Comprehensive Practice Set — Polity & Governance: Judiciary

What is meant by judicial legislation? In this context, discuss the verdicts of the apex court allowing "passive euthanasia" and a "living will".

What is Presidential Reference? What are its nature and objectives? Discuss the views of the Supreme Court on recent Presidential Reference.

Anchor: Article 143; the 14 questions referred in May 2025 and the advisory opinion of November 2025 on Articles 200/201.

Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world's most powerful judiciary?

Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?

On 7th May, 1997, the Supreme Court in its full Court meeting passed resolutions/guidelines on Judicial conduct and ethics. Discuss the resolutions/guidelines.

Anchor: "Restatement of Values of Judicial Life", 1997 — sixteen points on judicial conduct.

Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness.

Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities.

"The Central Administration Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority." Explain.

Examine the nature of Judicial Review system in India.

Discuss, in brief, the appellate jurisdiction of State High Court.

How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India.

'In India Judicial Activism is on rise' - Examine.

What is Lok Adalat? What purposes does it serve?

Critically examine the Supreme Court's judgement on 'National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014' with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India.

What is Judicial Activism? Evaluate the role in the context of the functioning of Indian Polity.

What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution?

What is quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.

In India there is a 'balance between Parliamentary Supremacy and Judicial Review' - Explain.

What is Public Interest Litigation (P.I.L.)? What purpose does it serve?

What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 through the recent Ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India's dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss.

Starting from inventing the 'basic structure' doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy.

'The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution.' Discuss critically.

Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.

Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India.

"Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy." Comment.

"An advisory opinion under Article 143 is not binding, yet it settles the constitutional question in practice." Examine the nature and authority of Presidential References, drawing on the references made since 1951.

Examine the working of the collegium system after the striking down of the NJAC. Has the Memorandum of Procedure become a site of executive–judiciary contestation?

The three new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — replaced the colonial-era codes. Examine the governance and capacity challenges in their implementation at the district level.

Discuss the potential and the risks of using artificial intelligence in judicial administration — translation, transcription, case management and predictive listing.

"Regional benches of the Supreme Court would improve access to justice but dilute its unity." Critically examine, with reference to litigants from States like Odisha.

Analyse the role of the judiciary in shaping and interpreting the Constitution of India. How has this impacted the functioning of democratic institutions in the country?

Discuss the significance of judicial review in upholding the principles of the Constitution. Provide examples highlighting its role in India's democratic framework.

"Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy." Comment with reference to the Indian Constitution and judicial pronouncements.

What is judicial activism? Discuss its significance in upholding constitutional rights and ensuring social justice. Support your answer with landmark cases.

"Judicial overreach can be antithetical to the idea of democracy." Critically analyse this statement in the context of India's governance and constitutional framework.

The evolving interpretations of Article 142's "complete justice" mandate by the Supreme Court have redefined judicial boundaries. Discuss its implications on the doctrine of separation of powers in India.

Examine the rationale behind the National Judicial Appointments Commission. Why was it struck down, and what alternative reforms can be considered for judicial appointments?

"Justice delayed is justice denied." Discuss the causes of judicial delays in India and suggest reforms to ensure timely delivery of justice.

Analyse the impact of judicial vacancies on the functioning of courts in India. What measures can be taken to address this issue?

Evaluate the role of Fast Track Courts in delivering speedy justice in India. What challenges do they face, and how can their efficiency be improved?

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution? Discuss its significance in reducing the burden on the judiciary and improving access to justice. What challenges hinder its wider adoption?

"The evolution of Lok Adalats represents a successful adaptation of alternative dispute resolution in India's justice system." Discuss the significance and limitations of Lok Adalats in reducing the judicial burden.

How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? Discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India.

Examine the constitutional provisions related to pardon pleas and mercy petitions in India. How has the exercise of this power been criticised in recent times?

Discuss the key provisions of the POCSO Act, 2012. How effective has it been in addressing crimes against children, and what are the challenges in its implementation?

The Indian judiciary is vital to safeguarding democracy yet faces significant systemic challenges. Propose judicial reforms that can enhance efficiency, transparency and accessibility in the judicial system.

Discuss the role of free legal aid and NALSA in making access to justice a reality for the poor.

Analyse the role of the Supreme Court in interpreting the Constitution in cases of constitutional amendments, citing cases that reflect the balance between judicial review and parliamentary sovereignty.

Discuss the significance of Article 136 in the Indian judicial system, and how the Supreme Court has exercised its discretionary powers under this provision.

Discuss the role of the apex court in balancing fundamental rights with social justice, and analyse the challenges in maintaining this balance.

Discuss the role of the judiciary in dispute redressal between the Union and the States, and how it upholds the federal structure of India.

“The increasing use of arbitration and mediation as dispute redressal mechanisms has altered the role of courts in India.” Analyse the advantages and limitations of ADR mechanisms in the Indian context.

Discuss the potential of Online Dispute Resolution in the judiciary, the challenges it faces, and measures for its effective legal integration.

Enumerate the need for an All-India Judicial Service and discuss its potential advantages in addressing judicial backlog and socio-economic justice.

What are the types and features of writs issued by the Supreme Court and the High Courts under Articles 32 and 226 respectively?

Considering the involvement of juveniles in criminal activities, how should juvenile justice policies evolve to address these challenges?

Explain the jurisdiction and powers of the Supreme Court.

How does the writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court differ from that of a High Court?

Examine the functioning of Judicial Review in the Indian Political System.

Distinguish between 'Judicial Review' and 'Judicial Activism'.

Discuss the benefits of the Lok Adalats.