First, this article gives you 20 original Judiciary System in India MCQs with clear answers. Moreover, the questions cover the Supreme Court, High Courts, subordinate courts, judicial review, and writs. In addition, RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC aspirants can use this set at a moderate level. Also, students who want strong Indian polity basics will gain from it. Next, you should read each question and pick an answer before you check the key. Then, you should read the Extra Information to learn the facts behind each answer. As a result, you will remember dates, articles, and powers more easily. Furthermore, you can repeat the set after a week to test your memory. Finally, we use simple words and short sentences, so every student can follow along.
Constitutional Framework and Independence of the Indian Judiciary
Q1
Which part of the Constitution contains the provisions on the Supreme Court?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: B) Part V
First, Part V, Chapter IV covers Articles 124 to 147 on the Supreme Court. Moreover, Part VI covers High Courts and subordinate courts for each state. In addition, the Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950. As a result, the Supreme Court began its work two days later. Finally, exam setters often ask for these part and article numbers.
Q2
Which type of judicial system does India follow?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: C) One integrated system of courts under the Supreme Court
Also, India follows a single integrated judiciary with the Supreme Court at the top. Besides, High Courts sit below it, and subordinate courts sit below them. Therefore, one court system handles both Union laws and state laws. In contrast, the USA runs separate federal and state court systems. Overall, this design keeps the judiciary simple and uniform.
Q3
How many judges, including the Chief Justice, can the Supreme Court have now?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: D) 34
In fact, the Constitution originally allowed 8 judges, including the Chief Justice. Later, Parliament raised this number several times through laws. For example, a 2019 amendment raised the limit to 34, including the Chief Justice. Hence, the Supreme Court can now sit with up to 34 judges. Meanwhile, Parliament can change this number again by passing a law.
Q4
Which Article directs the state to separate the judiciary from the executive?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: A) Article 50
First, Article 50 appears among the Directive Principles of State Policy. Moreover, it asks the state to separate the judiciary from the executive. Because of this, judges can decide cases without government pressure. However, courts cannot enforce Directive Principles directly. Thus, Article 50 guides policy rather than forcing action.
Q5
Which 1993 case introduced the collegium system for judge appointments?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: B) Second Judges Case
Next, the Second Judges Case came in 1993 and shaped judge appointments. Moreover, it gave the Chief Justice’s opinion primacy in these appointments. As a result, people started calling the group of senior judges the collegium. Still, Parliament tried a new system through the NJAC Act in 2014. Finally, the Supreme Court struck down the NJAC in 2015.
Supreme Court of India MCQs: Powers and Jurisdiction
Q6
On which date did the Supreme Court of India begin its work?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: A) 28 January 1950
Earlier, India had the Federal Court from 1937 to 1950. Then, the Supreme Court replaced it on 28 January 1950. In addition, it first sat in the Chamber of Princes in the old Parliament building. Today, however, it works from its Tilak Marg building in New Delhi. Overall, this date matters because exam papers often ask for it.
Q7
At what age do Supreme Court judges retire?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: C) 65 years
Besides, Supreme Court judges retire at 65 years of age. Moreover, High Court judges retire earlier, at 62. For this reason, students must not mix up the two ages. Also, a judge can resign by writing to the President. In contrast, Parliament must follow a special process to remove a judge.
Q8
Which Article lets citizens approach the Supreme Court directly for Fundamental Rights?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: D) Article 32
In fact, Article 32 gives people the right to approach the Supreme Court directly. Moreover, Dr B.R. Ambedkar called it the heart and soul of the Constitution. Therefore, citizens can seek quick help when authorities violate their Fundamental Rights. However, Article 32 covers Fundamental Rights only. By contrast, Article 226 lets High Courts act on other legal rights too.
Q9
Which Article gives the Supreme Court original jurisdiction over disputes between the Centre and states?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: B) Article 131
Additionally, Article 131 covers disputes between the Centre and one or more states. Moreover, it also covers disputes between two or more states. As a result, only the Supreme Court can hear these cases first. Still, the dispute must involve a legal right, not a political matter. Finally, private citizens cannot file such cases under this Article.
Q10
Under which Article can the President ask the Supreme Court for its opinion?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: A) Article 143
Also, the President can seek the Court’s opinion on public matters under Article 143. For instance, the opinion can cover a question of law or fact. Yet, the Court may decline to give an opinion in some cases. In fact, the opinion does not bind the President. Therefore, the President may choose to follow it or not.
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High Courts and Subordinate Courts in India
Q11
Which Article says each state shall have a High Court?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: D) Article 214
First, Article 214 says each state shall have a High Court. Moreover, Parliament can set up one High Court for two or more states. For example, Punjab and Haryana share a High Court in Chandigarh. Consequently, India has only 25 High Courts for 28 states and 8 Union Territories. Overall, this shows how flexible the system is.
Q12
At what age do High Court judges retire?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: C) 62 years
In addition, Article 217 sets the retirement age of High Court judges at 62. Furthermore, the President appoints them after consulting the Chief Justice of India, the Governor, and the High Court’s Chief Justice. Thus, several constitutional authorities take part in the process. Still, the collegium decides the final names in practice. Finally, a candidate needs 10 years of judicial service or High Court practice.
Q13
Which courts have wider writ power in India?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: A) High Courts
Besides, Article 226 lets High Courts issue writs for Fundamental Rights. Additionally, High Courts can issue writs for any other legal right. As a result, their writ power covers more ground than the Supreme Court’s power under Article 32. For instance, a person can challenge a wrongful tax order in the High Court. Yet, the Supreme Court still stands as the top court of appeal.
Q14
Which High Court is the oldest in India?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: B) Calcutta High Court
Earlier, the British created High Courts through the Indian High Courts Act of 1861. Then, the Calcutta High Court began work in 1862. Meanwhile, the Bombay and Madras High Courts opened the same year. Later, the Allahabad High Court started in 1866 and grew into the largest by judge strength. Overall, Calcutta stays the oldest, so exam writers like this fact.
Q15
Who appoints district judges?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: D) The Governor, after consulting the High Court
In fact, Article 233 gives the Governor power to appoint district judges. Moreover, the Governor must consult the High Court first. Because of this, the High Court keeps a strong voice over lower court judges. For example, Article 235 gives the High Court control over their posting and promotion. Thus, this system protects lower courts from political pressure.
Judicial Review, PIL, Lok Adalats and Writs
Q16
Which Article declares laws void when they clash with Fundamental Rights?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: C) Article 13
Also, Article 13 declares laws void when they violate Fundamental Rights. Moreover, the Supreme Court and the High Courts hold this power of judicial review. As a result, Parliament and state legislatures must respect Part III. For example, courts have struck down parts of laws that limited free speech. Therefore, judicial review acts as a safeguard of the Constitution.
Q17
Which 1973 case introduced the basic structure doctrine?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: D) Kesavananda Bharati case
Next, a 13-judge bench decided the Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973. In addition, it ruled that Parliament cannot change the Constitution’s basic structure. In contrast, the earlier Golaknath case in 1967 had blocked changes to Fundamental Rights altogether. Because of this, Parliament kept its amending power but lost the power to destroy core features. Finally, judicial review, federalism, and secularism belong to this basic structure.
Q18
Which 1979 case do experts see as the first PIL case in India?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: C) Hussainara Khatoon case
First, the Hussainara Khatoon case in 1979 involved undertrial prisoners in Bihar. Moreover, a lawyer filed the petition for the prisoners, not the prisoners themselves. Hence, courts started accepting petitions for the public good. In addition, Justices P.N. Bhagwati and V.R. Krishna Iyer pushed this idea forward. Overall, PIL now helps people who cannot reach courts easily.
Q19
Which Act gave Lok Adalats legal status?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: A) Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
Furthermore, the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987 gave Lok Adalats a legal basis. Additionally, Lok Adalats settle disputes by agreement, so no formal trial takes place. As a result, parties save time and court fees. However, a Lok Adalat cannot settle serious crimes that the law does not allow parties to settle. Finally, its award carries the force of a civil court decree, and parties cannot appeal.
Q20
Which writ orders officials to bring a detained person before the court?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: B) Habeas corpus
In fact, habeas corpus means “you may have the body” in Latin. Besides, this writ protects personal liberty against illegal detention. Because of this, courts can order officials to produce a detained person. In contrast, mandamus orders an official to perform a public duty. Overall, the five writs are habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and quo warranto.
Final Thoughts on Judiciary System in India MCQs
Overall, these Judiciary System in India MCQs cover the main facts about the Indian courts. Moreover, they explain the Supreme Court, High Courts, subordinate courts, judicial review, PIL, writs, and Lok Adalats. In addition, the Extra Information sections add dates, articles, and case names that exam setters like. Therefore, you should practise the MCQs again after two or three days. Next, you should review each Extra Information and note the facts you missed. Also, you can take timed tests to build speed for RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC exams. However, avoid rushing, because steady revision gives better results than last-minute study. Finally, keep practising every day, and trust your own progress.