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.
Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
ExecutiveSeparation of Powers
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
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
A dysfunctional criminal justice system, absence of well-considered legislation and need for domain expertise, are being seen as the new challenges for the Indian judiciary. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
The expansion of Fundamental Rights through judicial interpretation has strengthened Indian democracy, but it has also raised concerns about judicial overreach.” Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary
The role of tribunals in India has expanded but concerns about their independence and effectiveness persist. Critically evaluate the current tribunal system in light of recent judicial and legislative developments.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesJudiciary
How does mediation differ from arbitration? In light of the recent enactment of the Mediation Act, 2023, assess its potential to address the backlog of litigations in Indian courts and foster a culture of voluntary mediation, especially among private players and public-sector undertakings.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
What are tribunals? How is Article 323A different from Article 323B of the Indian Constitution?
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Compare the application of the doctrine of Separation of Powers as followed in the US, in the UK, and in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Comparative ConstitutionsSeparation of Powers
The MPLADS scheme goes against the spirit of 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Local GovernmentFederalism
“Absoluteness of the Speaker’s decisions can also be an incentive for potential abuse of his/her powers and functions”. Discuss in light of recent controversies.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
ParliamentSeparation of Powers
The tussle between the legislature and judiciary culminated in the 'basic structure' doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case. Discuss. What is the significance of the case in limiting the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
How does mediation differ from arbitration? In light of the recent enactment of the Mediation Act, of 2023, assess its potential to address the backlog of litigations in Indian courts and foster a culture of voluntary mediation, especially among private players and public-sector undertakings.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
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
What do you understand by the term 'Delegated Legislation'? In what ways does it help in streamlining administrative processes?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
ExecutiveSeparation 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
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
Briefly explain the concept of separation of powers and checks and balances. Also, discuss how the 6th schedule enables autonomy for tribal areas.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Separation of PowersConstitution 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
"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
The Presidents of India and USA differ not just the manner in which they are elected but also with respect to their powers. Elucidate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Comparative ConstitutionsExecutive
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 practice of separation of powers in the Constitutional scheme of India and USA is distinct in its own way. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Comparative ConstitutionsSeparation of Powers
“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
The tribunalisation of justice though considered to be an effective step is fraught with several challenges. Discuss in light of the Law Commission of India's report on the working of tribunals in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Judicial legislation violates the doctrine of separation of power and creates a third chamber for legislation. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary