India General Knowledge MCQs

MODULE 5: Indian Polity & Constitution MCQs

Topic: Judiciary – Supreme Court & High Courts

These MCQs are systematically divided into well-defined sub-topics, covering the structure, composition, jurisdiction, powers, independence, and functioning of the Indian Judiciary. They are fully suitable for school, college, university, entrance examinations, and all major competitive exams across India.

Sub-Topic I: Judiciary in India – Constitutional Framework

Q1. The Indian judicial system is based on which principle?

A. Dual judiciary
B. Parliamentary supremacy
C. Integrated judiciary
D. Judicial dualism

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
India follows an integrated judicial system, where the Supreme Court of India is the highest court, followed by High Courts and subordinate courts. This ensures uniform interpretation of laws across the country.

Q2. Which Part of the Indian Constitution deals with the Union Judiciary?

A. Part III
B. Part IV
C. Part V
D. Part VI

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Part V (Articles 124–147) of the Constitution deals with the Supreme Court, which is the apex institution of the Union Judiciary.

Q3. Which Part of the Constitution deals with the High Courts?

A. Part V
B. Part VI
C. Part VII
D. Part IX

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Part VI (Articles 214–231) deals with High Courts, their composition, jurisdiction, and powers.

Q4. The Judiciary in India acts as the guardian of:

A. Parliamentary privilege
B. Executive authority
C. Fundamental Rights
D. Federal structure only

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
One of the most important roles of the judiciary is the protection and enforcement of Fundamental Rights through judicial review.

Q5. Judicial review in India means:

A. Review of judgments by Parliament
B. Review of executive actions by courts
C. Review of judges by executive
D. Review of Constitution by President

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Judicial review empowers courts to examine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions, ensuring supremacy of the Constitution.

Sub-Topic II: Supreme Court – Composition & Appointment

Q6. The Supreme Court of India was established in:

A. 1947
B. 1950
C. 1952
D. 1955

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The Supreme Court came into existence on 26 January 1950, the day the Constitution of India came into force.

Q7. The Supreme Court consists of:

A. Chief Justice only
B. Chief Justice and 25 judges
C. Chief Justice and other judges
D. Chief Justice and High Court judges

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and such number of other judges as Parliament may prescribe.

Q8. The maximum strength of the Supreme Court at present is:

A. 30 judges
B. 31 judges
C. 33 judges
D. 34 judges

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Currently, the Supreme Court has 34 judges (1 CJI + 33 judges) as sanctioned by Parliament.

Q9. Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the:

A. Prime Minister
B. Parliament
C. President
D. Chief Justice

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President, following the collegium system evolved through judicial interpretation.

Q10. The collegium system primarily relates to:

A. Removal of judges
B. Appointment of judges
C. Transfer of cases
D. Judicial review

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The collegium system involves the Chief Justice of India and senior judges in recommending appointments and transfers of judges.

Sub-Topic III: Supreme Court – Jurisdiction & Powers

Q11. Original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court deals with disputes between:

A. Citizens only
B. States only
C. Union and States
D. Courts and citizens

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in disputes between the Union and States or between States.

Q12. Which jurisdiction allows the Supreme Court to hear appeals?

A. Original jurisdiction
B. Advisory jurisdiction
C. Appellate jurisdiction
D. Writ jurisdiction

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Under appellate jurisdiction, the Supreme Court hears appeals from High Courts in constitutional, civil, and criminal matters.

Q13. Under which Article can the Supreme Court issue writs?

A. Article 32
B. Article 124
C. Article 136
D. Article 143

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:
Article 32 empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs for enforcement of Fundamental Rights and is itself a Fundamental Right.

Q14. Which of the following is NOT a writ issued by the Supreme Court?

A. Habeas Corpus
B. Mandamus
C. Certiorari
D. Injunction

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
Injunction is a judicial order but not a constitutional writ under Article 32.

Q15. Advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is exercised under:

A. Article 32
B. Article 136
C. Article 143
D. Article 226

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Under Article 143, the President may seek the advisory opinion of the Supreme Court on constitutional or legal matters.

Sub-Topic IV: Independence & Removal of Judges

Q16. Which factor ensures independence of the judiciary?

A. Executive control
B. Fixed tenure of judges
C. Parliamentary supervision
D. Annual appointment

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Security of tenure, fixed salaries, and difficult removal procedures ensure judicial independence.

Q17. Judges of the Supreme Court can be removed by:

A. President alone
B. Prime Minister
C. Parliament through impeachment
D. Chief Justice

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Removal requires a special majority of Parliament on grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity.

Q18. The retirement age of Supreme Court judges is:

A. 60 years
B. 62 years
C. 65 years
D. 68 years

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Supreme Court judges retire at the age of 65 years.

Q19. Salaries of Supreme Court judges are charged on:

A. Consolidated Fund of India
B. Contingency Fund
C. Public Account
D. State Fund

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:
Charging salaries on the Consolidated Fund ensures financial independence of the judiciary.

Q20. Which court is known as the “Court of Record”?

A. District Court
B. High Court only
C. Supreme Court only
D. Supreme Court and High Courts

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
Both Supreme Court and High Courts are Courts of Record, meaning their judgments have evidentiary value.

Sub-Topic V: High Courts – Structure & Jurisdiction

Q21. Each State in India must have:

A. Separate Supreme Court
B. Separate High Court
C. Separate District Court
D. Separate Tribunal

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Every State has a High Court, though one High Court may serve multiple States or UTs.

Q22. Judges of High Courts are appointed by the:

A. Governor alone
B. President
C. Chief Minister
D. Chief Justice of India

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
High Court judges are appointed by the President, after consultation with the CJI and Governor.

Q23. The retirement age of High Court judges is:

A. 60 years
B. 62 years
C. 65 years
D. 68 years

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
High Court judges retire at the age of 62 years.

Q24. Which Article empowers High Courts to issue writs?

A. Article 32
B. Article 136
C. Article 143
D. Article 226

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue writs for Fundamental Rights as well as other legal rights, making their jurisdiction wider.

Q25. High Courts exercise control over:

A. Supreme Court
B. Subordinate courts
C. Parliament
D. State legislature

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
High Courts exercise administrative and judicial control over subordinate courts within their jurisdiction.

Sub-Topic VI: Comparative & Functional Aspects

Q26. Which court has wider writ jurisdiction?

A. Supreme Court
B. High Courts
C. District Courts
D. Tribunals

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
High Courts can issue writs for any legal right, whereas the Supreme Court issues writs only for Fundamental Rights.

Q27. Which court is the final interpreter of the Constitution?

A. High Court
B. Parliament
C. Supreme Court
D. President

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Supreme Court is the final authority on constitutional interpretation.

Q28. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was developed to:

A. Increase court revenue
B. Reduce judicial power
C. Provide access to justice
D. Support executive decisions

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
PIL allows courts to address issues affecting public welfare, even if the petitioner is not directly affected.

Q29. Transfer of judges from one High Court to another is done by the:

A. Parliament
B. President
C. Chief Minister
D. Supreme Court registry

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The President transfers High Court judges based on recommendations of the Supreme Court collegium.

Q30. The Indian judiciary derives its authority from the:

A. Parliament
B. Executive
C. Constitution
D. President

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
All powers and functions of the judiciary flow directly from the Constitution of India, ensuring its supremacy.

• Supreme Court of India MCQs

• High Courts in India MCQs

• Indian Judiciary MCQs

• Judicial review MCQs India

• Writ jurisdiction MCQs

• Indian Polity Judiciary questions

• Constitution judiciary MCQs

• Supreme Court jurisdiction MCQs

⭐ Strengthen Indian Judiciary Concepts with Exam-Focused MCQs

This MCQ set on Judiciary: Supreme Court & High Courts offers a clear, structured, and conceptual understanding of India’s judicial system. With detailed explanations on jurisdiction, writs, judicial review, appointments, and independence of judiciary, these questions are ideal for mastering one of the most scoring and frequently tested areas of Indian Polity in competitive and academic examinations.

❓ FAQ Section

Q1. Why are Judiciary MCQs important for Indian Polity exams?

Judiciary MCQs test core constitutional concepts like writ jurisdiction, judicial review, independence of judiciary, and court hierarchy—key areas in UPSC and State PSC exams.

Q2. What topics are covered under Supreme Court and High Courts MCQs?

These MCQs cover composition, appointment of judges, jurisdiction, powers, writs, removal, judicial review, PIL, and control over subordinate courts.

Q3. Are these MCQs useful for school and university students?

Yes. The questions are aligned with NCERT and Indian Constitution syllabus, making them suitable for school, college, and university exams.

Q4. Do these MCQs help in both prelims and mains preparation?

Yes. They improve factual accuracy for prelims and build conceptual clarity for mains and descriptive answers.

Q5. How should aspirants revise Judiciary MCQs effectively?

Aspirants should practice topic-wise MCQs, focus on explanations, and revise relevant constitutional articles regularly.

🎯 Targeting Exams 

Examinations Covered

These Judiciary: Supreme Court & High Courts MCQs are carefully designed for:

• UPSC Civil Services (Prelims & Mains)

• State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exams

• SSC (CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD)

• Banking Exams (IBPS, SBI, RBI)

• Railways & Defence Examinations

• State Government Recruitment Exams

• School Board Exams (CBSE & State Boards)

• College & University Examinations

• General Studies & GK-based Entrance Tests