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.
"Bail not Jail" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement with the help of various judicial pronouncements.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
JudiciaryFundamental Rights
Socialistic ideals and secularism are core features of the Basic Structure doctrine in India. In this context, discuss how judicial decisions have cemented these principles as the cornerstone of constitutional identity.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
JudiciaryTransparency and Accountability
Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesCorruption and Probity
India does not follow a watertight model of separation of powers; rather a system of salutary checks and balances. Discuss. Also, explain the rationale behind the same.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
Separation of PowersConstitution and Basic Structure
"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding constitutional values, but it must also remain accountable to preserve public trust." Discuss in the context of recent issues.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
"President's Rule is a constitutional mechanism to deal with governance failure, not political convenience." Under what circumstances can President's Rule be imposed in a State? Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial verdicts associated with it.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Centre-State RelationsConstitution and Basic Structure
Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsJudiciary
Article 143 of the Constitution confers advisory jurisdiction upon the Supreme Court through a presidential reference mechanism. Examine the significance and scope of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under this provision.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
JudiciaryConstitution and Basic Structure
"The powers of the Governor, particularly with respect to state bills, have sparked recurring tensions between the Centre and the States." Discuss the constitutional powers of the Governor in this regard. Highlight the key concerns arising out of the Governor's role in the legislative process. What reforms can help address the Governor-State disputes? Refer to the case laws.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Centre-State RelationsExecutive
Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
Vulnerable SectionsConstitution and Basic Structure
Examine the structure and jurisdiction of courts in the United States and India. How do the contempt powers of courts differ in both countries?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Comparative ConstitutionsJudiciary
In a rights-based democracy, institutions like the NHRC must evolve beyond symbolic presence to real-time impact. In this context, discuss the structural and functional issues within India's human rights framework.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesVulnerable Sections
Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesJudiciary
Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureSeparation of Powers
The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Vulnerable SectionsFundamental Rights
The principle of checks and balances in the Indian Constitution is often challenged by the judiciary's expanding role in legislative and executive domains. Highlighting the reasons, assess its impact on the functional separation between various organs.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary
"Delay in disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law weakens governance and undermines democratic stability." Discuss the provisions of the Anti-Defection Law and the role of the Speaker in its implementation. How does the delay in disqualification affect governance? Suggest reforms needed to strengthen the law.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
ParliamentJudiciary
Discuss the constitutional provisions governing the imposition of President's Rule in India and its significance within the federal framework. Examine the challenges and criticisms related to its misuse. Mention key Supreme Court observations that have shaped the constitutional understanding of President's Rule.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy." Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
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 the status of 'Caged Parrot' of CBI?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesJudiciary
What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
What are the powers and immunities of the Governor in relation to bills passed by the state legislature? Are these powers unlimited in nature? Discuss in light of relevant judgements.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
ExecutiveFederalism
The criminal justice system has made the process itself a punishment leading to the prolonged incarceration of undertrials. Highlighting the reasons for the large number of undertrial prisoners, examine the desirability of a dedicated bail law.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
JudiciaryVulnerable Sections
Differentiate between the clemency powers of the Presidents of India and the USA. Also, critically examine the vesting of clemency power in the executive.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Comparative ConstitutionsExecutive
Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the judicial systems of India and USA.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Comparative ConstitutionsJudiciary
Though Public Interest Litigation (PIL) were instruments for the common man to reach higher judiciary, with vested interests, it has turned into "Personal Interest Litigation". In this context, provide a critical account on the performance of PIL in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
JudiciaryTransparency and Accountability
Ordinance making by the executive is violative of the Principle of Separation of Power. Do you agree that the constitutional and Judicial safeguards have been successful in preventing the misuse of such powers?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
Separation of PowersExecutive
Parliamentary privileges are fundamental for lawmakers to discharge their duties without undue influence. However, ensuring the responsible exercise of these privileges is crucial for fostering public trust and ensuring the accountability of public institutions. Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
Discuss whether changes recommended by the Law Commission in its 268th report can help in addressing the problems of undertrials languishing in jails in India. What other measures can be taken in this regard?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2020
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesJudiciary