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.
Despite multiple judicial pronouncements, police reforms remain elusive in India. Examine the systemic obstacles and suggest a viable roadmap.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
ExecutiveJudiciary
What do you understand by 'The doctrine of separation of powers'? Do you think this doctrine is absolutely rigid as per our constitution? Justify.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Discuss the impact of the proclamation of National Emergency on Fundamental Rights in India. Also, highlight the various Supreme Court judgements in this context.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
What do you understand by Tribunalization of Justice in India? Explain the significance of tribunals in India. Highlight their major limitations in the context of Indian justice delivery system.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesJudiciary
Efficient resolution of contractual disputes is paramount for fostering business confidence, economic growth, and societal well-being. India's commitment to addressing these challenges through legislative reforms and initiatives like Vivad se Vishwas is a step in the right direction. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesJudiciary
Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on structural ambiguity of BSD. Has the elastic nature of Basic structure made judiciary more powerful than executive?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Explain the significance of Judicial Review as a part of the Basic Structure Doctrine. How does it act as a check on the powers of other organs of government? 2. The status of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi is 'sui generis'. Discuss the implications of this status on the power-sharing arrangement between the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government of Delhi in light of recent judicial pronouncements and legislative changes.
Answered by 1 topper
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
The NGT Act gives much leeway to the tribunal to go beyond a mere adjudicatory role and act as a sui generis institution with the capacity to provide redressal for environmental exigencies. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesJudiciary
Critically evaluate the significance of the Basic Structure Doctrine in the five decades since its judicial pronouncement.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Critically discuss the evolving policy on reservation in promotions in India with special focus on its ability to meet the objectives of social justice.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
SC, ST and OBCConstitution and Basic Structure
Critics assert that limitless jurisdiction of basic structure doctrine rests on structural ambiguity of basic structure doctrine made judiciary more powerful than executive. Has elastic nature of judicial authority.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
“The Indian Parliament is not a sovereign legislature; it has vast but not unlimited powers.” Comment on the statement.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Constitution and Basic StructureParliament
Rule of Law and Judicial Review form the backbone of Indian Democracy. Discuss. Q2. The 69th Constitutional Amendment Act provided for the administration of National Capital Territory of Delhi. Discuss the nature of the power tussle between the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government of Delhi.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
ParliamentFundamental Rights
"The constitutionalization of environmental issues by the Supreme Court is among the most transformative developments in contemporary Indian jurisprudence." Discuss the statement with the help of relevant case laws.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciaryFundamental Rights
"State impunity continues for acts of torture." Examine the statement in the background of India's stand on UN Convention against Torture'. Also, discuss various judicial and legislative steps taken to prevent torture in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
"The judiciary has acted as an institutional corrective, redefining and refining the contours of the Governor's office to prevent its misuse and uphold constitutional principles." Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
ExecutiveJudiciary
The transparency and accountability of judicial function form the cornerstone of a robust and effective legal system, ensuring public trust and upholding the principles of justice. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciaryTransparency and Accountability
Recently, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the "right to be safeguarded from adverse effects of climate change". In this context, citing relevant case laws, discuss the role played by Indian judiciary in 'constitutionalization' of environmental issues.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciaryFundamental Rights
Discuss the constitutional provisions and challenges related to the imposition of President's Rule under Article 356. Also, evaluate the role of the judiciary in curbing its misuse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
How has the Doctrine of Basic Structure settled a conflict between Parliamentary supremacy and judicial supremacy in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Alternate dispute redressal in India provides a streamlined and efficient approach to resolve conflicts outside the traditional court system. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
Critically analyze the interplay between 'Rule of Law' and 'Judicial Review' in the Indian context. 2. Discuss the distinct power dynamics of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi vis-a-vis State Governors. 3. How has the Indian Judiciary interpreted 'public order, morality, and health' to balance religious freedom with constitutional morality? Discuss with relevant case laws.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciaryExecutive
"Disturbing public order or inciting violence cannot be allowed under the garb of the freedom of speech and expression." Discuss with help of the recent Supreme Court judgment on hate speech.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Fundamental RightsJudiciary
"SR Bommai Vs Union ..." signified a paradigm shift in judicial interpretation of union's authority to assume control of state's admin". Discuss significance and impact of the judgement in cementing federal structure.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
FederalismJudiciary
What is the Doctrine of Severability? Discuss with the help of relevant judicial decisions.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Prison reform is not just a moral imperative, but a legal and social necessity. In light of this statement, critically analyze the state of prisons in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciaryVulnerable Sections
Alternate Dispute Resolutions (ADR) mechanisms have the potential to change the judicial landscape, however, their outcomes are very limited in scope. Do you agree? Substantiate the answer.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
Differentiate between Gram Nyayalaya and lok adalats. How will these help in achieving the mandate of Article 39A?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
JudiciarySeparation of Powers