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.
Judicial accountability and independence are mutually reinforcing. Do you agree? In what ways can judicial accountability be enhanced without impinging on its independence?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
JudiciaryTransparency and Accountability
What constitutes corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act, 1951? Also, discuss the challenges in curbing such malpractices and suggest remedial measures.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Elections and RepresentationCorruption and Probity
Judicial recognition of intra-caste inequality within Scheduled Castes opens new debates in affirmative action policies. Examine the challenges and opportunities this poses for social justice in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
SC, ST and OBCVulnerable Sections
Multiplicity of central investigative agencies leads to not only problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions but also dilution of federal principles. Highlighting various issues related to the functioning of central investigating agencies, argue the case for an independent umbrella body for their regulation.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
JudiciaryStatutory and Regulatory Bodies
"Repromulgation of Ordinance is a fraud on the constitution and a subversion of democratic legislative process". Substantiate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
ExecutiveParliament
While India has a structured but rarely used process for the removal of judges, the UK emphasizes ministerial responsibility and in house mechanisms . Compare and evaluate these approaches in maintaining judicial accountability.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Comparative ConstitutionsJudiciary
There seems to be no end to the debate surrounding the nature and extent of parliamentary privileges. In this regard, assess the need for codification of Parliamentary Privileges. Also, highlight the judicial pronouncement in the direction of bringing clarity to parliamentary privileges.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
ParliamentJudiciary
"The right to internet access is integral to the realization and exercise of other fundamental rights in India." In this context examine how the recognition of internet access as a fundamental right in India reconciles with the state's authority to impose restrictions.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms have the potential to change the judicial landscape, however, their outcomes are very limited in scope. Do you agree? Substantiate your views.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
In light of recent developments, the Collegium system and the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 have once again come under scrutiny. Do you think that a NJAC-like body can make judicial appointments more transparent, broad-based, and accountable? Justify your answer.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of constitutional supremacy and creation of parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms offer a viable solution to India's overburdened judiciary. Enumerate the types of ADR mechanisms in India and analyze their advantages over conventional litigation.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
The Indian Constitution does not embody a strict separation of powers rather it introduces a system of checks and balances, with overlapping functions and interdependencies among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Lok Adalats and Alternate Dispute Resolution mechanisms have improved access to justice but face limitations in delivering substantive justice. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
The basic structure doctrine of the Indian Constitution is a judicial innovation. Analyse.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Examine the need for prison reforms in India. Discuss the significance of Model Prison Act 2023 in this regard.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Vulnerable SectionsJudiciary
"Extraordinary powers must be exercised with extraordinary care." Discuss in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
"Parliament is a creature of the constitution, not its master". Highlighting relevant case laws discuss how judicial intervention has shaped the balance between the Constitution and parliamentary sovereignty.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
The great contribution of Judicial activism in India has been to provide a safety valve and a hope that justice is not beyond reach. Critically analyze the statement.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
“National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a unique forum endowed with suo motu powers to take up environmental issues across the country.” In this context analyse the importance of NGT for environmental governance of the nation.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesJudiciary
What do you understand by Judicial activism and overreach? Also discuss the associated concerns.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary
The basic structure doctrine acts as a constitutional compass in balancing Parliament's legislative authority and constitutional supremacy. Comment.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Discuss the constitutional and statutory provisions governing the disqualification of Members of Parliament in India. How effective are they in upholding the integrity of the legislature?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
ParliamentElections and Representation
The Supreme Court's recent invocation of Article 142 to confer 'deemed assent' to state bills raises critical questions about the separation of powers. Critically examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Compare and contrast ‘procedure established by law’ and ‘due process of law’ with reference to their implications on personal liberty in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
JudiciaryE-Governance
Examine the scope and significance of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 of the Constitution.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
JudiciaryConstitution and Basic Structure
Explain the concept of separation of powers. What are the provisions in the Indian Constitution, which reflect separation of powers?
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary
In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyse the evolving role of judicial activism in shaping public policy and governance. Using examples from landmark court cases, evaluate the effectiveness of judicial interventions in addressing governance gaps and safeguarding citizens' rights.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Discuss the role of judicial activism in shaping public policy in India, while also highlighting its limitations.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Separation of PowersJudiciary