13. Previous Year GS Mains Test Series Questions
1. While judiciary has been seen as a harbinger of promoting transparency and accountability in governmental functions, it needs to promote the same regarding its own functioning. Comment w.r.t. the need for judicial reforms in India.Answer:2. What is the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy? Highlight the safeguards in our political-constitutional setup to ensure the independence of judiciary.Answer:3. A dysfunctional judicial delivery system is a serious impediment to establishing the rule of law in our nation. Examine the statement in the context of the problem of case pendency and judicial vacancies in India.Answer:Issues associated with Judicial Vacancies:4. Despite long term recognition of the problem of pendency of cases in the courts, limited progress has been made in reducing their number. What are the possible reasons for such a scenario? Suggest a framework of measures that can be taken to address this issue.Answer:Measures needed to reduce judicial backlog:5. While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse.Answer:Relevance of power to punish for the Contempt of CourtArguments for relook6. “The process of justice delivery in India has become a punishment in itself”. In reference to the above, examine the causes for a large number of under trials in the country. Do you think Supreme Court’s recent directive on Section 436A of CrPC would be able to address the issue?Answer:7. Article 145(3) of the Indian Constitution says that any “substantial question of law” relating to the interpretation of the Constitution must be heard by benches of at least five judges. But some of the most important constitutional cases, like Salwa Judum and Naz foundation, were decided by smaller benches. Why is there a need for larger benches? What are the possible reasons for smaller benches hearing such important cases?Answer:8. While Public Interest Litigations have provided access to justice for the poor and the marginalized sections of the society but many vested interests have also misused it. In this context, examine the utility of PILs as a tool of social justice.Answer:9. While it has been argued that the judiciary should be brought under RTI, a balance also needs to be maintained between independence of the judiciary and the right of people to know. In this context, discuss the pros and cons of bringing the judiciary under the ambit of RTI.Answer:10. Criticism about the judiciary should be welcomed, so long as criticisms do not hamper the “administration of justice”. In this context discuss whether the power of contempt of court given to the higher judiciary limits the freedom granted by Article 19(1)(a) and whether these two can be reconciled.Answer:
