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Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with answers on “Judicial Activism vs. Judicial Overreach in India” for the Civil Services Examination
1. What is the primary purpose of judicial activism in India?
- a) To limit the power of the judiciary
- b) To ensure the enforcement of fundamental rights and social justice
- c) To restrict the scope of judicial review
- d) To reduce the independence of the judiciary
Answer: b) To ensure the enforcement of fundamental rights and social justice
2. Judicial overreach is often criticized for:
- a) Expanding the scope of fundamental rights
- b) Interfering excessively in legislative and executive functions
- c) Upholding the rule of law
- d) Strengthening constitutional principles
Answer: b) Interfering excessively in legislative and executive functions
3. The case of Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala (1973) is significant because:
- a) It established the concept of judicial activism
- b) It defined the “basic structure” of the Constitution
- c) It marked the beginning of judicial overreach
- d) It limited the power of the Supreme Court
Answer: b) It defined the “basic structure” of the Constitution
4. Which landmark judgment emphasized the role of the judiciary in protecting fundamental rights against executive and legislative encroachments?
- a) A.K. Gopalan vs. State of Madras
- b) Vineet Narain vs. Union of India
- c) Indira Nehru Gandhi vs. Raj Narain
- d) S.R. Bommai vs. Union of India
Answer: b) Vineet Narain vs. Union of India
5. The concept of “judicial activism” in India primarily emerged during which era?
- a) Pre-Independence
- b) Early Post-Independence
- c) 1980s
- d) 2000s
Answer: c) 1980s
6. Which case is known for judicial intervention in environmental matters and has been seen as an example of judicial activism?
- a) T. N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs. Union of India
- b) Keshavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala
- c) Vineet Narain vs. Union of India
- d) Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala
Answer: a) T. N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs. Union of India
7. Judicial overreach is often accused of undermining:
- a) The power of the executive branch
- b) Fundamental rights
- c) The legislative process
- d) The role of public interest litigation
Answer: c) The legislative process
8. The principle of Separation of Powers is crucial in distinguishing between judicial activism and judicial overreach because:
- a) It outlines the boundaries of judicial intervention
- b) It strengthens judicial power
- c) It limits fundamental rights
- d) It promotes executive dominance
Answer: a) It outlines the boundaries of judicial intervention
9. Which case is known for its emphasis on the right to privacy as a fundamental right in India, demonstrating judicial activism?
- a) Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India
- b) R. K. Garg vs. Union of India
- c) Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala
- d) S. R. Bommai vs. Union of India
Answer: a) Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India
10. What role does Public Interest Litigation (PIL) play in judicial activism?
- a) It restricts the power of the judiciary
- b) It allows the judiciary to address issues affecting the public at large
- c) It limits the scope of judicial review
- d) It diminishes the role of the executive
Answer: b) It allows the judiciary to address issues affecting the public at large
11. The case of Indira Nehru Gandhi vs. Raj Narain is significant in the context of:
- a) Judicial activism
- b) Judicial overreach
- c) Separation of powers
- d) The basic structure doctrine
Answer: b) Judicial overreach
12. Judicial restraint is the concept of:
- a) Expanding the scope of judicial intervention
- b) Avoiding interference in legislative and executive matters
- c) Strengthening the judiciary’s role in governance
- d) Ensuring maximum judicial activism
Answer: b) Avoiding interference in legislative and executive matters
13. In the case of S. R. Bommai vs. Union of India, the Supreme Court:
- a) Enhanced the role of the judiciary in state matters
- b) Limited judicial review to specific issues
- c) Restricted the powers of the executive in dismissing state governments
- d) Promoted the concept of judicial overreach
Answer: c) Restricted the powers of the executive in dismissing state governments
14. The National Judicial Data Grid was established to:
- a) Enhance transparency and efficiency in the judiciary
- b) Limit judicial intervention in administrative matters
- c) Strengthen executive powers
- d) Regulate legislative activities
Answer: a) Enhance transparency and efficiency in the judiciary
15. The case of Vineet Narain vs. Union of India is significant for its focus on:
- a) Strengthening fundamental rights
- b) Accountability and transparency in governance
- c) Judicial review of state legislation
- d) Expanding executive powers
Answer: b) Accountability and transparency in governance
16. Which judgment is associated with the principle of “Basic Structure” of the Constitution?
- a) Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala
- b) Vineet Narain vs. Union of India
- c) Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India
- d) T. N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs. Union of India
Answer: a) Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala
17. Judicial activism is often criticized for:
- a) Enhancing public interest
- b) Expanding fundamental rights
- c) Encroaching on the powers of other branches of government
- d) Upholding constitutional principles
Answer: c) Encroaching on the powers of other branches of government
18. The concept of “Judicial Overreach” implies:
- a) Proper exercise of judicial powers within constitutional limits
- b) Excessive intervention by the judiciary in matters of governance
- c) Restricting judicial powers to their traditional roles
- d) Strengthening legislative authority
Answer: b) Excessive intervention by the judiciary in matters of governance
19. The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) mechanism was established to:
- a) Limit judicial intervention in administrative matters
- b) Allow citizens to seek judicial redress for issues affecting the public
- c) Strengthen legislative control
- d) Regulate executive actions
Answer: b) Allow citizens to seek judicial redress for issues affecting the public
20. Which case highlights the judiciary’s role in safeguarding environmental rights?
- a) M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India
- b) Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala
- c) Indira Nehru Gandhi vs. Raj Narain
- d) S. R. Bommai vs. Union of India
Answer: a) M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India
21. The Doctrine of Basic Structure was established to:
- a) Limit the power of the judiciary
- b) Protect essential features of the Constitution from being altered by amendments
- c) Promote legislative supremacy
- d) Enhance executive power
Answer: b) Protect essential features of the Constitution from being altered by amendments
22. The concept of “Judicial Activism” is best exemplified by:
- a) Strict adherence to traditional roles of the judiciary
- b) Active intervention in cases where rights or justice are at stake
- c) Limiting the scope of judicial review
- d) Deferring to legislative and executive decisions without review
Answer: b) Active intervention in cases where rights or justice are at stake
23. Which principle is commonly invoked to justify judicial activism?
- a) Principle of separation of powers
- b) Principle of judicial restraint
- c) Principle of rule of law
- d) Principle of parliamentary sovereignty
Answer: c) Principle of rule of law
24. The term “Judicial Overreach” often refers to:
- a) Appropriate judicial review of executive actions
- b) Judicial decisions that extend beyond the scope of legal mandates
- c) Strengthening the separation of powers
- d) Upholding fundamental rights
Answer: b) Judicial decisions that extend beyond the scope of legal mandates
25. Which judicial body is responsible for the appointment and transfer of high court judges in India?
- a) The Supreme Court of India
- b) The High Court of the respective states
- c) The President of India
- d) The Union Cabinet
Answer: a) The Supreme Court of India
26. The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) was intended to:
- a) Ensure transparency and merit in judicial appointments
- b) Limit judicial powers
- c) Strengthen executive control over judiciary
- d) Reduce the role of the judiciary in appointments
Answer: a) Ensure transparency and merit in judicial appointments
27. Which of the following best defines “Judicial Overreach”?
- a) Active role of judiciary in ensuring the enforcement of laws
- b) Excessive and unwarranted interference by the judiciary in administrative or legislative domains
- c) Strict adherence to constitutional provisions
- d) Upholding the autonomy of the executive branch
Answer: b) Excessive and unwarranted interference by the judiciary in administrative or legislative domains
28. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India was introduced to:
- a) Limit the scope of judicial intervention
- b) Empower citizens to approach courts on behalf of those who cannot afford legal representation
- c) Strengthen executive power
- d) Restrict fundamental rights
Answer: b) Empower citizens to approach courts on behalf of those who cannot afford legal representation
29. The case of S. R. Bommai vs. Union of India (1994) is known for:
- a) Establishing the basic structure doctrine
- b) Defining the limits of judicial activism
- c) Ensuring federal balance and limiting misuse of Article 356
- d) Expanding fundamental rights
Answer: c) Ensuring federal balance and limiting misuse of Article 356
30. The principle of “Separation of Powers” is crucial to understand the balance between:
- a) Fundamental rights and executive actions
- b) Legislative authority and judicial review
- c) Executive powers and legislative authority
- d) Judicial review and administrative discretion
Answer: b) Legislative authority and judicial review
These MCQs cover various aspects of judicial activism and overreach in India, addressing landmark cases, principles, and concepts related to the role of the judiciary.
