GS2 · Topic
Judiciary
Courts, judicial review, judicial activism, appointments and independence.
227 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Judiciary that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
“Constitutional morality acts as both a restraint and an enabler in a democratic society”. Critically examine this statement in the context of recent judicial interpretations in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Explain the importance of the principle of 'complete justice' as outlined in the Indian Constitution. Refer to key judicial rulings that have contributed to the realisation of complete justice in modern India. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Judiciary
The Representation of the People Acts, which serve as the foundation for clean electoral democracy, require relevant amendments to address contemporary challenges. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Elections and RepresentationJudiciary
“The competence and quality of the lower judiciary are crucial for revitalizing the entire edifice of Indian judiciary”. Explain. Also, in brief, analyse as to how ‘All India Judicial Services’ (AIJS) can make Indian judicial system more effective and efficient.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
JudiciaryCivil Services
A dysfunctional criminal justice system, absence of well-considered legislation and need for domain expertise, are being seen as the new challenges for the Indian judiciary. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
Discuss how the principles established in the S.R. Bommai case remain essential for preserving the constitutional values of federalism and secularism. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismJudiciary
"Doctrine of basic structure is both necessary and desirable." Critically analyze the statement.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Highlight the need for the creation of an independent umbrella authority for Central investigation agencies. Do you think it will solve the concerns associated with status of 'caged parrot' of CBI?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesJudiciary
Indiscriminate use of section 124-A of the IPC is like a saw in the hands of carpenter who cuts the entire forest instead of a tree. Has the Sedition law outlived its utility? Justify your answer.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
Is there a need for a balance between Fundamental Rights and Parliamentary Privileges to be re-examined? Discuss giving suitable arguments in support of your answer.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
ParliamentFundamental Rights
Every person has a fundamental right to entertain such religious practices as approved by his/ her conscience. Do you think that 'doctrine of essentiality' restricts this autonomy?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
American constitution provides for 'due process of law' against that of 'procedure established by law' contained in the Indian Constitution. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Comparative ConstitutionsFundamental Rights
Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Elections and RepresentationJudiciary
Explain how the Supreme Court's recent judgement on SC/ST sub-categorization affects the fairness of reservation benefits.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
SC, ST and OBCJudiciary
American Constitution provides for ‘due process of law’ against that of ‘procedure established by law’ contained in the Indian Constitution. Discuss. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Comparative ConstitutionsJudiciary
S.R. Bommai v UoI signified a paradigm shift in judicial interpretation of union's authority to assume control of a state's admin. In this context, discuss significance & impact of judgment on cementing fed structure.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
What do you understand by basic structure doctrine? Highlight the elements which constitute the basic structure as decided in various judgements.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
The expansion of Fundamental Rights through judicial interpretation has strengthened Indian democracy, but it has also raised concerns about judicial overreach.” Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Pressure groups play a vital role in democracy. Discuss how they shape public policy in India. 4. "Bail not jail" is a significant principle for upholding individual liberty. Discuss. (Note: The question prompt for the Inter-State Council was not explicitly provided but implied by the content of pages 11-12)
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Pressure Groups and AssociationsJudiciary
The role of tribunals in India has expanded but concerns about their independence and effectiveness persist. Critically evaluate the current tribunal system in light of recent judicial and legislative developments.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesJudiciary
How does mediation differ from arbitration? In light of the recent enactment of the Mediation Act, 2023, assess its potential to address the backlog of litigations in Indian courts and foster a culture of voluntary mediation, especially among private players and public-sector undertakings.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
The question is not explicitly stated, but based on the content of the answer, the UPSC mains question asks about: 1) the role of the Supreme Court of India in interpreting international laws; 2) the convergence and divergence of Indian and US constitutional jurisprudence; 3) the impact of 44th Constitutional Amendment and challenges in legal enforcement of Fundamental Duties; 4) the administrative role and judicial tussle of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT); 5) various facets of equality under the Indian Constitution; 6) the evolution of pressure groups towards political parties; 7) the advantages and challenges of establishing foreign higher educational institutions in India; 8) private sector contribution to achieving 'Right to Health'; 9) the impact of global cooperation on poverty and hunger; 10) the need for change in the World Trade Organization (WTO); 11) the dilemma of dual governance in Delhi and its impact on cooperative federalism; 12) issues of independence versus insulation of the judiciary and alternatives to the collegium system; 13) impediments in the functioning of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and reforms; 14) the controversy regarding the Governor's power to reserve bills; 15) the paradox and relevance of the 9th Schedule; 16) the role of the Central Information Commission (CIC) as a guardian of democracy and limitations of its status; 17) the significance of the POCSO Act and changes required for effective implementation; 18) the role of technology in modernizing governance; 19) the transformation of India-US relations; 20) the evolution and challenges of India-ASEAN relations.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Comparative ConstitutionsJudiciary
What are tribunals? How is Article 323A different from Article 323B of the Indian Constitution?
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Despite the benefits of wider representation of women in the judiciary, Indian courts have significantly fewer women as compared to men. Discuss. Also, suggest some measures to bridge the gender gap in Indian judiciary.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
JudiciaryWomen and Gender
The tussle between the legislature and judiciary culminated in the 'basic structure' doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case. Discuss. What is the significance of the case in limiting the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
How does mediation differ from arbitration? In light of the recent enactment of the Mediation Act, of 2023, assess its potential to address the backlog of litigations in Indian courts and foster a culture of voluntary mediation, especially among private players and public-sector undertakings.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
Status of DP, Gov - can he? Various limits on Prof Gov.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
ExecutiveJudiciary
"Bail not Jail" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement, citing various case laws.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
JudiciaryFundamental Rights
Enumerate the various kinds of writs in the Indian judicial framework and state the remedial significance of writs.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsJudiciary