1. Role of the Judiciary
The Judiciary:
- Interprets the Constitution and laws.
- Protects Fundamental Rights.
- Settles disputes between citizens, governments and institutions.
- Acts as guardian of the Constitution.
हिंदी: Judiciary = अदालतों की व्यवस्था।
यह संविधान और कानून की रक्षा करती है और सरकार की गलतियों पर रोक लगाती है।
2. Supreme Court of India (Arts. 124–147)
- Highest court of the country.
- Located in New Delhi.
- Headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
- Other judges – number decided by Parliament (changes from time to time).
2.1 Appointment & Qualifications
Appointment:
- President appoints the Chief Justice and other judges.
- CJI is usually the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court.
- Citizen of India.
- At least 5 years as a judge of a High Court, or
- At least 10 years as an advocate of a High Court, or
- Distinguished jurist (in the opinion of the President).
हिंदी: Supreme Court के Judge 65 साल की उम्र तक रहते हैं।
CJI – आम तौर पर सबसे senior judge होता है।
2.2 Jurisdiction (Powers) of Supreme Court
1) Original Jurisdiction:
Some cases directly come to Supreme Court:
- Disputes between Centre and one or more States.
- Disputes between two or more States.
- High Court decisions in civil, criminal and constitutional cases (as per conditions).
- President can seek advice of Supreme Court on important questions of law or facts.
- Can declare a law unconstitutional (Judicial Review).
- Can issue writs for protection of Fundamental Rights.
हिंदी: Supreme Court = अंतिम अपील की अदालत + Centre–State विवादों की अदालत +
Constitution का रक्षक + Fundamental Rights का protector।
3. High Courts
- Every State (or group of States) has a High Court.
- High Court is the highest court at the State level.
- Headed by a Chief Justice.
3.1 Appointment & Tenure
- Judges of High Court are appointed by the President.
- Consultation with CJI and Governor of the concerned State.
- Retirement age: 62 years.
हिंदी: High Court Judge = 62 वर्ष तक,
Supreme Court Judge = 65 वर्ष तक।
3.2 Powers of High Court (Simple View)
- Hears appeals from lower (subordinate) courts in the State.
- Has power of Judicial Review within the State.
- Can issue writs for enforcement of Fundamental Rights (like Supreme Court).
- Controls and supervises subordinate judiciary in the State.
4. Independence of Judiciary
Judiciary is kept independent through:
- Security of tenure for judges.
- Fixed salaries charged on Consolidated Fund (not easily reduced).
- Removal only through a special procedure (impeachment for SC/HC judges).
- Separate from executive and legislature in functions.
हिंदी:
न्यायपालिका की स्वतंत्रता ज़रूरी है, ताकि वह निडर होकर सरकार और ताकतवर लोगों के खिलाफ़ भी न्याय दे सके।
📘 Practice Questions (NDA Style)
1. The Supreme Court of India is located at:
a) Mumbai b) Kolkata c) Chennai d) New Delhi
2. The retirement age of a Supreme Court judge is:
a) 60 years b) 62 years c) 65 years d) 70 years
3. The power of the court to declare a law unconstitutional is called:
a) Judicial Activism b) Judicial Review c) Writ Jurisdiction d) Advisory Jurisdiction
4. The head of a High Court is called:
a) Chief Justice b) Speaker c) Governor d) Magistrate
5. Which Article deals with advisory jurisdiction of Supreme Court?
a) 32 b) 136 c) 143 d) 226
a) Mumbai b) Kolkata c) Chennai d) New Delhi
2. The retirement age of a Supreme Court judge is:
a) 60 years b) 62 years c) 65 years d) 70 years
3. The power of the court to declare a law unconstitutional is called:
a) Judicial Activism b) Judicial Review c) Writ Jurisdiction d) Advisory Jurisdiction
4. The head of a High Court is called:
a) Chief Justice b) Speaker c) Governor d) Magistrate
5. Which Article deals with advisory jurisdiction of Supreme Court?
a) 32 b) 136 c) 143 d) 226
Answers:
1 – d) New Delhi
2 – c) 65 years
3 – b) Judicial Review
4 – a) Chief Justice
5 – c) 143
1 – d) New Delhi
2 – c) 65 years
3 – b) Judicial Review
4 – a) Chief Justice
5 – c) 143
Quick Recap | सार
Now you should be able to:
- Recall the most important ideas of this topic.
- Solve typical NDA-style questions from this chapter.
- Spot and avoid common traps used in competitive exams.
Self-check: 3–4 random questions उठा कर देखिए – अगर आसानी से हो रहे हैं, तो chapter strong है।
Common Exam Mistakes | आम गलतियाँ
- Concept ठीक से clear न करना और सीधे रटने की कोशिश करना।
- Question पूरी तरह पढ़े बिना answer mark कर देना।
- Figures, dates, या formulas को last step में verify न करना।
NDA में smart strategy यह है कि आसान वाले सवाल पहले, doubtful बाद में – और silly mistakes से बचना सबसे ज़रूरी है।