Judiciary rule of law judicial structure and constitutional safeguards. - Question Bank

1. Which article ensures that no person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself?
A) Article 20(1)
B) Article 20(2)
C) Article 20(3)
D) Article 21
2. The principle that all courts are bound by the decisions of the Supreme Court is known as:
A) Stare decisis
B) Res judicata
C) Judicial review
D) Sub judice
3. The Supreme Court's power to enforce its decrees and orders throughout India is provided under which article?
A) Article 141
B) Article 142
C) Article 143
D) Article 144
4. Which article guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression?
A) Article 19
B) Article 20
C) Article 21
D) Article 22
5. The establishment of a 'welfare state' as envisaged in the Indian Constitution is closely linked to the role of the judiciary in:
A) Limiting individual freedoms
B) Ensuring implementation of Directive Principles
C) Restricting parliamentary powers
D) Promoting executive dominance
6. Which article of the Constitution deals with the power of the President to consult the Supreme Court?
A) Article 141
B) Article 142
C) Article 143
D) Article 144
7. The principle that no person shall be convicted of any offense except for the violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act is known as:
A) Protection against double jeopardy
B) Protection against self-incrimination
C) Protection against ex-post facto laws
D) Right to life and personal liberty
8. Which part of the Constitution outlines the Directive Principles of State Policy, which the judiciary may consider while interpreting laws?
A) Part III
B) Part IV
C) Part V
D) Part VI
9. The writ of 'Certiorari' is issued by a superior court to an inferior court or tribunal to:
A) Stop proceedings
B) Perform a duty
C) Quash an illegal order
D) Produce a person in court
10. Which article provides for the appointment of additional and acting judges in the Supreme Court?
A) Article 124
B) Article 127
C) Article 128
D) Article 131
11. The concept of 'Judicial Activism' refers to:
A) The judiciary strictly adhering to legislative intent
B) The judiciary taking a more proactive role in protecting rights and upholding the Constitution
C) The judiciary refraining from interpreting laws
D) The executive dictating judicial decisions
12. Which of the following is NOT a Fundamental Right protected by the Indian Constitution?
A) Right to Equality
B) Right to Freedom
C) Right to Property (as a fundamental right)
D) Right against Exploitation
13. The 'Rule of Law' is implicitly guaranteed by which article of the Indian Constitution?
A) Article 13
B) Article 14
C) Article 19
D) Article 21
14. The Supreme Court acts as the guardian of the Constitution and the protector of the rights of the citizens. This role is primarily derived from its:
A) Advisory Jurisdiction
B) Original and Appellate Jurisdiction
C) Writ Jurisdiction
D) Power to legislate
15. Which article of the Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth?
A) Article 14
B) Article 15
C) Article 16
D) Article 17
16. The 'Judicial Independence' is crucial for:
A) Ensuring executive control over courts
B) Protecting citizens' rights and upholding the Constitution
C) Facilitating legislative amendments
D) Increasing the number of judges
17. Which landmark judgment established the principle that the Parliament cannot amend Fundamental Rights?
A) Kesavananda Bharati Case
B) Golaknath Case
C) Maneka Gandhi Case
D) Shankari Prasad Case
18. The 'Rule of Law' is a cornerstone of liberal democracies and emphasizes:
A) Arbitrary exercise of power
B) Supremacy of the Constitution and law
C) Unfettered executive authority
D) Limited judicial intervention
19. Which article provides for the High Courts to have the power to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights and other legal rights?
A) Article 32
B) Article 226
C) Article 142
D) Article 143
20. The phrase 'equal protection of the laws' is guaranteed under which article of the Indian Constitution?
A) Article 14
B) Article 15
C) Article 16
D) Article 17
21. What is the primary role of subordinate courts in the Indian judicial structure?
A) To interpret the Constitution
B) To hear appeals from the Supreme Court
C) To try civil and criminal cases at the district and lower levels
D) To advise the President on legal matters
22. The writ of 'Prohibition' is issued by a superior court to prevent an inferior court or tribunal from:
A) Continuing a proceeding without jurisdiction
B) Failing to perform a public duty
C) Punishing for its own contempt
D) Making a record of its proceedings
23. Which of the following is a constitutional safeguard for the judiciary in India?
A) Judges are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
B) Judges can be removed by the Governor of a state.
C) The salaries and allowances of judges cannot be varied to their disadvantage during their term of office.
D) Judges are accountable to the Parliament for their decisions.
24. The Supreme Court's power to hear appeals from lower courts is part of its:
A) Original Jurisdiction
B) Advisory Jurisdiction
C) Appellate Jurisdiction
D) Writ Jurisdiction
25. Which article protects individuals against arrest and detention except according to procedure established by law?
A) Article 19
B) Article 20
C) Article 21
D) Article 22
26. The concept of 'procedural fairness' in legal proceedings is a manifestation of:
A) Executive's discretion
B) Legislative intent
C) Rule of Law
D) Judicial activism
27. Which part of the Constitution enshrines the Fundamental Rights, which the judiciary helps protect?
A) Part III
B) Part IV
C) Part V
D) Part VI
28. The independence of the judiciary is ensured by provisions such as:
A) Easy removal of judges by the executive
B) Judges being subject to political pressure
C) Fixed service conditions for judges
D) Judicial appointments made by the Prime Minister alone
29. The power of the Supreme Court to advise the President on questions of law or fact of public importance is known as its:
A) Original Jurisdiction
B) Appellate Jurisdiction
C) Advisory Jurisdiction
D) Writ Jurisdiction
30. Which article of the Constitution guarantees the right to move freely throughout the territory of India?
A) Article 19(1)(d)
B) Article 19(1)(a)
C) Article 21
D) Article 14
31. The 'Rule of Law' implies that:
A) The ruler is above the law
B) All individuals are subject to the law
C) Laws are made by the executive only
D) Judicial decisions are final and unchallengeable
32. Which writ is issued by a superior court to an inferior court or tribunal directing it to transfer proceedings for justice?
A) Habeas Corpus
B) Mandamus
C) Prohibition
D) Certiorari
33. The concept of 'due process of law' is incorporated in the Indian Constitution through which article, guaranteeing protection to life and personal liberty?
A) Article 19
B) Article 20
C) Article 21
D) Article 22
34. What is the tenure of a Supreme Court judge in India?
A) Until the age of 62 years
B) Until the age of 65 years
C) For a period of 5 years
D) For a period of 6 years
35. The High Courts in India are established under which article of the Constitution?
A) Article 214
B) Article 226
C) Article 235
D) Article 246
36. Which constitutional safeguard ensures that no person can be prosecuted and punished for the same offense more than once?
A) Protection against ex-post facto laws
B) Protection against double jeopardy
C) Right against self-incrimination
D) Right to equality
37. What does the term 'judicial review' mean in the Indian context?
A) The power of the judiciary to review its own decisions
B) The power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of legislative enactments and executive orders
C) The power of the President to review judicial appointments
D) The power of Parliament to review judicial verdicts
38. The writ of 'Mandamus' is issued by a court to compel a public official to perform:
A) A discretionary act
B) An illegal act
C) A public duty they have refused to perform
D) An act outside their jurisdiction
39. Which article provides for the establishment of the Supreme Court of India?
A) Article 124
B) Article 141
C) Article 143
D) Article 145
40. What is the primary role of the judiciary in a democracy?
A) To make laws
B) To enforce laws and interpret the Constitution
C) To govern the country
D) To conduct elections
41. The 'Basic Structure Doctrine', which limits Parliament's power to amend the Constitution, was established in which landmark case?
A) Golaknath v. State of Punjab
B) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
C) Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
D) Shankari Prasad v. Union of India
42. Which of the following is NOT a constitutional safeguard for the judiciary?
A) Security of tenure for judges
B) Independent budget allocation
C) Power to appoint legislative members
D) Protection against removal except through impeachment
43. The principle of 'separation of powers' is a key element in the functioning of the Indian judicial system, dividing powers among:
A) Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary
B) Parliament, State Assemblies, and Local Bodies
C) President, Prime Minister, and Chief Justice
D) Supreme Court, High Courts, and Subordinate Courts
44. Which article empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights?
A) Article 32
B) Article 226
C) Article 13
D) Article 142
45. The judicial structure in India follows a hierarchy. What is the apex court in this structure?
A) High Court
B) District Court
C) Supreme Court
D) Magistrate Court
46. Which constitutional safeguard protects personal liberty and freedom against arbitrary detention?
A) Writ of Mandamus
B) Writ of Prohibition
C) Habeas Corpus
D) Writ of Certiorari
47. The Supreme Court of India is a court of record, which means it has the power to:
A) Impose any punishment
B) Punish for its own contempt
C) Review all judgments
D) Appoint judges to High Courts
48. Which part of the Indian Constitution specifically deals with the Judiciary?
A) Part IV
B) Part V
C) Part VI
D) Part VII
49. The concept of 'Rule of Law' in India is largely based on the principles established by which legal scholar?
A) John Locke
B) A.V. Dicey
C) Montesquieu
D) Rousseau
50. Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the abolition of untouchability?
A) Article 14
B) Article 15
C) Article 17
D) Article 18