Kerala SSLC · Social Science · Class 10
The Judiciary in India: Important Questions with Answers
These are 10 important multiple-choice questions from the Kerala SSLC Social Science chapter “The Judiciary in India” (Kerala SCERT syllabus). Each one shows the correct answer and a short explanation of why it is right. Try answering before you read the answer. ExamSummary has 10 practice questions on this chapter in total.
Q1.Which of the following courts is the apex court in the Indian judicial system?
- A)High Court
- B)District Court
- C)Supreme Court
- D)Tribunal
Answer: C) Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the highest court in India, established under Part V of the Constitution. It serves as the final court of appeal and the guardian of the Constitution.
Q2.What is the mandatory retirement age for a judge of the Supreme Court of India?
- A)60 years
- B)62 years
- C)65 years
- D)70 years
Answer: C) 65 years
According to the Constitution of India, a judge of the Supreme Court retires upon attaining the age of 65 years. This provision ensures regular turnover and vitality within the higher judiciary.
Q3.Which writ is issued by the court when a public official fails to perform their statutory duty?
- A)Habeas Corpus
- B)Mandamus
- C)Certiorari
- D)Quo Warranto
Answer: B) Mandamus
The writ of Mandamus commands a public authority to perform a public duty that they have failed or refused to carry out. It is specifically used to enforce the performance of official obligations.
Q4.In which landmark judgment was the 'Basic Structure Doctrine' of the Constitution propounded?
- A)Golaknath Case
- B)Kesavananda Bharati Case
- C)Minerva Mills Case
- D)Maneka Gandhi Case
Answer: B) Kesavananda Bharati Case
The Supreme Court ruled in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) that Parliament cannot alter the basic structure of the Constitution. This decision limited the amending power of the legislature to protect core democratic features.
Q5.Under which Article of the Constitution can a citizen directly move to the Supreme Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights?
- A)Article 14
- B)Article 21
- C)Article 32
- D)Article 19
Answer: C) Article 32
Article 32 guarantees the Right to Constitutional Remedies, allowing citizens to approach the Supreme Court directly for the protection of Fundamental Rights. Dr. Ambedkar called this article the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution.
Q6.Which court has the original jurisdiction to adjudicate disputes between the Government of India and one or more States?
- A)High Court
- B)District Court
- C)Supreme Court
- D)Arbitration Tribunal
Answer: C) Supreme Court
The Supreme Court holds original jurisdiction in federal disputes involving the Centre and States or between States themselves. This ensures constitutional conflicts are resolved at the highest level immediately.
Q7.Who appoints the Judges of the Supreme Court of India according to the current constitutional provisions?
- A)Prime Minister alone
- B)President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India
- C)Parliament by majority vote
- D)Governor of each state
Answer: B) President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India
Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President of India after consultation with the Chief Justice of India and other senior judges. This collegium system aims to maintain judicial independence from political influence.
Q8.What is the primary function of the Judiciary in a democracy?
- A)Making new laws for the country
- B)Enforcing laws and maintaining order
- C)Interpreting laws and protecting the Constitution
- D)Collecting taxes and managing revenue
Answer: C) Interpreting laws and protecting the Constitution
The main role of the judiciary is to interpret laws and ensure they align with the Constitution. They act as guardians of Fundamental Rights and settle disputes based on legal principles.
Q9.Which power enables the Supreme Court to declare a law passed by Parliament as unconstitutional?
- A)Legislative Power
- B)Judicial Review
- C)Executive Privilege
- D)Advisory Opinion
Answer: B) Judicial Review
Judicial Review allows the Supreme Court to examine the constitutional validity of parliamentary laws. If a law violates the Constitution, the Court has the authority to strike it down.
Q10.Why is the separation of the judiciary from the executive branch considered essential in India?
- A)To increase the salary of judges
- B)To ensure impartiality and fairness in justice delivery
- C)To allow politicians to control court decisions
- D)To reduce the workload of the executive
Answer: B) To ensure impartiality and fairness in justice delivery
Separation ensures that judges remain independent and free from pressure from the ruling government. This independence is crucial for delivering fair justice without bias towards the executive authority.