GS2 · Topic
Separation of Powers
Friction and redressal between the legislature, executive and judiciary.
97 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Separation of Powers that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
The rule of law and judicial review are interdependent, as one cannot truly exist without the other. In this context can judicial review be considered the most important aspect among those that constitute the basic structure of the Constitution?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
The principle of 'Separation of Powers' is a key feature of the American Constitution. In this context, compare how the Indian Constitution's functional separation of powers distinguishes itself from the US system. What are the advantages of a check and balance system over a rigid Separation of Powers?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Comparative ConstitutionsSeparation of Powers
In the context of persistent legislative dysfunction in India, analyze 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 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
ParliamentSeparation of Powers
"Supremacy of the constitution requires all ordinary laws to conform to the constitutional law." Discuss the statement with reference to judicial review in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Constitution and Basic StructureSeparation of Powers
Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Local GovernmentSeparation of Powers
Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
ParliamentExecutive
Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
ParliamentFundamental Rights
Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
JudiciaryConstitution and Basic Structure
The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Comparative ConstitutionsJudiciary
"Judicial evenings are sensitive phases; the incumbent being bothered about post-retiral avenues." In the context of this statement, discuss how the prospects of post-retirement employment affect the independence of Judiciary.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
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
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
'The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Separation of PowersParliament
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 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
"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
In post-liberalized India, independent regulators were established to ensure fair competition and transparency. To what extent have independent regulators been effective in their mandates and discuss the impact of government influence on their autonomy.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesTransparency and Accountability
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
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
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
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
"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
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