1. What is the judiciary?

The judiciary is the system of courts that interprets laws, settles disputes and enforces justice in the name of the state.

2. What are the main functions of the judiciary?

Its main functions are to interpret laws, protect the Constitution, settle disputes and safeguard citizens’ rights.

3. What is meant by the separation of powers?

Separation of powers divides government into legislature (makes laws), executive (implements) and judiciary (interprets) to prevent concentration of power.

4. How does the judiciary uphold the Constitution?

By interpreting constitutional provisions, checking unconstitutional laws and ensuring public authorities act within legal limits.

5. Why is an independent judiciary necessary?

Independence ensures judges decide cases based on law and facts without pressure from the government or others.

6. Who can approach the courts?

Any citizen, group, or public-spirited person can file petitions; courts also accept Public Interest Litigations (PILs) in many cases.

7. What is the rule of law?

The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable under the law, applied equally to everyone.

8. Define ‘justice’ in legal terms.

Justice means fair treatment, protection of rights, and impartial application of laws to resolve disputes.

9. What is the highest court in India?

The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority in the country.

10. What are High Courts?

High Courts are the principal courts in states or regions that hear appeals and protect rights within their jurisdiction.

11. What are subordinate courts?

Subordinate courts include district-level civil and criminal courts and specialized tribunals that handle most local cases.

12. Who heads the Supreme Court?

The Chief Justice of India heads the Supreme Court along with other judges appointed to it.

13. What is appellate jurisdiction?

Appellate jurisdiction is the power of a higher court to review and change the decision of a lower court.

14. What is original jurisdiction?

Original jurisdiction allows a court to hear a case first, rather than on appeal — for example, certain disputes in the Supreme Court.

15. What is advisory jurisdiction?

Advisory jurisdiction is when the Supreme Court advises the President on legal questions referred to it.

16. Can a decision of the Supreme Court be challenged?

Decisions of the Supreme Court are final; they can be reconsidered by larger benches but not appealed to any other court.

17. What types of cases do High Courts hear?

High Courts hear civil, criminal, constitutional cases, and appeals from subordinate courts; they also issue writs to protect rights.

18. Give an example of a specialized court or tribunal.

Examples include family courts, consumer courts, and tribunals for taxation or administrative disputes.

19. What is judicial review?

Judicial review is the power of courts to examine laws or executive actions and strike them down if they violate the Constitution.

20. Name five writs issued by courts.

Habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari and quo warranto are the five writs commonly used.

21. What is habeas corpus?

A writ to produce a detained person before the court and ensure their detention is lawful.

22. What is mandamus?

Mandamus orders a public official or authority to perform a public duty they have failed to do.

23. What is prohibition?

A writ preventing a lower court or authority from exceeding its jurisdiction.

24. What is certiorari?

An order by a higher court to quash the order of a lower court for legal errors.

25. What is quo warranto?

A writ used to challenge a person’s right to hold a public office.

26. Which courts can issue writs?

The Supreme Court and High Courts have the power to issue writs for the protection of fundamental rights.

27. How do writs protect citizens?

Writs provide speedy remedies and help courts correct illegal detention, abuse of power and violations of rights.

28. Give a short example of writ usage.

A court may issue habeas corpus to release someone detained without legal basis, or mandamus to compel a public duty.

29. What is Public Interest Litigation (PIL)?

PIL allows courts to hear matters of public interest on behalf of individuals or groups who may not be able to approach the court themselves.

30. Why was PIL introduced?

PIL was introduced to expand access to justice and allow courts to address social issues affecting disadvantaged groups.

31. Who can file a PIL?

Any public-spirited person, NGO or group can file a PIL; courts may also take suo motu notice of issues.

32. Give an example of a PIL issue.

Environmental protection, the rights of prisoners, child labour, or corruption can be addressed through PILs.

33. How does PIL improve access to justice?

By allowing representative litigation, PIL enables courts to hear cases that affect large groups who cannot approach courts individually.

34. What is legal aid?

Legal aid provides free legal services to poor and marginalized persons to help them access the justice system.

35. How can access to courts be improved?

Through legal aid, simplified procedures, more courts, mobile courts, and use of technology like video hearings.

36. Why is speedy trial important?

Speedy trials ensure timely justice, prevent prolonged suffering and maintain public trust in the legal system.

37. How are Supreme Court judges appointed?

Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President of India after consultations with senior judges and following established conventions.

38. What is the Collegium system?

The Collegium system is a practice where a group of senior judges recommends appointments and transfers in the higher judiciary.

39. What safeguards ensure judicial independence?

Security of tenure, fixed salaries, independent appointment procedures, and separation from executive control help safeguard independence.

40. Can judges be removed? If yes, how?

Yes. Higher court judges can be removed by impeachment by Parliament for proven misbehaviour or incapacity; lower judiciary faces disciplinary proceedings.

41. Why are fixed salaries important for judges?

Fixed salaries prevent financial manipulation and protect judges from pressure that might affect their independence.

42. What is judicial accountability?

Judicial accountability means judges must follow law, ethics and can be held responsible for misconduct through legal procedures.

43. How does the judiciary resolve disputes between Centre and States?

By interpreting constitutional provisions and deciding on the division of powers when disputes arise between the Centre and States.

44. How does judiciary protect minority rights?

By enforcing fundamental rights and striking down laws that discriminate, the judiciary safeguards minority protections.

45. How can judiciary influence social change?

Through progressive interpretations, landmark judgments and PILs, courts can promote social reforms and uphold rights.

46. Give an example of judiciary acting as a check on the executive.

Courts can declare executive actions unconstitutional, order remedies and ensure that policies respect legal limits.

47. How do courts protect the environment?

Courts hear PILs related to environmental harm, order cleanup, and enforce laws to protect natural resources and public health.

48. What are major challenges faced by the judiciary?

Major challenges include case backlog, limited access for the poor, infrastructure constraints and delays in justice delivery.

49. What reforms can improve the judiciary?

Reforms include more courts, better case management, use of technology, alternative dispute resolution and enhanced legal aid.

50. Provide a short summary of the judiciary’s role.

The judiciary interprets laws, protects the Constitution, resolves disputes and ensures justice impartially to uphold the rule of law.