judge Signup and view all the answers

What happens to capital punishment given by a Sessions Judge?

It cannot be carried out until confirmed by the High Court Signup and view all the answers

Under Article 229, who controls the administrative expenses of the High Court?

The Consolidated Fund of the State Signup and view all the answers

Which jurisdiction enables the High Court to call for returns from lower courts?

Supervisory jurisdiction Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of the High Court's supervisory jurisdiction?

It cannot oversee military courts Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary role of the Supreme Court of India?

Serve as the guardian of the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What power does the Supreme Court possess concerning laws passed by Parliament?

The power to decide their constitutionality Signup and view all the answers

Who appoints the judges of a High Court in India?

The President of India Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum requirement for a person to be appointed as a High Court judge?

Have held an office in India for at least ten years Signup and view all the answers

At what age does a judge of a High Court retire?

65 years Signup and view all the answers

What grounds can the President use to remove a High Court judge?

Proved misbehaviour or incapacity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Public Interest Litigation (PIL)?

Anyone can file for general public interest, regardless of involvement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the composition of the High Court is correct?

The High Court can have additional judges appointed temporarily Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Judiciary

The Indian judiciary comprises the Supreme Court, High Courts, and Subordinate Courts.
The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal, the High Court acts as the intermediary, and the Subordinate Courts are the lowest level.

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is composed of the Chief Justice of India and a maximum of 25 other judges.
The President of India appoints all Supreme Court justices, consulting with the Chief Justice of India and other judges as deemed necessary.
To be a Supreme Court Justice, an individual must be a citizen of India, have served as a High Court judge for at least five years, or have been an advocate of a High Court for at least ten years.
Supreme Court Justices retire at age 65 but can resign earlier.
They can be removed from office only through impeachment proceedings based on "proved misbehaviour" or "incapacity."

Supreme Court Jurisdiction

Original Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court directly hears disputes between the Central Government and state governments, or between states.
Appellate Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court hears appeals on constitutional interpretations, civil cases, and criminal cases.
Advisory Jurisdiction: The President can seek the Supreme Court's opinion on legal or factual matters related to the Constitution, but the Court's opinion isn't legally binding.
Court of Record: Supreme Court decisions have significant evidentiary value and serve as precedents for future cases.
Writs: The Supreme Court can issue writs like habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari to protect fundamental rights.
Contempt of Court: The Court punishes individuals for disrespect or defiance of its authority.
Review of Judgments: The Supreme Court can review its past decisions if new evidence arises or errors are identified.
Guardian of the Constitution: The Supreme Court is the final interpreter of the Constitution.
Judicial Review: The Court determines the constitutionality of laws passed by Parliament or state legislatures and executive decisions.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL): Citizens can file lawsuits on behalf of the public interest even without direct involvement in the case.

The High Court

Each Indian state has a designated High Court, with some Courts serving multiple states.
The High Court consists of a Chief Justice and other judges.
The President appoints High Court judges after consulting with the Chief Justice of India and the state's Governor.
High Court judges have similar qualifications and tenure as Supreme Court justices.
They can also be removed by the President in similar circumstances.

High Court Jurisdiction

Original Jurisdiction: The High Court directly hears certain cases.
Appellate Jurisdiction: The High Court hears appeals from lower courts in both civil and criminal cases.
Supervisory Jurisdiction: The High Court oversees the functioning of lower courts and tribunals within its state.
Administrative Jurisdiction: The High Court manages its own administrative affairs, including staffing.
Transfer Cases from Subordinate Courts: The High Court can transfer cases involving constitutional issues to itself, ensuring consistency in interpretation.
Court of Record: High Court decisions are binding on lower courts within the state.
Miscellaneous Powers: The High Court can examine lower court decisions and punish contempt of court.

Subordinate Courts

These courts are located at the district level and supervised by the High Court
They include various levels like District Courts, Courts of Assistant Judges, Sub-Judges, and Munsifs.

Panchayat Courts (Gram Nyayalayas)

The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008, established Village Courts, one for each intermediate-level panchayat (local government) or group of contiguous panchayats.
Their aim is to provide affordable justice to rural communities.
They have jurisdiction over both civil and criminal cases, but with some modifications.

Lok Adalats

Lok Adalats are people's courts that settle disputes through mediation and compromises.

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Description

This quiz covers the structure and functions of the Indian judiciary, focusing on the Supreme Court, High Courts, and Subordinate Courts. You will learn about the composition of the Supreme Court, the qualifications for justices, and its original jurisdiction. Test your knowledge on the judiciary system of India!