Judiciary: Supreme Court & High Courtsन्यायपालिका: सर्वोच्च एवं उच्च न्यायालय

Question: The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its [UPSC 1996 · Q.26]
(a) advisory jurisdiction
(b) appellate jurisdiction
(c) original jurisdiction
(d) constitutional jurisdiction

Question: When the Chief Justice of a High Court acts in an administrative capacity, he is subject to [UPSC 1996 · Q.50]
(a) the writ jurisdiction of any of the other judges of the High Court
(b) special control exercised by the Chief Justice of India
(c) discretionary powers of the Governor of the state
(d) special powers provided to the Chief Minister in this regard

Question: According to the Constitution of India, the term ‘district judge’ shall not include [UPSC 1996 · Q.55]
(a) chief presidency magistrate
(b) sessions judge
(c) tribunal judge
(d) chief judge of a small cause court

Question: The concept of Public Interest Litigation originated in [UPSC 1997 · Q.54]
(a) the United Kingdom
(b) Australia
(c) the United States
(d) Canada

Question: Assertion (A): Willful disobedience or non-compliance of Court Orders and use of derogatory language about judicial behaviour amounts to Contempt of Court.
Reason (R): Judicial activism cannot be practised without arming the judiciary with punitive powers to punish contemptuous behaviour.
In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct? [UPSC 1997 · Q.88]
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true

Question: The Indian parliamentary system is different from the British parliamentary system in that India has [UPSC 1998 · Q.62]
(a) Both a real and a nominal executive
(b) A system of collective responsibility
(c) Bicameral legislature
(d) The system of judicial review

Question: Consider the following statements regarding the High Courts in India:
I. There are eighteen High Courts in the country.
II. Three of them have jurisdiction over more than one State.
III. No Union Territory has a High Court of its own.
IV. Judges of the High Court hold office till the age of 62.
Which of these statements is/are correct? [UPSC 2001 · Q.18]
(a) I, II and IV
(b) II and III
(c) I and IV
(d) IV only

Question: The Supreme Court of India tenders’ advice to the President on a matter of law or fact [UPSC 2001 · Q.69]
(a) on its own initiative
(b) only if he seeks such advice
(c) only if the matter relates to the Fundamental Rights of citizens
(d) only if the issue poses a threat to the unity and integrity of the country

Question: The salaries and allowances of the Judges of the High Court are charged on the [UPSC 2002 · Q.31]
(a) Consolidated Fund of India
(b) Consolidated Fund of the State
(c) Contingency Fund of India
(d) Contingency Fund of the State

Question: The power to enlarge the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India with respect to any matter included in the Union List of Legislative Powers rests with [UPSC 2003 · Q.9]
(a) The President of India
(b) The Chief Justice of India
(c) The Parliament
(d) The Union Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs

Question: Which one of the following High Courts has the territorial jurisdiction over Andaman and Nicobar Islands? [UPSC 2003 · Q.10]
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Calcutta
(c) Madras
(d) Orissa

Question: Under which Article of the Indian Constitution did the President make a reference to the Supreme Court to seek the Court’s opinion on the constitutional validity of the Election Commission’s decision on deferring the Gujarat Assembly elections (in the year 2002)? [UPSC 2003 · Q.11]
(a) Article 142
(b) Article 143
(c) Article 144
(d) Article 145

Question: Consider the following statements:
1. The highest criminal court of the district is the Court of District and Sessions Judge.
2. District Judge are appointed by the Governor in consultation with the High Courts.
3. A person to be eligible for appointment as a District Judge should be an advocate or a pleader of seven years' standing or more, or a member of a judicial service of the State.
4. When the Sessions Judge awards death sentence, it must be confirmed by the High Court before it is carried out.
Which of these statements given above are correct? [UPSC 2004 · Q.7]
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Question: Consider the following statements :
1. There are 25 High Courts in India
2. Punjab, Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh have a common High Court.
3. National Capital Territory of Delhi has a High Court of its own.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2005 · Q.3]
(a) 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 3 only

Question: Consider the following statements:
1. The Parliament cannot enlarge the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India as its jurisdiction is limited to that conferred by the Constitution.
2. The officers and servants of the Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed by the concerned Chief Justice and the administrative expenses are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2005 · Q.47]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question: Consider the following:
1. Disputes with mobile cellular companies
2. Motor accident cases
3. Pension cases
For which of the above are Lok Adalats held? [UPSC 2005 · Q.67]
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question: Assertion (A): In India, every State has a High Court in its territory.
Reason (R): The Constitution of India provides for a High Court in each State. [UPSC 2006 · Q.17]
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Question: Consider the following statements:
1. A person who has held office as a permanent Judge of a High Court cannot plead or act in any court or before any authority in India except the Supreme Court.
2. A person is not qualified for appointment as a Judge of a High Court in India unless he has for at least five years held a judicial office in the territory of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2006 · Q.55]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question: Who was the Chief Justice of India when public interest litigation (PIL) was introduced to the Indian Judicial System? [UPSC 2006 · Q.124]
(a) M. Hidayatullah
(b) A. M. Ahmadi
(c) A. S. Anand
(d) P. N. Bhagwati

Question: Consider the following statements:
1. The Judges (Inquiry) Bill, 2006 contemplates establishing a Judicial Council which will receive complaints against judges of the Supreme Court including the Chief Justice of India, High Court Chief Justices and Judges.
2. Under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, a woman can file a petition before a 1st Class Judicial Magistrate.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2007 · Q.42]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question: Consider the following statements:
1. The mode of removal of a Judge of a High Court in India is the same as that of removal of a Judge of the Supreme Court.
2. After retirement from office, a permanent Judge of a High Court cannot plead or act in any court or before any authority in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2007 · Q.43]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question: How many High Courts in India have jurisdiction over more than one State (Union Territories not included)? [UPSC 2008 · Q.27]
(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 4
(d) 5

Question: Consider the following statements:
1. Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer was the Chief Justice of India.
2. Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer is considered as one of the progenitors of public interest litigation (PIL) in the Indian judicial system.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2008 · Q.67]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question: Consider the following statements :
1. The Advocate General of a State in India is appointed by the President of India upon the recommendation of the Governor of the concerned State.
2. As provided in Civil Procedure Code, High Courts have original, appellate and advisory jurisdiction at the State level.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? [UPSC 2009 · Q.82]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question: With reference to Lok Adalats, consider the following statements :
1. An award made by a Lok Adalat is deemed to be a decree of a civil court and no appeal lies against thereto before any court.
2. Matrimonial/Family disputes are not covered under Lok Adalat.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? [UPSC 2009 · Q.84]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question: Consider the following statements:
The Supreme Court of India tenders advice to the President of India on matters of law or fact
1. On its own initiative (on any matter of larger public interest).
2. If he seeks such an advice.
3. Only if the matters relate to the Fundamental Rights of the citizens.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2010 · Q.10]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3
(d) 1 and 2

Question: With reference to Lok Adalats, which of the following statements is correct ? [UPSC 2010 · Q.12]
(a) Lok Adalats have the jurisdiction to settle the matters at pre-litigative stage and not those matters pending before any court
(b) Lok Adalats can deal with matters which are civil and not criminal in nature
(c) Every Lok Adalat consists of either serving or retired judicial officers only and not any other person
(d) None of the statements given above is correct

Question: Which of the following are included in the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?
1. A dispute between the Government of India and one or more States
2. A dispute regarding elections to either House of the Parliament or that of Legislature of a State
3. A dispute between the Government of India and a Union Territory
4. A dispute between two or more States
Select the correct answer using the codes given below : [UPSC 2012 · Q.10]
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 3 and 4

Question: What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court of India?
1. While appointing the Supreme Court Judges, the President of India has to consult the Chief Justice of India.
2. The Supreme Court Judges can be removed by the Chief Justice of India only.
3. The salaries of the Judges are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India to which the legislature does not have to vote.
4. All appointments of officers and staffs of the Supreme Court of India are made by the Government only after consulting the Chief Justice of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2012 · Q.60]
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Question: With reference to National Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements:
1. Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society on the basis of equal opportunity.
2. It issues guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the legal programmes and schemes throughout the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2013 · Q.71]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question: The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its [UPSC 2014 · Q.71]
(a) advisory jurisdiction
(b) appellate jurisdiction
(c) original jurisdiction
(d) writ jurisdiction

Question: The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in [UPSC 2014 · Q.75]
(a) the President of India
(b) the Parliament
(c) the Chief Justice of India
(d) the Law Commission

Question: Who/Which of the following is the custodian of the Constitution of India? [UPSC 2015 · Q.61]
(a) The President of India
(b) The Prime Minister of India
(c) The Lok Sabha Secretariat
(d) The Supreme Court of India

Question: With reference to the 'Gram Nyayalaya Act', which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. As per the Act, Gram Nyayalayas can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases.
2. The Act allows local social activists as mediators/reconciliators.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. [UPSC 2016 · Q.40]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question: In India, Judicial Review implies [UPSC 2017 · Q.92]
(a) the power of the Judiciary to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders.
(b) the power of the Judiciary to question the wisdom of the laws enacted by the Legislatures.
(c) the power of the Judiciary to review all the legislative enactments before they are assented to by the President.
(d) the power of the Judiciary to review its own judgements given earlier in similar or different cases.

Question: Consider the following statements :
1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
2. The Constitution of India defines and gives details of what constitutes ‘incapacity and proved misbehaviour’ of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
3. The details of the process of impeachment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India are given in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
4. If the motion for the impeachment of a Judge is taken up for voting, the law requires the motion to be backed by each House of the Parliament and supported by a majority of total membership of that House and by not less than two-thirds of total members of that House present and voting.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2019 · Q.46]
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4

Question: With reference to the Constitution of India, prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142. It could mean which one of the following? [UPSC 2019 · Q.52]
(a) The decisions taken by the Election Commission of India while discharging its duties cannot be challenged in any court of law.
(b) The Supreme Court of India is not constrained in the exercise of its powers by laws made by the Parliament.
(c) In the event of grave financial crisis in the country, the President of India can declare Financial Emergency without the counsel from the Cabinet.
(d) State Legislatures cannot make laws on certain matters without the concurrence of Union Legislature.

Question: With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements :
1. No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to be constitutionally invalid.
2. An amendment to the Constitution of India cannot be called into question by the Supreme Court of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2019 · Q.81]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question: With reference to India, consider the following statements :
1. Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such accused is locked up in police station, not in jail.
2. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2021 · Q.82]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question: With reference to India, consider the following statements :
1. When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right.
2. State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2021 · Q.83]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question: With reference to Indian judiciary, consider the following statements :
1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with prior permission of the President of India.
2. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2021 · Q.88]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question: Consider the following statements :
1. Pursuant to the report of H.N. Sanyal Committee, the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was passed.
2. The Constitution of India empowers the Supreme Court and the High Courts to punish for contempt of themselves.
3. The Constitution of India defines Civil Contempt and Criminal Contempt.
4. In India, the Parliament is vested with the powers to make laws on Contempt of Court.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? [UPSC 2022 · Q.11]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 3 only

Question: With reference to India, consider the following statements :
1. Government law officers and legal firms are recognised as advocates, but corporate lawyers and patent attorneys are excluded from recognition as advocates.
2. Bar Councils have the power to lay down the rules relating to legal education and recognition of law colleges.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? [UPSC 2022 · Q.12]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question: With reference to the writs issued by the Courts in India, consider the following statements :
1. Mandamus will not lie against a private organisation unless it is entrusted with a public duty.
2. Mandamus will not lie against a Company even though it may be a Government Company.
3. Any public minded person can be a petitioner to move the Court to obtain the writ of Quo Warranto.
Which of the statements given above are correct ? [UPSC 2022 · Q.18]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question: A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to : [UPSC 2024 · Q.83]
(a) a government officer prohibiting him from taking a particular action.
(b) the Parliament/Legislative Assembly to pass a law on Prohibition.
(c) the lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case.
(d) the Government prohibiting it from following an unconstitutional policy.

Question: Which of the following statements about a Zero First Information Report (Zero FIR) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 is/are correct ?
1. A Zero FIR can be lodged at a police station, even though the place of commission of a cognizable/non-cognizable offence is outside the territorial jurisdiction of that police station.
2. The Officer-in-Charge of the police station where a Zero FIR has been lodged may, with the permission of the competent authority, initiate a preliminary enquiry.
3. Under Zero FIR, it is obligatory for the informant to furnish information electronically.
Select the answer using the code given below : [UPSC 2026 · Q.87]
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 2 only