Judiciary and Judicial System (Prelims PYQs)
Explore Previous Year Questions (PYQs) on Judiciary and Judicial System for UPSC Prelims from 1995–2024. .
2024 Prelims PYQs
1] A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to: [2024]
a) A government officer prohibiting him from taking a particular action.
b) The Parliament or 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.
Ans: c) The lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case.
2023 Prelims PYQs
UPSC did not ask questions from this sub-topic of Judiciary and Judicial System in 2023. For more PYQs, refer to sources like upsc.gov.in, mrunal.org, or Arihant books.
2022 Prelims PYQs
1] Consider the following statements: [2022]
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?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2 and 4
c) 3 and 4 only
d) 3 only
Ans: b) 1, 2 and 4
2] With reference to the writs issued by the Courts in India, consider the following statements: [2022]
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 is correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: c) 1 and 3 only
3] With reference to India, consider the following statements: [2022]
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?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: b) 2 only
2021 Prelims PYQs
1] With reference to Indian judiciary, consider the following statements: [2021]
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?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: a) 1 only
2020 Prelims PYQs
UPSC did not ask questions from this sub-topic of Judiciary and Judicial System in 2020. For more PYQs, refer to sources like upsc.gov.in, mrunal.org, or Arihant books.
2019 Prelims PYQs
1] Consider the following statements: [2019]
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 or 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?
a) 1 and 2
b) 3 only
c) 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 3 and 4
Ans: c) 3 and 4 only
2] 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? [2019]
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 the laws made by 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.
Ans: b) The Supreme Court of India is not constrained in the exercise of its powers by the laws made by Parliament.
3] With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: [2019]
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?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: d) Neither 1 nor 2
2018–2017 Prelims PYQs
UPSC did not ask questions from this sub-topic of Judiciary and Judicial System in 2018 or 2017. For more PYQs, refer to sources like upsc.gov.in, mrunal.org, or Arihant books.
2016 Prelims PYQs
1] With reference to the ‘Gram Nyayalaya Act’, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2016]
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/conciliators.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: b) 2 only
2015 Prelims PYQs
1] Who/Which of the following is the Custodian of the Constitution of India? [2015]
a) The President of India
b) The Prime Minister of India
c) The Lok Sabha Secretariat
d) The Supreme Court of India
Ans: d) The Supreme Court of India
2014 Prelims PYQs
1] The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its: [2014]
a) Advisory jurisdiction
b) Appellate jurisdiction
c) Original jurisdiction
d) Writ jurisdiction
Ans: c) Original jurisdiction
2] The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in: [2014]
a) The President of India
b) The Parliament
c) The Chief Justice of India
d) The Law Commission
Ans: b) The Parliament
2013 Prelims PYQs
UPSC did not ask questions from this sub-topic of Judiciary and Judicial System in 2013. For more PYQs, refer to sources like upsc.gov.in, mrunal.org, or Arihant books.
2012 Prelims PYQs
1] What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court of India? [2012]
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 the Government only after consulting the Chief Justice of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 & 3 Only
b) 3 & 4 Only
c) 4 Only
d) 1, 2, 3 & 4
Ans: a) 1 & 3 Only
2] Which of the following are included in the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court? [2012]
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:
a) 1 & 2
b) 2 & 3
c) 1 & 4
d) 3 & 4
Ans: c) 1 & 4
2011 Prelims PYQs
UPSC did not ask questions from this sub-topic of Judiciary and Judicial System in 2011. For more PYQs, refer to sources like upsc.gov.in, mrunal.org, or Arihant books.
2010 Prelims PYQs
1] Consider the following statements: [2010]
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?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 3
d) 1 and 2
Ans: b) 2 only
2] With reference to the Lok Adalats, which of the following statements is correct? [2010]
a) Lok Adalats have the jurisdiction to settle the matters at pre-litigation 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 Adalats consists of either serving or retired judicial officers only and not any other person.
d) None of the statements given above is correct.
Ans: d) None of the statements given above is correct.
2009 Prelims PYQs
1] Consider the following statements: [2009]
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 above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: d) Neither 1 nor 2
2] With reference to Lok Adalats, consider the following statements: [2009]
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?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: a) 1 only
2008 Prelims PYQs
1] Consider the following statements: [2008]
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?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: b) 2 only
2] How many High Courts in India have jurisdiction over more than one State (Union Territories not included)? [2008]
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5
Ans: b) 3
2007 Prelims PYQs
1] Consider the following statements: [2007]
1. The mode of removal of a Judge of a High Court in India is same as that of removal of a Judge of the Supreme Court.
2. After retirement from the 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?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: a) 1 only
2006 Prelims PYQs
1] 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. [2006]
a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false
d) A is false but R is true
Ans: d) A is false but R is true
2] Consider the following statements: [2006]
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?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: d) Neither 1 nor 2
3] Who was the Chief Justice of India when public interest litigation (PIL) was introduced to the Indian Judicial System? [2006]
a) M. Hidayatullah
b) A.M. Ahmadi
c) A.S. Anand
d) P.N. Bhagwati
Ans: d) P.N. Bhagwati
2005 Prelims PYQs
1] Consider the following statements: [2005]
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 is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: d) Neither 1 nor 2
2] Consider the following statements: [2005]
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 above statements is/are correct?
a) 2 and 3
b) 1 and 2
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) 3 only
Ans: a) 2 and 3
3] Consider the following: [2005]
1. Disputes with mobile cellular companies.
2. Motor accident cases
3. Pension cases
For which of the above are Lok Adalats held?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: d) 1, 2 and 3
2004 Prelims PYQs
1] Consider the following statements: [2004]
1. The highest criminal court of the district is the Court of District and Sessions Judge.
2. The District Judges are appointed by the Governor in consultation with the High Court.
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 an officer in judicial service of the Union or the State.
4. When the Sessions Judge awards a death sentence, it must be confirmed by the High Court before it is carried out.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2, 3 and 4
c) 3 and 4
d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Ans: d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
2003 Prelims PYQs
1] 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: [2003]
a) The President of India
b) The Chief Justice of India
c) The Parliament
d) The Union Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs
Ans: c) The Parliament
2] Which one of the following High Courts has the Territorial Jurisdiction over Andaman and Nicobar Islands? [2003]
a) Andhra Pradesh
b) Calcutta
c) Madras
d) Orissa
Ans: b) Calcutta
2002 Prelims PYQs
1] The salaries and allowances of the Judges of the High Court are charged to the: [2002]
a) Consolidated Fund of India
b) Consolidated Fund of the State
c) Contingency Fund of India
d) Contingency Fund of the State
Ans: b) Consolidated Fund of the State
2001 Prelims PYQs
1] Consider the following statements regarding the High Courts in India: [2001]
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?
a) II and IV
b) II and III
c) I and IV
d) IV only
Ans: a) II and IV
2] The Supreme Court of India tenders advice to the President on a matter of law or fact: [2001]
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
Ans: b) Only if he seeks such advice
2000–1998 Prelims PYQs
UPSC did not ask questions from this sub-topic of Judiciary and Judicial System in 2000, 1999, or 1998. For more PYQs, refer to sources like upsc.gov.in, mrunal.org, or Arihant books.
1997 Prelims PYQs
1] The concept of Public Interest Litigation originated in: [1997]
a) The United Kingdom
b) Australia
c) The United States
d) Canada
Ans: c) The United States
2] Assertion (A): Willful disobedience or noncompliance of Court Orders and use of derogatory language about judicial behaviour amounts to Contempt of Court. [1997]
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?
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
Ans: b) Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
1996 Prelims PYQs
1] The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its: [1996]
a) Advisory jurisdiction
b) Appellate jurisdiction
c) Original jurisdiction
d) Constitutional jurisdiction
Ans: c) Original jurisdiction
2] When the Chief Justice of a High Court acts in an administrative capacity, he is subject to: [1996]
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
Ans: a) The writ jurisdiction of any of the other judges of the High Court
3] According to the Constitution of India, the term ‘district judge’ shall not include: [1996]
a) Chief presidency magistrate
b) Sessions judge
c) Tribunal judge
d) Chief judge of a small cause court
Ans: c) Tribunal judge
Detailed PYQ Analysis for Judiciary and Judicial System
The Previous Year Questions (PYQs) on Judiciary and Judicial System for UPSC Prelims from 1995 to 2024 provide critical insights into the types of questions asked, their frequency, and the key areas aspirants should focus on. Below is a detailed analysis to guide UPSC aspirants in their preparation:
1. Key Themes and Topics
The PYQs cover several recurring themes within the Judiciary and Judicial System sub-topic, reflecting the UPSC’s focus on testing conceptual clarity and constitutional knowledge. The major areas include:
- Constitutional Provisions and Jurisdiction: Questions frequently test the powers, jurisdiction, and roles of the Supreme Court and High Courts. Examples include:
- Original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court (1996, 2012, 2014).
- Advisory jurisdiction and the Supreme Court’s role in advising the President (2001, 2010).
- Power to enlarge the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction (2003, 2005) and increase the number of judges (2014).
- High Court jurisdiction, including territorial jurisdiction (2001, 2003, 2008) and writ jurisdiction (1996).
- Writs and Their Application: Writs are a high-priority area, with questions testing their scope and applicability:
- Writ of Prohibition (2024).
- Mandamus and Quo Warranto (2022).
- Contempt of Court: Questions on contempt powers and related legislation, such as the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, are common (1997, 2022).
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL): The origin and pioneers of PIL, like Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer and P.N. Bhagwati, are tested (1997, 2006, 2008).
- Lok Adalats and Alternative Dispute Resolution: Questions on the role and jurisdiction of Lok Adalats appear regularly (2005, 2009, 2010, 2016).
- Judicial Appointments and Removal: Topics like the impeachment process (2019), appointment of judges (2004, 2006, 2012), and eligibility criteria (2006, 2009) are frequently asked.
- Judicial Autonomy and Administration: Questions cover safeguards for judicial independence (2012), administrative roles of Chief Justices (1996), and funding of judicial salaries (2002, 2012).
- Role of the Supreme Court as Custodian of the Constitution: Its role in upholding constitutional validity is tested (2015, 2019).
- Gram Nyayalayas and District Courts: Questions on their roles and functions, such as the Gram Nyayalaya Act (2016) and District Judges (1996, 2004), are also included.
2. Question Types and Patterns
The PYQs exhibit distinct patterns that aspirants should note:
- Multi-Statement Questions: A significant portion of questions (e.g., 2004, 2005, 2008, 2019, 2022) provide multiple statements, requiring candidates to evaluate their correctness. These questions test both factual accuracy and the ability to discern nuanced details.
- Assertion-Reason Questions: Questions like those in 1997 and 2006 test logical reasoning by asking candidates to evaluate the relationship between an assertion and its reason.
- Direct Conceptual Questions: Questions like those in 1996, 2003, 2014, and 2024 focus on specific constitutional provisions or legal concepts, requiring precise knowledge.
- Historical and Institutional Questions: Questions on PIL’s origin (1997) or the introduction of PIL by Chief Justices (2006, 2008) test historical milestones in the Indian judiciary.
- Negative Marking Traps: Many questions include partially correct options (e.g., 2005, 2019), testing the candidate’s ability to avoid traps by selecting only fully correct answers.
3. Frequency and Distribution
The distribution of questions over the years shows variability:
- High-Frequency Years: Years like 2005 (3 questions), 2006 (3 questions), 2019 (3 questions), and 2022 (3 questions) had multiple questions, indicating a strong focus on the judiciary in those exams.
- Low-Frequency Years: No questions were asked in 1998–2000, 2011, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2023, suggesting periodic gaps in coverage.
- Recent Trends: Recent years (2019–2024) show a renewed focus on writs (2022, 2024), contempt of court (2022), and judicial powers under Article 142 (2019), indicating evolving priorities.
4. Difficulty Level
The difficulty level varies:
- Easy: Questions like 2015 (Custodian of the Constitution) and 2003 (Calcutta High Court’s jurisdiction) are straightforward, testing basic constitutional knowledge.
- Moderate: Questions like 2012 (original jurisdiction) and 2022 (writs) require understanding specific constitutional articles and their application.
- Difficult: Multi-statement questions (e.g., 2019, 2022) and assertion-reason questions (1997, 2006) demand deeper analysis and elimination of incorrect options.
5. Preparation Strategy
To excel in this sub-topic, aspirants should adopt the following approach:
- Focus on Constitutional Articles:
- Supreme Court: Articles 124–147 (establishment, powers, jurisdiction, appointment, and removal of judges).
- High Courts: Articles 214–231 (structure, jurisdiction, and appointment).
- Writs: Article 32 (Supreme Court) and Article 226 (High Courts) for types and scope of writs.
- Contempt of Court: Article 129 (Supreme Court) and Article 215 (High Courts).
- Study Key Legislations:
- Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 (e.g., 2022).
- Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 (e.g., 2019).
- Gram Nyayalaya Act, 2005 (e.g., 2016).
- Understand Judicial Processes:
- Impeachment process for judges (2019).
- Role and functioning of Lok Adalats (2005, 2009, 2010).
- PIL and its evolution in India (1997, 2006, 2008).
- Landmark Cases:
- PIL cases like Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (Justice Bhagwati’s contribution).
- Judicial review cases like Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala for understanding the Supreme Court’s powers.
- Practice PYQs: Solve the above questions multiple times to identify patterns and improve accuracy. Focus on multi-statement and assertion-reason questions to enhance analytical skills.
- Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to simulate exam conditions and improve time management. Use platforms like UPSC Pathfinder Mock Tests for practice.
- Refer to Standard Sources:
- Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth for constitutional provisions.
- Official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) for past papers.
- Resources like mrunal.org and Arihant’s UPSC Prelims Solved Papers for additional PYQs.
- Revision Notes: Create concise notes on key articles, writs, and landmark cases for quick revision before the exam.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking Nuances: Questions often include tricky options (e.g., 2019, 2022) where partial correctness can lead to errors. Read each statement carefully.
- Neglecting Historical Context: Questions on PIL (1997, 2006) or judicial pioneers require knowledge of legal history.
- Ignoring Recent Developments: Stay updated on recent judicial reforms or landmark judgments, as UPSC may test contemporary issues.
- Rushing Through Multi-Statement Questions: Take time to evaluate each statement independently to avoid falling for distractors.
7. Expected Trends for Future Exams
Based on recent PYQs (2019–2024), UPSC may continue to focus on:
- Writs and their practical applications (e.g., 2022, 2024).
- Judicial powers under Article 142 and judicial review (2019).
- Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms like Lok Adalats and Gram Nyayalayas.
- Contemporary issues, such as judicial reforms or significant Supreme Court rulings.
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