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The Judiciary Exercise Solutions | KalviGavani

Samacheer Kalvi 8th Social Science The Judiciary exercise solutions with MCQs, fill in blanks, true or false, match the following, short and detailed answers, common mistakes, and exam checklist.

Updated 12 June 202615 min read

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Step-by-step answers for all textbook questions in this chapter

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How to Use This Page

Read each question carefully, attempt it on your own, and then compare your answer with the solutions below. Focus on understanding the reasoning — not just memorising the answer.

Key Concepts (Quick Recap)

  • Judiciary is the third organ of the government that interprets laws, settles disputes, and protects citizens' rights.
  • Independence of judiciary means judges are free from the influence of the legislature and executive.
  • India has a three-tier judiciary: Supreme Court, High Courts, and District/Subordinate Courts.
  • Supreme Court is the highest court, located in New Delhi; headed by the Chief Justice of India.
  • High Court is the highest court in a state; headed by the Chief Justice of the High Court.
  • District Courts handle cases at the district level; headed by a District Judge.
  • Judicial review is the power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of laws and government actions.
  • Writs are orders issued by courts to enforce fundamental rights: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto.
  • Lok Adalat is a people's court that provides speedy and inexpensive justice through compromise.
  • Public Interest Litigation (PIL) allows any citizen to file a case on behalf of the public interest.

I. Choose the Correct Answer (MCQs)

1. The highest court of India is:

  • a) High Court   b) District Court   c) Supreme Court   d) Lok Adalat

The Supreme Court is the highest court in India, located in New Delhi.

2. The Chief Justice of India is appointed by:

  • a) The President   b) The Prime Minister   c) The Parliament   d) The Law Minister

The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President of India.

3. The number of High Courts in India is:

  • a) 25   b) 28   c) 25 (as of 2024)   d) 30

There are 25 High Courts in India. (Note: This number may change with new formations.)

4. The power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of laws is called:

  • a) Judicial activism   b) Judicial review   c) Judicial sovereignty   d) Judicial overreach

Judicial review is the power of the courts to examine whether laws and government actions are constitutional.

5. A writ that means "produce the body" is:

  • a) Habeas Corpus   b) Mandamus   c) Prohibition   d) Certiorari

Habeas Corpus literally means "to have the body" — it is issued to produce a person who has been detained before the court.

6. Lok Adalat is also known as:

  • a) Supreme Court   b) High Court   c) People's Court   d) Fast Track Court

Lok Adalat means "people's court" — it provides speedy and inexpensive justice through compromise and settlement.

7. The judiciary is independent of:

  • a) Both legislature and executive   b) Only the legislature   c) Only the executive   d) Neither

An independent judiciary means judges are free from the influence of both the legislature and the executive.

8. Public Interest Litigation can be filed by:

  • a) Only the affected person   b) Any citizen on behalf of the public   c) Only the government   d) Only lawyers

PIL allows any citizen to file a case in court on behalf of the public interest, even if they are not directly affected.

9. The retirement age of a Supreme Court judge is:

  • a) 60 years   b) 62 years   c) 65 years   d) 70 years

A Supreme Court judge retires at the age of 65 years.

10. The retirement age of a High Court judge is:

  • a) 60 years   b) 62 years   c) 65 years   d) 70 years

A High Court judge retires at the age of 62 years.

II. Fill in the Blanks

1. The highest court of India is the Supreme Court. 2. The Supreme Court is located in New Delhi. 3. The head of the Supreme Court is the Chief Justice of India. 4. The power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of laws is called judicial review. 5. A writ is a formal order issued by a court to enforce fundamental rights. 6. Lok Adalat is also known as the people's court. 7. The retirement age of a Supreme Court judge is 65 years. 8. The retirement age of a High Court judge is 62 years. 9. PIL stands for Public Interest Litigation. 10. The judiciary is the third organ of the government.

III. True or False

1. The Supreme Court is the highest court in India.
AnswerTrue 2. The Chief Justice of India is elected by the people. — False (The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President, not elected by the people.) 3. High Courts handle cases only at the national level. — False (High Courts handle cases at the state level.) 4. Judicial review allows the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of laws. — True 5. Lok Adalat provides speedy and expensive justice. — False (Lok Adalat provides speedy and inexpensive justice.) 6. PIL can be filed by any citizen on behalf of the public. — True 7. The judiciary is dependent on the executive. — False (The judiciary is independent of both the legislature and the executive.) 8. District Courts are the lowest courts in the Indian judicial system. — True (District Courts are at the bottom of the three-tier structure, though there are also subordinate/Taluk courts below them in some contexts.)

IV. Match the Following

Set 1:

No.Column AAnswer
1Supreme Courtd) Highest court of India
2High Courta) Highest court in a state
3District Courtc) Court at the district level
4Lok Adalatb) People's court

Set 2:

No.Column AAnswer
1Habeas Corpuse) "Produce the body"
2Mandamusa) "We command" — order to perform duty
3Prohibitionb) Order to stop proceeding
4Certioraric) Transfer of case to higher court
5Quo Warrantod) "By what authority"

V. Short Answer Questions

1. What is the judiciary? What are its functions? The judiciary is the third organ of the government responsible for interpreting laws, settling disputes, and protecting citizens' rights. Its main functions are:

  • Interpreting laws and the Constitution
  • Settling disputes between individuals, between individuals and the government, and between states
  • Protecting fundamental rights through writs
  • Exercising judicial review to examine the constitutionality of laws
  • Advising the President on legal matters (advisory jurisdiction)

2. Explain the three-tier structure of the Indian judiciary. India has a three-tier judiciary: 1. Supreme Court: The highest court, located in New Delhi. It has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction. Headed by the Chief Justice of India. 2. High Courts: The highest courts in each state (or group of states). They hear appeals from district courts and have original jurisdiction in certain cases. Headed by the Chief Justice of the High Court. 3. District and Subordinate Courts: Courts at the district level handling civil and criminal cases. Headed by a District Judge.

3. What is judicial review? Judicial review is the power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of laws passed by the legislature and actions taken by the executive. If a law or action violates the provisions of the Constitution, the judiciary can declare it null and void. This power ensures that no organ of the government acts beyond the limits set by the Constitution.

4. What are writs? Name the five types. Writs are formal orders issued by the Supreme Court and High Courts to enforce fundamental rights and deliver justice. The five types are: 1. Habeas Corpus: "Produce the body" — issued to produce a detained person before the court. 2. Mandamus: "We command" — issued to a public official to perform a duty they have failed to perform. 3. Prohibition: Issued by a higher court to stop a lower court from proceeding with a case beyond its jurisdiction. 4. Certiorari: Issued by a higher court to transfer a case from a lower court to itself. 5. Quo Warranto: "By what authority" — issued to question a person's authority to hold a public office.

5. What is Lok Adalat? Lok Adalat (People's Court) is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism that provides speedy, inexpensive, and informal justice. Cases are settled through compromise and mutual agreement, without the formal procedures of regular courts. Lok Adalats are organised at district, state, and national levels. Their decisions are binding and cannot be appealed.

6. What is PIL? Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a mechanism that allows any citizen to file a case in court on behalf of the public interest, even if they are not directly affected by the issue. It helps marginalised and disadvantaged people who cannot approach the courts themselves. PILs can be filed in the Supreme Court and High Courts for matters of public importance like environmental protection, human rights, and government accountability.

VI. Detailed Answer Questions

1. Explain the composition, powers, and functions of the Supreme Court.
Answer

Composition:

  • The Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of India and other judges (currently 34 including the CJI).
  • Judges are appointed by the President of India.
  • A person must be a citizen of India and have been a judge of a High Court for at least 5 years or an advocate of a High Court for at least 10 years to be eligible.
  • The Chief Justice is appointed by the President in consultation with other senior judges.

Powers and Jurisdiction:

1. Original Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court hears cases directly in disputes between:

  • The Government of India and one or more states
  • The Government of India and any state(s) on one side and one or more states on the other
  • Two or more states

2. Appellate Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court hears appeals against decisions of High Courts in:

  • Constitutional cases (certified by the High Court)
  • Civil cases involving substantial questions of law
  • Criminal cases where the High Court has reversed an acquittal or sentenced a person to death

3. Advisory Jurisdiction: The President may seek the Supreme Court's opinion on any question of law or fact of public importance.

4. Writ Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court can issue writs (Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto) to enforce fundamental rights under Article 32.

5. Judicial Review: The Supreme Court can declare any law or executive action unconstitutional if it violates the Constitution.

6. Court of Record: The Supreme Court's decisions are binding on all courts in India. Its records are legal evidence.

Independence of the Supreme Court:

  • Judges have security of tenure (can only be removed through impeachment)
  • Salaries are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India (not voted by Parliament)
  • Judges are prohibited from practising law after retirement
  • The process of removing a judge requires a complex impeachment procedure
2. Explain the composition and functions of the High Court.
Answer

Composition:

  • Each state (or group of states) has a High Court.
  • The High Court consists of a Chief Justice and other judges appointed by the President of India.
  • The number of judges varies from state to state depending on the workload.
  • A person must be a citizen of India and have held a judicial office for at least 10 years or been an advocate of a High Court for at least 10 years.

Jurisdiction and Functions:

1. Original Jurisdiction: The High Court can hear certain cases directly, such as:

  • Disputes relating to the election of members of Parliament and state legislatures
  • Cases involving fundamental rights through writs

2. Appellate Jurisdiction: The High Court hears appeals against decisions of district and subordinate courts in:

  • Civil cases above a certain value
  • Criminal cases involving serious offences
  • Cases involving constitutional questions

3. Writ Jurisdiction: Under Article 226, the High Court can issue writs (Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto) to enforce fundamental rights and for any other purpose. This power is wider than the Supreme Court's writ jurisdiction under Article 32.

4. Supervisory Jurisdiction: The High Court has supervisory authority over all subordinate courts within its territorial jurisdiction.

5. Administrative Functions: The High Court controls and supervises the working of subordinate courts, transfers cases, and can withdraw cases from lower courts.

6. Court of Record: The High Court's decisions are binding on subordinate courts within its jurisdiction.

3. Explain the independence of the judiciary and why it is important.
Answer

Independence of the Judiciary means that judges are free from the influence and control of the legislature and the executive. This independence is essential for a fair and impartial justice system.

Constitutional Safeguards for Judicial Independence:

1. Security of tenure: A judge cannot be removed from office except through impeachment by Parliament, which requires a complex process.

2. Fixed salaries: Judges' salaries and allowances are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India and cannot be reduced during their term.

3. Appointment process: Judges are appointed by the President in consultation with the judiciary (through the collegium system), reducing executive interference.

4. Prohibition on post-retirement practice: Supreme Court judges cannot plead or act as advocates in any court after retirement. High Court judges cannot practise in the same High Court.

5. Power to punish for contempt: Courts have the power to punish anyone for contempt of court, which prevents interference with judicial functioning.

6. Separation of powers: The Constitution ensures separation of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary.

Why Independence is Important:

1. Fair and impartial justice: Judges can decide cases based on law and evidence without fear or favour. 2. Protection of fundamental rights: An independent judiciary can protect citizens' rights even against the government. 3. Checks and balances: The judiciary can check the excesses of the legislature and executive through judicial review. 4. Rule of law: An independent judiciary ensures that everyone, including the government, is subject to the law. 5. Public confidence: People trust the judiciary only when they believe it is fair and independent.

4. Write about Lok Adalats and their significance.
Answer

Lok Adalat (People's Court) is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism that provides speedy, inexpensive, and informal justice.

Features of Lok Adalat:

  • It is a forum where disputes are settled through compromise and mutual agreement.
  • No court fees are charged.
  • Cases are decided quickly, often in a single sitting.
  • The proceedings are informal and not bound by strict legal procedures.
  • Both parties must agree to settle the dispute through Lok Adalat.
  • The decision (award) is binding on both parties and is equivalent to a civil court decree.
  • No appeal can be filed against a Lok Adalat decision.

Types of cases handled:

  • Motor accident claims
  • Property disputes
  • Matrimonial disputes
  • Labour disputes
  • Cases pending in regular courts (with consent of both parties)

Significance of Lok Adalat: 1. Speedy justice: Cases are resolved quickly, reducing the burden on regular courts. 2. Inexpensive: No court fees are charged, making justice accessible to the poor. 3. Informal: Simple procedures make it easy for common people to participate. 4. Voluntary: Both parties agree to settle, leading to satisfactory outcomes. 5. Reduces court backlog: Helps reduce the large number of pending cases in courts. 6. Promotes harmony: Settlements through compromise promote social harmony. 7. Legal Aid: Provides justice to those who cannot afford expensive legal proceedings.

Lok Adalats are organised by State Legal Services Authorities at district, state, and national levels. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) oversees their functioning.

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing the three tiers: Supreme Court (national) → High Court (state) → District Court (district). 2. Confusing retirement ages: Supreme Court judges retire at 65; High Court judges retire at 62. 3. Confusing judicial review and judicial activism: Judicial review = examining constitutionality; judicial activism = proactive role in social issues. 4. Confusing Habeas Corpus and Mandamus: Habeas Corpus = produce the body (against detention); Mandamus = we command (to perform a duty). 5. Thinking PIL can only be filed by the affected person: PIL can be filed by any citizen on behalf of the public interest. 6. Confusing Lok Adalat and regular court: Lok Adalat is informal, uses compromise, and its decisions cannot be appealed. 7. Forgetting that the judiciary is independent of BOTH legislature and executive: Independence means free from influence of both organs.

Exam Checklist

  • [ ] Can define the judiciary and list its functions
  • [ ] Know the three-tier structure: Supreme Court, High Court, District Court
  • [ ] Can explain the composition and powers of the Supreme Court
  • [ ] Can explain the composition and functions of the High Court
  • [ ] Understand judicial review and its importance
  • [ ] Can list and explain the five types of writs
  • [ ] Know what Lok Adalat is and its significance
  • [ ] Understand PIL and who can file it
  • [ ] Can explain the independence of the judiciary and its safeguards
  • [ ] Remember key retirement ages: Supreme Court (65), High Court (62)

Internal Links

  • [Class 8 Social Science Guide](/class/8/social)
  • [Understanding Secularism — Exercise Solutions](/class/8/social/solutions/understanding-secularism-exercise-solutions)
  • [Road Safety Rules and Regulations — Exercise Solutions](/class/8/social/solutions/road-safety-rules-and-regulations-exercise-solutions)

Frequently Asked Questions

India has a three-tier judiciary: Supreme Court at the top (highest court), High Courts at the state level, and District/Subordinate Courts at the district level. The Supreme Court is located in New Delhi.