Unit 3: The Judiciary - Practice Quiz

POL118 — Constitutional Government And Democracy In India 60 Questions
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1 Which is the highest court in India?

Supreme Court Easy
A. Gram Nyayalaya
B. Supreme Court
C. District Court
D. High Court

2 Where is the Supreme Court of India located?

Supreme Court Easy
A. Mumbai
B. Chennai
C. Kolkata
D. New Delhi

3 Who appoints the judges of the Supreme Court of India?

Supreme Court Easy
A. The Parliament of India
B. The Chief Justice of India
C. The President of India
D. The Prime Minister of India

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

Supreme Court Easy
A. 60 years
B. 65 years
C. 70 years
D. 62 years

5 Who is the head of the Supreme Court of India?

Supreme Court Easy
A. Chief Justice of India
B. Attorney General of India
C. Solicitor General of India
D. Law Minister of India

6 Which is the highest court in a state?

High Court Easy
A. District Court
B. Supreme Court
C. High Court
D. Session Court

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

High Court Easy
A. 65 years
B. 62 years
C. 68 years
D. 60 years

8 Who appoints the judges of a High Court?

High Court Easy
A. The State Legislature
B. The President of India
C. The Governor alone
D. The Chief Minister alone

9 A High Court may have jurisdiction over which area?

High Court Easy
A. One or more states
B. Only one village
C. Only one district
D. Only the whole country

10 Which court supervises the courts under its jurisdiction in a state?

High Court Easy
A. Lok Sabha
B. Election Commission
C. High Court
D. Supreme Court

11 What type of judicial system does India have?

Structure and composition of judiciary in India Easy
A. A party-based judicial system
B. An integrated judicial system
C. A military judicial system
D. A completely separate system

12 Which court is at the top of India's integrated judicial system?

Structure and composition of judiciary in India Easy
A. District Court
B. Supreme Court
C. Civil Court
D. High Court

13 Which courts generally function below the High Courts?

Structure and composition of judiciary in India Easy
A. Military tribunals
B. Foreign courts
C. Subordinate courts
D. International courts

14 Which constitutional body is responsible for interpreting the Constitution at the national level?

Structure and composition of judiciary in India Easy
A. Election Commission
B. Union Cabinet
C. Supreme Court
D. Parliament Secretariat

15 Judicial independence means that judges should be free from:

Structure and composition of judiciary in India Easy
A. Constitutional duties
B. Legal principles
C. Court procedures
D. Political pressure

16 What is the power of a court to examine whether a law is constitutional called?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Easy
A. Judicial election
B. Judicial review
C. Judicial promotion
D. Judicial transfer

17 Which jurisdiction allows the Supreme Court to hear certain disputes between governments?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Easy
A. Local jurisdiction
B. Revenue jurisdiction
C. Advisory jurisdiction
D. Original jurisdiction

18 The Supreme Court can give advice to the President under which jurisdiction?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Easy
A. Advisory jurisdiction
B. Territorial jurisdiction
C. Original jurisdiction
D. Appellate jurisdiction

19 The Supreme Court hears appeals from lower courts under which jurisdiction?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Easy
A. Appellate jurisdiction
B. Administrative jurisdiction
C. Advisory jurisdiction
D. Original jurisdiction

20 Which writ may be issued to produce a person who has been unlawfully detained?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Easy
A. Prohibition
B. Mandamus
C. Habeas corpus
D. Certiorari

21 A citizen claims that a law violates a Fundamental Right. Which constitutional remedy can the citizen directly seek from the Supreme Court?

Supreme Court Medium
A. A writ under Article 226
B. A reference under Article 123
C. A review under Article 368
D. A writ under Article 32

22 A High Court receives a petition concerning a legal right that is not a Fundamental Right. Which power allows it to consider the petition?

High Court Medium
A. Its original jurisdiction under Article 131
B. Its advisory jurisdiction under Article 143
C. Its writ jurisdiction under Article 226
D. Its appellate jurisdiction under Article 136

23 Which arrangement best describes the judicial structure in India?

Structure and composition of judiciary in India Medium
A. Independent courts operating without appellate links
B. Separate federal and state court systems
C. A unified system with the Supreme Court at its apex
D. A parliamentary system without constitutional courts

24 The Union and a State disagree about the constitutional distribution of legislative powers. Which jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is most relevant?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Medium
A. Original jurisdiction
B. Curative jurisdiction
C. Review jurisdiction
D. Advisory jurisdiction

25 The Supreme Court declares that a statutory provision is unconstitutional. What is the direct basis of this action?

Supreme Court Medium
A. Parliamentary privilege
B. Judicial appointment
C. Executive supervision
D. Judicial review

26 A subordinate court refuses to perform a legally required duty. Which writ may the High Court issue to command it to act?

High Court Medium
A. Habeas corpus
B. Certiorari
C. Quo warranto
D. Mandamus

27 Why is the independence of the judiciary important in a constitutional democracy?

Structure and composition of judiciary in India Medium
A. It allows judges to make all public policies
B. It places courts above the Constitution
C. It removes the need for legislative debate
D. It protects constitutional limits on government power

28 The President seeks the Supreme Court's opinion on an important question of law or fact. Which jurisdiction is involved?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Medium
A. Appellate jurisdiction
B. Advisory jurisdiction
C. Writ jurisdiction
D. Original jurisdiction

29 A person is unlawfully detained by a private individual. Which remedy is most directly suited to challenge the detention?

Supreme Court Medium
A. Mandamus
B. Quo warranto
C. Habeas corpus
D. Prohibition

30 A High Court concludes that a subordinate court is hearing a case beyond its legal authority. Which writ can restrain that proceeding?

High Court Medium
A. Habeas corpus
B. Quo warranto
C. Prohibition
D. Mandamus

31 Which feature most clearly distinguishes the Indian judiciary from a system in which federal and state courts are completely separate?

Structure and composition of judiciary in India Medium
A. A common hierarchical judicial structure
B. Independent appointment of every local judge
C. Exclusive state control over constitutional cases
D. Different constitutions for each court system

32 A case involving an important constitutional question is transferred from one High Court to another by the Supreme Court. Which power is being exercised?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Medium
A. Power to transfer cases
B. Power to appoint governors
C. Power to amend the Constitution
D. Power to issue advisory opinions

33 A party argues that the Supreme Court misunderstood an important legal issue in its judgment. Which remedy may initially be sought before the same Court?

Supreme Court Medium
A. A confidence motion
B. A review petition
C. A money bill
D. A constitutional amendment

34 A public official occupies a statutory office but does not satisfy the legal qualifications for that office. Which writ may challenge the person's authority to continue?

High Court Medium
A. Habeas corpus
B. Quo warranto
C. Mandamus
D. Prohibition

35 Which safeguard makes removal of a Supreme Court judge difficult and helps protect judicial independence?

Structure and composition of judiciary in India Medium
A. Removal by the Chief Justice alone
B. Removal by the Union Cabinet alone
C. Removal through an annual public vote
D. Removal through a special parliamentary process

36 A Supreme Court judgment lays down a legal principle that lower courts must follow in later similar cases. Which constitutional provision supports this effect?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Medium
A. Article 280
B. Article 148
C. Article 141
D. Article 324

37 An appeal is filed against a decision of a tribunal, even though no specific statutory appeal is available. Which Supreme Court power may permit consideration of the case?

Supreme Court Medium
A. Constitution-making jurisdiction
B. Special leave jurisdiction
C. Advisory jurisdiction
D. Exclusive original jurisdiction

38 A High Court supervises subordinate courts in its territory and requests information about their proceedings. Which constitutional power does this illustrate?

High Court Medium
A. Exclusive control over Parliament
B. Advisory control over the President
C. Original control over inter-State disputes
D. Superintendence over subordinate courts

39 A dispute arises over whether a state law conflicts with a parliamentary law on a subject in the Concurrent List. Which institution provides the authoritative judicial resolution?

Structure and composition of judiciary in India Medium
A. The Finance Commission
B. The Inter-State Council alone
C. The Election Commission
D. The constitutional courts

40 The Supreme Court orders that a victim of unlawful state action receive compensation under its writ jurisdiction. What does this demonstrate?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Medium
A. Fundamental Rights apply only to private disputes
B. The Supreme Court exercises unlimited financial authority
C. Constitutional remedies can include effective relief
D. Courts can replace every legislative policy

41 A State government challenges a Union notification, claiming that it violates the State's constitutional powers. The Union argues that the notification is only an administrative instruction and creates no legal dispute. Which consideration is most relevant to determining whether the Supreme Court may exercise original jurisdiction under Article 131?

Supreme Court Hard
A. Whether the dispute involves a question of public importance
B. Whether the dispute concerns a legal right of the parties
C. Whether the notification was issued by the President
D. Whether the State first approached its High Court

42 A petitioner directly approaches the Supreme Court under Article 32 alleging violation of a fundamental right, but the alleged violation has already ceased and no continuing injury is shown. Which conclusion is most constitutionally appropriate?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Hard
A. The petition must be transferred to the concerned High Court
B. The petition is automatically maintainable because Article 32 is itself fundamental
C. The Court may decline relief if no live constitutional injury remains
D. The Court can hear it only after Parliament grants special permission

43 A litigant seeks special leave to appeal under Article 136 from an order of a statutory tribunal. The opposing party argues that no appeal lies because the tribunal is not a regular court. Which statement is correct?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Hard
A. Article 136 excludes tribunals exercising judicial functions
B. Article 136 gives the Supreme Court discretionary power over tribunals
C. Article 136 applies only when a fundamental right is violated
D. Article 136 applies only to judgments of constitutional courts

44 A Supreme Court judgment contains a broad observation unnecessary for deciding the dispute. A later bench is asked to treat that observation as binding law under Article 141. What is the strongest objection?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Hard
A. Only statutes can bind later Supreme Court benches
B. Article 141 applies only to constitutional matters
C. Only the ratio necessary for the decision binds under Article 141
D. Article 141 binds only decisions delivered unanimously

45 A lower court faces an exceptional situation in which strict application of an otherwise valid procedural rule would produce serious injustice, and no ordinary remedy is adequate. Which constitutional power most directly enables the Supreme Court to fashion an appropriate remedy?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Hard
A. Its power to do complete justice under Article 142
B. Its power to review judgments under Article 137
C. Its power to issue writs under Article 32
D. Its power to decide disputes under Article 131

46 A five-judge Constitution Bench is asked to reconsider a legal rule declared by a seven-judge Bench. Which institutional principle creates the principal obstacle?

Supreme Court Hard
A. A smaller bench cannot overrule a larger bench
B. A Constitution Bench cannot reconsider constitutional questions
C. Only Parliament can alter a Supreme Court precedent
D. A precedent becomes unchangeable after one year

47 The President refers a question under Article 143 concerning a politically sensitive constitutional issue. The Supreme Court concludes that answering would be inappropriate in the circumstances. Which statement best describes the position?

Supreme Court Hard
A. The President's reference automatically becomes a binding judgment
B. The Court may decline to express an advisory opinion
C. The Court must answer every question referred by the President
D. The Court may answer only after receiving parliamentary approval

48 Which feature most accurately distinguishes India's judicial structure from a dual-court federal model in which federal and state courts operate as separate hierarchies?

Structure and composition of judiciary in India Hard
A. India has separate constitutional courts for every State
B. India has an integrated judicial hierarchy with the Supreme Court at its apex
C. India gives Parliament no role in establishing subordinate courts
D. India permits State courts to disregard Supreme Court precedent

49 A district judge is appointed by the Governor without consulting the relevant High Court. The candidate satisfies the required experience qualification. Which constitutional requirement has most directly been disregarded?

Structure and composition of judiciary in India Hard
A. Consultation with the Supreme Court collegium
B. Consultation with the Union Public Service Commission
C. Consultation with the High Court exercising jurisdiction
D. Approval by both Houses of Parliament

50 A proposal seeks to transfer a High Court judge without the judge's consent. Which constitutional position is most accurate?

Supreme Court Hard
A. Transfer requires a removal motion in both Houses of Parliament
B. Transfer is impossible without the judge's written consent
C. Transfer can be ordered solely by the Chief Justice of India
D. Transfer may occur through the constitutionally prescribed process

51 A person challenges an administrative order affecting property rights but does not allege violation of a fundamental right. Which remedy is constitutionally available directly before a High Court, subject to judicial discretion?

High Court Hard
A. A writ petition under Article 226
B. A petition under Article 32 only
C. A presidential reference under Article 143
D. An appeal under Article 136 as of right

52 A cause of action partly arises within State X, while the authority issuing the impugned order is located in State Y. The petitioner approaches the High Court of State X. Which principle is most relevant?

High Court Hard
A. High Courts have no territorial limits in writ proceedings
B. Any part of the cause of action may support Article 226 jurisdiction
C. Jurisdiction exists only if the respondent resides in State X
D. Only the authority's physical location determines jurisdiction

53 A litigant asks a High Court to use Article 227 to supervise a tribunal constituted under a law relating to the armed forces. Which constitutional limitation is decisive?

High Court Hard
A. Article 227 excludes supervision over armed-forces courts and tribunals
B. Article 227 excludes supervision over every statutory tribunal
C. Article 227 becomes available only after Supreme Court permission
D. Article 227 applies only to civil courts and never criminal courts

54 A High Court is asked to issue habeas corpus against a private individual who allegedly confines another person unlawfully. Which conclusion is most accurate?

High Court Hard
A. Habeas corpus may issue against a private unlawful detainer
B. Only the Supreme Court may issue habeas corpus against private persons
C. Habeas corpus is unavailable against private individuals
D. Habeas corpus applies only when detention follows a criminal conviction

55 A Supreme Court judgment is alleged to contain an obvious legal error apparent from the record. The aggrieved party invokes the Court's review jurisdiction. Which constitutional provision is directly relevant?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Hard
A. Article 145
B. Article 137
C. Article 129
D. Article 143

56 A retired Supreme Court judge is invited to sit and act as a judge of the Supreme Court because the Court lacks sufficient judges for a pending matter. Which constitutional mechanism is relevant?

Structure and composition of judiciary in India Hard
A. Transfer of a High Court judge under Article 222
B. Appointment of an acting Chief Justice under Article 126
C. Appointment of an ad hoc judge under Article 127 only
D. Attendance of a retired judge under Article 128

57 A Supreme Court judge is found guilty of proved misbehaviour, but the removal motion receives the required special majority in only one House of Parliament. What follows?

Structure and composition of judiciary in India Hard
A. The President may remove the judge immediately
B. The Union Cabinet may remove the judge by executive order
C. The Chief Justice of India may complete the removal
D. Removal cannot proceed without the required address by both Houses

58 A party argues that the Supreme Court cannot punish conduct that obstructs its proceedings because the Constitution does not list a detailed contempt procedure. Which provision defeats this argument?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Hard
A. Article 131 grants original jurisdiction over all disputes
B. Article 136 creates an automatic appellate right
C. Article 129 recognizes the Supreme Court as a court of record
D. Article 143 makes all presidential references binding

59 A High Court judge reaches the constitutional retirement age but is simultaneously appointed as an acting Chief Justice of another High Court. Which statement best reflects the constitutional scheme?

High Court Hard
A. The judge's retirement age remains distinct from acting-office arrangements
B. The acting appointment extends the judge's tenure indefinitely
C. The appointment converts the judge automatically into a Supreme Court judge
D. The judge must retire from all judicial office immediately

60 A person whose fundamental right is violated first obtains an ineffective remedy from a High Court and then approaches the Supreme Court under Article 32. Which statement is most accurate?

Power and functions of Supreme Court Hard
A. Article 32 is available only with the High Court's written permission
B. Article 32 remains available because enforcement of fundamental rights is guaranteed
C. Article 32 converts the earlier High Court proceeding into an appeal
D. Article 32 is barred whenever Article 226 was previously invoked