UPSC Mains 2020 · GS II · Q12 · 15 marks · 250 words

Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities.

हिन्दी में

न्यायिक विधायन, भारतीय संविधान में परिकल्पित शक्ति पृथक्करण सिद्धान्त का प्रतिपक्षी है। इस संदर्भ में कार्यपालक अधिकरणों को दिशा-निर्देश देने की प्रार्थना करने सम्बन्धी, बड़ी संख्या में दायर होने वाली, लोक हित याचिकाओं का न्याय औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिये।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Judicial legislation violates the doctrine of separation of power and creates a third chamber for legislation. Discuss.”

VikasAIR 27 · CSE 2025 · 280 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Judicial legislation refers to the phenomena where judiciary does not limit itself to the interpretation of law and starts giving interpretations & laws itself. (e.g.) Visakha guidelines given by Supreme Court in 1998.

Violation of separation of powers →

Body · points

  1. Legislation is the responsibility of Parliament & not judiciary.
  2. Parliament elected by people is primary body for making laws as per principles of parliamentary democracy.
  3. Judiciary is unelected body and is responsible for delivering justice & enforce laws passed by parliament.
  4. Parliament or Executive shall decide the 'policy matters' & not the judiciary (e.g. Supriya case recently).
  5. Violation of parliamentary principle of separation of powers based on interlocking and interdependence through the doctrines of checks and balances.

Creates a Third chamber →

  1. Judiciary becomes the most powerful body (e.g. Basic structure doctrine innovation of Supreme Court).
  2. Assumes roles of Constituent Assembly by exercising powers not given by the assembly to it.
  3. Reduces significance of other two bodies.
  4. Judicial activism and overreach affect the other two bodies.

Need of judicial legislation →

  1. When parliament is in decline & executive is hesitant.
  2. To save Indian democracy from becoming dictatorship of cabinet. (e.g.) emergency.
  3. To deliver justice to people & force the government to act as servants of people.
  4. Overcome gaps (e.g.) Anoop Baranwal case & methods of appointment of ECI.

Way Ahead →

  1. Principle of constitutional morality shall be followed by three organs.
  2. Due respect to doctrines of separation of power & checks & balances.

Close · a way forward

Judicial activism of Supreme Court shall be used as a medicine & not as a 'daily bread' to maintain the sanctity of Constitution.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper II, Q12. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.