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.
There are various issues related to appointments in higher judiciary in India that need urgent attention. Discuss in context of the recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee for the Ministry of Law and Justice.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
JudiciaryExecutive
How is Indian judicial system different from that of the USA? Should India move towards a more federal judicial system?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Comparative ConstitutionsJudiciary
Despite all the progress, LGBTQIA+ citizens still face challenges to their rights and dignity. Discuss with special reference to the measures taken in India in this regard.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Vulnerable SectionsFundamental Rights
Does the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015 ensure an effective mechanism for the empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss. How far the Supreme Court's decision 'No immediate arrest' would go along with the mentioned Act?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Vulnerable SectionsSC, ST and OBC
Ordinance making by the executive is violative of the principle of Separation of power. Do you agree that Constitutional and judicial safeguards have been successful to prevent misuse of such power. Q6. Defiance in the current regulatory system stem from deeper rooted problems in the regulatory structure. In this context, highlight the need of a principle based regulatory system in India.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Separation of PowersStatutory and Regulatory Bodies
Checks and balances as well as separation of powers are not mere intellectual ideas, but principles which strengthen a democracy in real ways. Discuss in the context of India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Discuss the role of the judiciary in electoral reforms citing suitable cases. How far do you agree that judiciary induced reforms violate the principle of separation of power?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
Although upholding the spirit of the Constitution through judicial activism is noble in its intent, in practice it runs the risk of undermining the delicate balance of power that the Constitution sought to achieve. Critically examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Huge pendency is a very serious issue for Indian judiciary. In this context analyse the reasons and consequences while suggesting steps to overcome the pendency issue.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Judiciary
What are the checks on Parliamentary sovereignty in India? Do you think judicial activism poses a threat to the free working of Parliament? Justify your answer.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Judiciary acts as the supreme body that upholds the constitution and safeguards public rights of freedom of religion. Supreme court and various high courts have upheld the freedom of religion and navigate tension. Explain with examples.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsJudiciary
'Equality under the Indian constitution is not merely about formal equality, it also incorporates the idea of substantive equality'. Discuss this statement in light of constitutional provisions and relevant Supreme Court judgments.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
15 "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 2024
ParliamentConstitution and Basic Structure
Discuss the significance of audio or video recording of court proceedings towards enhancing transparency in judiciary.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
JudiciaryTransparency and Accountability
Discuss the role of judiciary in resolving the conflict between the right to freedom of religion and constitutional morality.
Answered by 1 topper
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Judiciary has played an active role in reforming the electoral system by making it more transparent and responsive. Elucidate. Also, critically assess the impacts of various judicial pronouncements in attaining their desired objective.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Elections and RepresentationJudiciary
The recent Supreme Court judgments on human rights issues mark a remarkable shift in using International law and treaties not just as a source of inspiration but as a source of law. Examine with reference to relevant case laws.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciaryConstitution and Basic Structure
The legislative dysfunction can be seen by PRS legislative data whereby only 37% conduct of question hour and increased adjournment motion impacted quality of deliberation. Evolving role of Judicial activism
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanism is essential for a robust justice system. Discuss. Q2. State Finance Commissions are critical for the fiscal health of local self-government institutions. Explain their role and the issues faced by them.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
"The Basic Structure doctrine, while safeguarding the core principles of the Constitution against majoritarian impulses, is also criticized for enabling judicial overreach and disturbing the balance of power as envisioned by the Constitution." Elaborate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
What do you mean by "Doctrine of Essentiality" and "Doctrine of Principled Distance"? Explain how the Supreme Court has helped in guarding the value of secularism in India with suitable examples. Establishing the National Tribunal Commission could entail a radical restructuring of the present tribunals' system. Discuss the statement in the backdrop of the recent issues facing the functioning of Tribunals in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
JudiciaryConstitution and Basic Structure
The issue of judicial delays and backlogs has long been an issue plaguing the justice system in India. In the light of this, give an account of various alternate dispute redressal mechanisms available, and analyse their suitability and efficacy in reducing judicial delays and backlogs.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
The basic structure doctrine is a judicial innovation. Discuss its significance in the Indian Constitutional context.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Discuss the key objectives of the e-Courts Project. How does it contribute to enhancing access to justice and improving judicial efficiency in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
E-GovernanceJudiciary
Discuss how the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in the dispute resolution processes will help in overcoming the challenges associated with the functioning of courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
E-GovernanceJudiciary
The Ninth Schedule fabricated a constitutional paradox to safeguard laws related to socio-economic justice from being challenged under the fundamental right to property. Does the ninth schedule have any relevance in present times? How did the IR Coelho judgment resolve this paradox?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
“Though Supreme Court’s use of its vast powers under the Article 142 has done tremendous good to many deprived sections, however, it is time to institute checks and balances”. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Fundamental RightsJudiciary
The administration of justice is not limited to conviction of the guilty and acquittal of the innocent but also ensuring fair and speedy trial. In view of this, discuss the reasons behind increase in the number of undertrials in India and measures taken to ameliorate the issues faced by them.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
JudiciaryVulnerable Sections