Judiciary of India
Delhi Police Exams – GK Section
Introduction
The Judiciary of India is the guardian of the Constitution
and the final interpreter of laws.
It ensures that justice, equality, and liberty — as promised in the Preamble — are
upheld.
Part V (Articles 124–147): Supreme Court
Part VI (Articles 214–231): High Courts
Part VII: Subordinate Courts
Structure of the Judiciary
India follows a Single Integrated Judicial System — Supreme
Court at the top, followed by High Courts, then Subordinate Courts.
Decisions of higher courts are binding on lower courts.
A. Supreme Court of India
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Articles | 124–147 |
| Established On | 26 January 1950 |
| Location | New Delhi |
| Composition (2024) | Chief Justice of India + 33 other Judges |
| Appointment | By President (consultation with CJI & senior judges) |
| Tenure | Till 65 years of age |
| Removal | By impeachment (Article 124(4)) |
| First CJI | Justice Harilal J. Kania |
B. High Courts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Articles | 214–231 |
| Position | Second in hierarchy |
| Number of High Courts (2024) | 25 |
| Composition | Chief Justice + Other Judges |
| Appointment | By President (consultation with CJI & Governor) |
| Retirement Age | 62 years |
| Jurisdiction | State-level cases; can issue writs (same as SC) |
C. Subordinate Courts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Basis | Articles 233–237 |
| Control | Under the High Court |
| Levels | District & Session Courts, Civil & Criminal Courts |
| Head | District Judge |
| Appointed By | Governor (consultation with High Court) |
| Purpose | Deals with local disputes, criminal cases, family & civil matters |
Powers of the Supreme Court
A. Original Jurisdiction (Art. 131)
- Disputes between Centre and one or more States, or between States.
- On legal rights, Centre vs. States.
B. Appellate Jurisdiction (Arts. 132–134A)
- Hears appeals against High Court judgments (civil, criminal, constitutional matters).
C. Advisory Jurisdiction (Art. 143)
- President may seek Supreme Court’s advice on law or fact (advice is not binding).
D. Writ Jurisdiction (Art. 32)
- Issues Writs for enforcement of Fundamental Rights:
- Habeas Corpus
- Mandamus
- Prohibition
- Certiorari
- Quo Warranto
E. Power of Judicial Review
- Can declare laws unconstitutional if violating Fundamental Rights/Basic Structure.
F. Other Powers
- Guardian of Constitution.
- Interpreter of laws.
- Advisory to President (Art. 143).
- Supervisory control over all courts.
Judicial Review & Judicial Activism
Judicial Review
Courts examine constitutionality of laws/executive actions. Can declare
them null if unconstitutional.
Ensures checks and balances between Legislature & Executive.
Origin: U.S.A. model | Articles in India: 13, 32, 226, 368
Judicial Activism
Judiciary actively intervenes to protect public interest and enforce rights (often via PIL).
- Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973) – Basic Structure Doctrine
- Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997) – Women’s workplace rights
- MC Mehta Cases – Environment protection
Important Articles at a Glance
| Court | Article Range | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court | 124–147 | Establishment, Powers, Jurisdiction |
| High Courts | 214–231 | Organization, Powers, Jurisdiction |
| Subordinate Courts | 233–237 | District and Lower Courts |
| Writs | 32 (SC) & 226 (HC) | Protection of Fundamental Rights |
PYQs (Delhi Police, SSC & State Exams)
Q1. The Supreme Court of India was established on —
A) 15 August 1947 B) 26 January 1950 C) 28 January 1950 D) 2 October 1950
Answer
C) 28 January 1950
Q2. The age of retirement for a Supreme Court judge is —
A) 60 years B) 62 years C) 65 years D) 68 years
Answer
C) 65 years
Q3. The Supreme Court’s power to review laws is called —
A) Judicial Activism B) Judicial Review C) Advisory Jurisdiction D) Original Jurisdiction
Answer
B) Judicial Review
Q4. Who appoints the judges of the Supreme Court?
A) Prime Minister B) Chief Justice of India C) President of India D) Parliament
Answer
C) President of India
Q5. The High Courts are mentioned in which part of the Constitution?
A) Part V B) Part VI C) Part VII D) Part VIII
Answer
B) Part VI
Q6. The writ of “Habeas Corpus” means —
A) To have the body of B) To command C) To prohibit D) To inquire
Answer
A) To have the body of
Q7. Judicial Activism is related to —
A) Executive B) Parliament C) Judiciary D) Bureaucracy
Answer
C) Judiciary
Q8. Who is known as the “Guardian of the Constitution”?
A) Parliament B) President C) Supreme Court D) Prime Minister
Answer
C) Supreme Court
Q9. The High Court judge retires at the age of —
A) 60 years B) 62 years C) 65 years D) 67 years
Answer
B) 62 years
Q10. Which Article gives the Supreme Court the power to issue writs?
A) Article 14 B) Article 19 C) Article 32 D) Article 226
Answer
C) Article 32
Summary Table – Judiciary at a Glance
| Level | Article | Head | Retirement Age | Key Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court | 124–147 | Chief Justice of India | 65 years | Judicial Review, Writs, Appeals |
| High Courts | 214–231 | Chief Justice of High Court | 62 years | State-level Writs & Appeals |
| Subordinate Courts | 233–237 | District Judge | — | Civil & Criminal Justice |
Final Concept Recap
- Single Integrated Judicial System
- Supreme Court (124–147): Apex Court, Guardian of Constitution
- High Courts (214–231): State’s highest judicial authority
- Judicial Review (Art. 13, 32, 226): Checks constitutionality of laws
- Judicial Activism: Judiciary’s proactive role via PILs
- Writ Jurisdiction (Art. 32 & 226): Protects Fundamental Rights
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