Q70. Which Constitutional Amendment introduced the Ninth Schedule, later scrutinised in I. R. Coelho (2007)?
[SSC Selection Post (Graduate Level), 23 September 2026, Shift 1]
(A) 24th Amendment
(B) 42nd Amendment
(C) 44th Amendment
(D) 1st Amendment
Answer: (D) 1st Amendment
Explanation: The First Amendment Act, 1951 inserted Articles 31A and 31B and created the Ninth Schedule. In I. R. Coelho (2007), the Supreme Court confirmed that laws inserted after 24 April 1973 can be examined for violations of the Constitution’s basic structure.
Q69. Which of the following has NOT been explicitly recognised as part of the basic structure of the Indian Constitution?
[SSC Selection Post (Graduate Level), 21 September 2026, Shift 1]
(A) Judicial Review
(B) Federalism
(C) Secularism
(D) Uniform Civil Code
Answer: (D) Uniform Civil Code
Explanation: Judicial review, federalism and secularism have been recognised by the Supreme Court as basic constitutional features. A Uniform Civil Code appears as a Directive Principle under Article 44, but has not itself been identified as a basic-structure component.
Q68. Judicial review in India allows the judiciary to:
[DSSSB Assistant Superintendent, 4 July 2026, Shift 2]
(A) Examine the constitutionality of laws and executive orders
(B) Amend the Constitution
(C) Suspend the Constitution
(D) Review the speeches of parliamentarians
Answer: (A) Examine the constitutionality of laws and executive orders
Explanation: Judicial review lets constitutional courts test legislation and executive action against constitutional limits. Articles 13, 32 and 226 are central to this authority. Courts may invalidate unconstitutional measures, but they do not themselves acquire the legislature’s constitutional amending power.
Q67. Judicial review in India refers to the power of the judiciary to:
[DSSSB Assistant Superintendent, 2 July 2026, Shift 2]
(A) Enact new laws
(B) Directly manage administrative functions
(C) Conduct local governance
(D) Assess the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions
Answer: (D) Assess the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions
Explanation: A court exercising judicial review evaluates whether governmental laws and decisions are consistent with constitutional provisions. It does not function as a municipal administrator or substitute legislature. Judicial review therefore upholds constitutional supremacy while respecting the different roles of state institutions.
Q66. What term describes the judiciary’s proactive role in protecting constitutional rights when the legislature or executive fails to act?
[DSSSB Court Attendant, 30 June 2026, Shift 2]
(A) Judicial Review
(B) Judicial Activism
(C) Legislative Supremacy
(D) Executive Action
Answer: (B) Judicial Activism
Explanation: Judicial activism refers to an assertive judicial approach to enforcing rights and securing justice. Courts may employ innovative remedies or liberal standing rules. It is related to, but not identical with, the power of judicial review to assess constitutional validity.
Q65. In India, judicial activism involving innovative constitutional interpretation became prominent during which period?
[RRB NTPC (UG) CBT-I, 18 June 2026, Shift 2]
(A) Mid-1970s
(B) Early 1950s
(C) Late 1990s
(D) After 2010
Answer: (A) Mid-1970s
Explanation: Judicial activism gathered momentum during the mid-1970s and developed strongly thereafter. Judges such as V. R. Krishna Iyer and P. N. Bhagwati broadened access to justice, giving special attention to disadvantaged groups and expanding rights-oriented judicial remedies.
Q64. Which case is associated with relaxation of locus standi and the growth of Public Interest Litigation in India?
[RRB NTPC (UG) CBT-I, 15 June 2026, Shift 3]
(A) Minerva Mills v. Union of India
(B) Golaknath v. State of Punjab
(C) Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
(D) S. P. Gupta v. Union of India
Answer: (D) S. P. Gupta v. Union of India
Explanation: In S. P. Gupta v. Union of India (1981), the Supreme Court articulated broader standing rules for bona fide persons representing those unable to approach the court themselves. This helped establish Public Interest Litigation as a means of securing collective justice.
Q63. What is the purpose of judicial activism?
[DSSSB Court Attendant, 2 June 2026, Shift 2]
(A) To increase the powers of the legislature
(B) To expand the judicial role in protecting rights
(C) To enforce existing executive orders
(D) To place limits on court jurisdiction
Answer: (B) To expand the judicial role in protecting rights
Explanation: Judicial activism emphasises an active judicial role in enforcing constitutional rights, especially when inaction or abuse of power prevents effective remedies. Such intervention must still observe judicial discipline and constitutional boundaries to avoid substituting courts for elected institutions.
Q62. Who among the following helped establish judicial activism in India?
A. Justice P. N. Bhagwati;
B. Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer;
C. Justice Hidayatullah.
[Bihar Police SI Mains, 17 May 2026 (memory-based paper)]
(A) A and C
(B) B and C
(C) C and A
(D) A and B
Answer: (D) A and B
Explanation: Justices V. R. Krishna Iyer and P. N. Bhagwati are especially associated with expansive standing, social-action litigation and access to justice. Their judgments helped individuals and public-minded organisations seek protection for workers, prisoners and vulnerable communities.
Q61. Public Interest Litigation is an example of which doctrine?
[RRB NTPC (UG) CBT-I, 9 May 2026, Shift 3]
(A) Judicial Activism
(B) Executive Action
(C) Judicial Review
(D) Judicial Neutrality
Answer: (A) Judicial Activism
Explanation: Public Interest Litigation is closely associated with judicial activism because it relaxes traditional standing requirements and enables courts to address significant public grievances. It permits sincere representatives to seek relief where directly affected persons cannot effectively approach the judiciary.
Q60. Which landmark case is commonly recognised as one of India’s earliest Public Interest Litigations?
[UP Police SI, 15 March 2026, Shift 2]
(A) Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
(B) Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar
(C) Golaknath v. State of Punjab
(D) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
Answer: (B) Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar
Explanation: Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1979) exposed the plight of undertrial prisoners and advanced the constitutional right to speedy trial. Its public-interest approach helped open judicial remedies to vulnerable people beyond the traditional private-dispute model.
Q59. In which case did the Supreme Court caution against PILs filed for personal disputes or vindictive purposes?
[UP Police SI, 15 March 2026, Shift 2]
(A) Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar
(B) Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan
(C) M. C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath
(D) Ashok Kumar Pandey v. State of West Bengal
Answer: (D) Ashok Kumar Pandey v. State of West Bengal
Explanation: Ashok Kumar Pandey v. State of West Bengal (2004) stressed that PIL must genuinely advance public interest. Courts should reject petitions motivated by publicity, private rivalry or malice, since such proceedings misuse judicial time and undermine access to justice.
Q58. Which is a distinctive feature of the Indian judiciary?
[IB Security Assistant (Executive), 30 September 2025, Shift 2]
(A) The Supreme Court possesses the power of judicial review
(B) The judiciary is an extension of the executive
(C) The judiciary is directly elected
(D) The judiciary cannot review legislation
Answer: (A) The Supreme Court possesses the power of judicial review
Explanation: The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution and may invalidate unconstitutional laws or executive acts. This role helps secure fundamental rights and checks governmental excess. Judges are not popularly elected, and judicial independence distinguishes courts from the executive branch.
Q57. How did Public Interest Litigation emerge in India as an instrument of judicial activism?
[RRB NTPC (UG) CBT-I, 8 September 2025, Shift 3]
(A) Through the 42nd Amendment, 1976
(B) Through the Lok Adalat system in 2005
(C) Through public-interest cases entertained by the Supreme Court around 1979
(D) During the Emergency of 1975–77
Answer: (C) Through public-interest cases entertained by the Supreme Court around 1979
Explanation: Around 1979, cases concerning disadvantaged people demonstrated the growing acceptance of litigation brought in the public interest. Courts relaxed rigid standing requirements, making it easier for public-minded petitioners to raise violations affecting people who lacked resources or representation.
Q56. What is the primary purpose of judicial review in India?
[RRB NTPC (UG) CBT-I, 4 September 2025, Shift 2]
(A) To examine the constitutionality of laws
(B) To amend the Constitution
(C) To appoint ministers
(D) To elect judges
Answer: (A) To examine the constitutionality of laws
Explanation: Judicial review measures laws and governmental actions against the Constitution, rather than selecting ministers or judges. By striking down unconstitutional provisions when cases require it, courts protect rights, preserve federal limits and uphold the Constitution as supreme law.
Q55. Public Interest Litigation in India is primarily associated with:
[RRB NTPC (UG) CBT-I, 29 August 2025, Shift 3]
(A) Police investigations
(B) Judicial activism
(C) Election Commission
(D) Judicial review
Answer: (B) Judicial activism
Explanation: PIL reflects the judiciary’s activist development of access-to-justice procedures. A bona fide petitioner may raise matters affecting the community or disadvantaged persons. Unlike ordinary private litigation, its purpose is public redress, not an individual’s personal advantage.
Q54. Which statement correctly describes the scope of judicial review in India?
[RRB NTPC (UG) CBT-I, 28 August 2025, Shift 1]
(A) Only the Supreme Court can invalidate unconstitutional laws
(B) Judicial review is expressly named in Article 13
(C) Both the Supreme Court and High Courts can strike down unconstitutional laws
(D) Courts can review laws only after Parliament grants approval
Answer: (C) Both the Supreme Court and High Courts can strike down unconstitutional laws
Explanation: Judicial review may be exercised by the Supreme Court and High Courts. Article 13 invalidates laws inconsistent with fundamental rights, while Articles 32 and 226 provide important remedies. The Constitution does not require advance parliamentary permission for such judicial scrutiny.
Q53. Consider the statements:
(1) The Constitution expressly uses the term “judicial review”.
(2) Judicial review forms part of the basic structure.
(3) Ordinary legislation may abolish judicial review.
Which is correct?
[AP High Court Common Recruitment Exam, 24 August 2025, Shift 3]
(A) 2 and 3 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 1 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (B) 2 only
Explanation: The phrase judicial review is not expressly used in India’s constitutional text, but several provisions confer the power. The Supreme Court recognises judicial review as part of the basic structure, beyond abolition through ordinary legislation or destructive constitutional amendment.
Q52. In which case did the Supreme Court articulate limits on constitutional amendments that protect basic features, including judicial review?
[RRB NTPC (UG) CBT-I, 20 August 2025, Shift 3]
(A) Shah Bano case
(B) Shankari Prasad case
(C) Kesavananda Bharati case
(D) Golaknath case
Answer: (C) Kesavananda Bharati case
Explanation: Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) established the basic-structure doctrine. Parliament may amend the Constitution, but it cannot destroy its essential identity. Judicial review was subsequently reaffirmed as a protected basic feature in later Supreme Court rulings.
Q51. In which case did the United States Supreme Court establish judicial review as a constitutional principle?
[UGC NET Law, 25 June 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Marbury v. Madison
(B) North Wales Police v. Evans
(C) Minerva v. State of Georgia
(D) Reg v. Home Secretary
Answer: (A) Marbury v. Madison
Explanation: Marbury v. Madison (1803), decided under Chief Justice John Marshall, is the landmark American decision associated with the judicial power to invalidate legislation inconsistent with the Constitution. The American model later influenced constitutional review in India.
Q50. The doctrine of judicial review originated in which country?
[RRB NTPC (Graduate) CBT-I, 18 June 2025, Shift 2]
(A) United States of America
(B) United Kingdom
(C) India
(D) France
Answer: (A) United States of America
Explanation: Modern constitutional judicial review is strongly associated with the United States and the 1803 Marbury v. Madison judgment. India adopted an adapted approach under its written Constitution, enabling its superior courts to test legislative and executive measures.
Q49. In India, judicial review is considered to be:
[RRB NTPC (Graduate) CBT-I, 13 June 2025, Shift 3]
(A) Power to determine constitutionality of laws and executive orders
(B) Power to question the wisdom of all Cabinet decisions
(C) Pre-assent examination of every Act
(D) Power to substitute courts for legislatures
Answer: (A) Power to determine constitutionality of laws and executive orders
Explanation: Judicial review concerns constitutional validity, not whether a judge considers legislation politically wise. A measure may be unwise yet constitutional. Courts intervene when legal or constitutional limits have been breached, subject to applicable doctrines and procedures.
Q48. Which is a key reason for judicial review in India?
[RRB NTPC (Graduate) CBT-I, 10 June 2025, Shift 2]
(A) To authorise judges to make laws
(B) To maintain federal balance only
(C) To make Parliament supreme
(D) To protect constitutional supremacy and fundamental rights
Answer: (D) To protect constitutional supremacy and fundamental rights
Explanation: Judicial review upholds constitutional supremacy and safeguards fundamental rights against unconstitutional government actions. It also preserves federal boundaries, but its purpose is broader than merely settling Centre–State relations. Neither Parliament nor the executive operates above constitutional limitations.
Q47. Judicial review in India refers to the power of the judiciary to:
[Punjab Police Constable, 5 June 2025, Shift 1]
(A) Enact new Union laws
(B) Examine constitutionality of legislative and executive actions
(C) Review decisions of international bodies
(D) Appoint ministers
Answer: (B) Examine constitutionality of legislative and executive actions
Explanation: Judicial review allows courts to check that governmental measures obey constitutional requirements. When a law or executive decision breaches constitutional boundaries, a competent court can grant relief or invalidate it. This does not confer executive appointment powers upon judges.
Q46. What is the principal objective of Public Interest Litigation in India?
[Punjab Police Constable, 2 June 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Ensure accountability on public welfare generally
(B) Raise awareness only
(C) Allow organisations to fight every private dispute
(D) Secure justice for backward and marginalised communities
Answer: (D) Secure justice for backward and marginalised communities
Explanation: PIL was developed particularly to help disadvantaged people whose rights could not otherwise be effectively enforced. Courts permit bona fide petitioners to represent broader public concerns, while scrutinising whether proceedings genuinely protect the vulnerable rather than private interests.
Q45. From which country was the idea of Public Interest Litigation in India borrowed?
[RPF Constable, 12 March 2025, Shift 1]
(A) United States of America
(B) Australia
(C) Canada
(D) United Kingdom
Answer: (A) United States of America
Explanation: Indian public-interest litigation developed through domestic judicial innovation but drew inspiration from American public-interest law. Justices V. R. Krishna Iyer and P. N. Bhagwati were influential in expanding standing and access to constitutional remedies in India.
Q44. Assertion: PIL is important for the rule of law in India.
Reason: PIL improves access to justice for socially and economically weaker sections.
Choose the correct relationship.
[UPPSC PCS Preliminary Examination, 2025]
(A) Both are true, and the Reason explains the Assertion
(B) Assertion true, Reason false
(C) Assertion false, Reason true
(D) Both true, but Reason does not explain Assertion
Answer: (A) Both are true, and the Reason explains the Assertion
Explanation: Both propositions are correct. PIL contributes to the rule of law by enabling people lacking effective legal access to seek protection of rights through genuine public-interest proceedings. Wider access helps hold public authorities to their constitutional obligations.
Q43. Which Article empowers the Supreme Court to review its own judgments or orders?
[RPF Sub-Inspector CBT-I, 9 December 2024, Shift 1]
(A) Article 137
(B) Article 140
(C) Article 150
(D) Article 138
Answer: (A) Article 137
Explanation: Article 137 authorises the Supreme Court to review its own judgments or orders according to applicable law and rules. This reconsideration power differs from constitutional judicial review, which examines the legality or constitutionality of legislative and executive actions.
Q42. The concept of Public Interest Litigation originated in:
[SSC CGL Tier-I, 12 September 2024, Shift 3]
(A) Switzerland
(B) Iceland
(C) USA
(D) New Zealand
Answer: (C) USA
Explanation: The expression public-interest litigation traces its modern development to American legal practice. India adapted the idea through an increasingly accessible judicial process, allowing sincere persons to bring certain public grievances affecting disadvantaged or unrepresented groups before constitutional courts.
Q41. Which principle is NOT directly a doctrine used to test the constitutional validity of a law in judicial review?
[RPSC Assistant Professor (Political Science), 11 September 2024]
(A) Doctrine of Severability
(B) Presumption of Constitutionality
(C) Doctrine of Progressive Interpretation
(D) Concept of Locus Standi
Answer: (D) Concept of Locus Standi
Explanation: Locus standi primarily concerns whether a person has sufficient standing to approach a court. Severability and the presumption of constitutionality, by contrast, address how courts assess legal validity. PIL notably broadened standing requirements for public-minded claimants.
Q40. In the context of the judiciary, what is the meaning of the writ “certiorari”?
[MPPSC Assistant Professor (Political Science), 4 August 2024]
(A) Take necessary action
(B) Close the investigation
(C) To be certified or informed
(D) Let us have the body
Answer: (C) To be certified or informed
Explanation: Certiorari literally conveys the idea of being informed or certified. The writ enables a higher court to review and quash an order of a subordinate court or tribunal where jurisdictional error or another legally recognised defect is established.
Q39. India borrowed the constitutional feature of judicial review principally from which country?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I, 9 July 2024, Shift 1]
(A) The United States
(B) Canada
(C) Ireland
(D) South Africa
Answer: (A) The United States
Explanation: The American system was an important influence on India’s judicial review arrangements. Under the Indian Constitution, superior courts evaluate legislative and executive action against constitutional provisions, thereby protecting rights and reinforcing the supremacy of the Constitution.
Q38. A writ of prohibition is issued by the Supreme Court or High Court to:
[UPSC CSE Preliminary Examination, 2024]
(A) Prevent a government officer from taking any particular action
(B) Direct a legislature to enact prohibition laws
(C) Prevent a lower court from continuing proceedings beyond its jurisdiction
(D) Prevent government from following every disputed policy
Answer: (C) Prevent a lower court from continuing proceedings beyond its jurisdiction
Explanation: Prohibition is a preventive writ directed by a superior court to a subordinate judicial or quasi-judicial body. It stops proceedings undertaken without, or in excess of, jurisdiction. Unlike certiorari, it generally acts before the impugned proceedings conclude.
Q37. Under judicial review, which type of law may a court strike down?
[SSC GD Constable, 26 February 2024, Shift 2]
(A) A law merely passed by Parliament
(B) A law violating fundamental rights
(C) Any law supported by a two-thirds State majority
(D) Any law approved by the President
Answer: (B) A law violating fundamental rights
Explanation: The passage of legislation by the appropriate body does not immunise it from constitutional challenge. A court can declare a law invalid when it violates fundamental rights or other constitutional restrictions, even when it has received formal assent.
Q36. Statement I: PIL has strengthened judicial protection of citizens’ rights.
Statement II: A Supreme Court case concerning undertrial prisoners became known as an early PIL.
Which is correct?
[EMRS TGT Social Science, 23 December 2023]
(A) Both statements are false
(B) I true, II false
(C) Both statements are true
(D) I false, II true
Answer: (C) Both statements are true
Explanation: Both statements reflect the evolution of PIL. Cases concerning undertrial prisoners, especially Hussainara Khatoon, highlighted how courts could respond to widespread injustice. Public-interest proceedings have since offered additional mechanisms for the protection of vulnerable communities.
Q35. The Indian Constitution borrowed the power of judicial review from which country?
[Delhi Police Constable, 2 December 2023, Shift 2]
(A) United Kingdom
(B) United States of America
(C) France
(D) Japan
Answer: (B) United States of America
Explanation: The United States influenced India’s constitutional design in matters including judicial review. Indian courts derive their authority from specific constitutional provisions, and they can test whether legislative and executive acts conform to fundamental rights and other constitutional limitations.
Q34. The Supreme Court judgment in Subhash Sharma v. Union of India (1991) is associated with which basic constitutional feature?
[UPSC CDS General Knowledge, 3 September 2023]
(A) Judicial Review
(B) Rule of Law
(C) Free and Fair Elections
(D) Fundamental Rights
Answer: (A) Judicial Review
Explanation: Subhash Sharma v. Union of India concerned judicial appointments and constitutional interpretation. The case stressed the central importance of judicial review within constitutional governance. Independent constitutional adjudication enables the courts to safeguard the basic structure against impermissible interference.
Q33. Which Article empowers the Supreme Court to review its own judgments or orders?
[SSC CGL Tier-I, 25 July 2023, Shift 3]
(A) Article 138
(B) Article 135
(C) Article 136
(D) Article 137
Answer: (D) Article 137
Explanation: Article 137 grants a limited review jurisdiction over the Supreme Court’s own judgments and orders. This corrective mechanism is not the same as the broader constitutional review of laws and executive decisions under provisions such as Articles 13, 32 and 226.
Q32. Which statements about judicial review are correct?
A: Courts may test legislative and governmental action against the Constitution.
B: Article 23 expressly introduces judicial review.
C: Supreme Court and High Courts exercise this power.
[SSC CGL Tier-I, 25 July 2023, Shift 1]
(A) A and B only
(B) B and C only
(C) A and C only
(D) A, B and C
Answer: (C) A and C only
Explanation: Statements A and C are accurate. Judicial review concerns constitutional scrutiny of government action by superior courts. Article 23 prohibits human trafficking and forced labour; it is not the constitutional provision expressly establishing the general judicial-review mechanism asserted in statement B.
Q31. In the Indian judicial system, PIL stands for:
[SSC MTS (2022 cycle), 16 May 2023, Shift 3]
(A) Public Interest Litigation
(B) Periodic Individual Litigation
(C) Private Interest License
(D) Periodic Interest Litigation
Answer: (A) Public Interest Litigation
Explanation: PIL means Public Interest Litigation. It makes judicial remedies more accessible in genuine matters involving collective welfare or violations affecting disadvantaged sections. Courts examine the public character of a petition to prevent the process from becoming private-interest litigation.
Q30. Which former Chief Justice of India was a pioneer of Public Interest Litigation?
[PGCIL Diploma Trainee (Civil), 5 May 2023]
(A) V. N. Khare
(B) P. N. Bhagwati
(C) K. G. Balakrishnan
(D) S. H. Kapadia
Answer: (B) P. N. Bhagwati
Explanation: Justice P. N. Bhagwati helped expand public-interest jurisdiction and developed liberal rules of standing, including in S. P. Gupta. His approach widened access to constitutional justice for persons who could not effectively bring proceedings on their own.
Q29. Article 227 of the Indian Constitution deals with:
[WBCS Mains (Polity and Economy), 2023]
(A) High Court’s power of superintendence
(B) Judicial review
(C) Powers of the Speaker
(D) Election of the Vice-President
Answer: (A) High Court’s power of superintendence
Explanation: Article 227 gives High Courts supervisory authority over subordinate courts and tribunals within their territorial jurisdiction, subject to exceptions. It differs from Article 226, which empowers High Courts to issue writs to enforce fundamental rights and other legal rights.
Q28. Which statement is NOT correct about the jurisdiction of a High Court?
[SSC CGL Tier-I, 13 December 2022, Shift 3]
(A) It controls subordinate courts
(B) It has judicial review powers
(C) It gives advisory opinions to the President of India
(D) It has writ jurisdiction
Answer: (C) It gives advisory opinions to the President of India
Explanation: A High Court has writ, supervisory and judicial-review powers, but Article 143 provides the President’s advisory reference jurisdiction to the Supreme Court. High Courts do not exercise that presidential advisory function, making the third statement incorrect.
Q27. How often is the exact term “judicial review” mentioned in the Indian Constitution?
[SSC CPO Tier-I, 9 November 2022, Shift 2]
(A) 15 times
(B) 20 times
(C) Not mentioned anywhere
(D) 10 times
Answer: (C) Not mentioned anywhere
Explanation: Although the Constitution grants judicial-review powers through provisions such as Articles 13, 32 and 226, it does not employ the exact expression “judicial review”. The courts recognise this authority as essential to constitutional supremacy and the basic structure.
Q26. The concept of Public Interest Litigation originated in which country?
[OSSC BSSO, 3 November 2022, Shift 2]
(A) United States of America
(B) France
(C) United Kingdom
(D) India
Answer: (A) United States of America
Explanation: American public-interest law furnished an important model for broader legal representation of under-served groups. Indian judges subsequently developed PIL through constitutional cases and relaxed standing rules, allowing petitions addressing larger public concerns rather than purely personal disputes.
Q25. In which case did the Supreme Court reaffirm judicial review as an essential feature of the Constitution?
[UGC NET Political Science, 11 October 2022, Shift 1]
(A) S. R. Bommai case
(B) Golaknath case
(C) Minerva Mills case
(D) Indra Sawhney case
Answer: (C) Minerva Mills case
Explanation: Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980) rejected attempts to confer unlimited constitutional-amending power and curtail judicial supervision. The judgment reaffirmed limited amending authority and judicial review as foundational constraints protecting the constitutional framework.
Q24. The system of judicial review exists in:
[Territorial Army, 25 September 2022]
(A) India only
(B) United Kingdom only
(C) USA only
(D) India and USA
Answer: (D) India and USA
Explanation: Both India and the United States provide for constitutional judicial review. Indian superior courts scrutinise legislative and executive action under the Constitution; American courts similarly apply the authority associated with Marbury v. Madison. The systems have different institutional histories.
Q23. The Indian Constitution took the concept of judicial review from which country?
[RRB Group D, 16 September 2022, Shift 1]
(A) Australia
(B) United States of America
(C) New Zealand
(D) United Kingdom
Answer: (B) United States of America
Explanation: Judicial review in India was influenced by the American constitutional tradition. Through this power, the Supreme Court and High Courts can examine whether laws and governmental measures violate constitutional limitations, including protected rights and the basic structure.
Q22. What is the full form of PIL?
[Odisha Police SI, 8 July 2022]
(A) Private Interest Litigation
(B) Proper Interest Litigation
(C) Pure Interest Litigation
(D) Public Interest Litigation
Answer: (D) Public Interest Litigation
Explanation: Public Interest Litigation is a procedural avenue to bring genuine public grievances before courts, particularly where vulnerable people cannot litigate personally. It developed through judicial initiatives and is closely associated with relaxed locus standi and judicial activism.
Q21. Statements:
I. The Government of India Act, 1935 was a major source of India’s Constitution.
II. Judicial review was borrowed from Canada.
Which is correct?
[DSSSB NDMC Primary Teacher, 24 March 2022, Shift 3]
(A) Only II
(B) Neither I nor II
(C) Both I and II
(D) Only I
Answer: (D) Only I
Explanation: The Government of India Act, 1935 substantially influenced constitutional administrative arrangements. Judicial review, however, is commonly identified as an American influence, not a Canadian borrowing. Therefore the first statement is correct and the second is incorrect.
Q20. Which statement about the Indian judicial system is false?
[CTET Paper II (Social Science), 22 December 2021]
(A) PILs may be filed on behalf of persons whose rights are violated
(B) A fair trial requires an opportunity for the accused to defend
(C) The Supreme Court cannot decide disputes between the Centre and a State
(D) The right to water is read into the right to life
Answer: (C) The Supreme Court cannot decide disputes between the Centre and a State
Explanation: Article 131 gives the Supreme Court original jurisdiction in specified disputes involving the Union and States. Hence denying that jurisdiction is false. PIL can also protect others’ rights, while Article 21 has been interpreted to protect essential conditions of dignified life.
Q19. The seeds of Public Interest Litigation in India were sown in which year?
[UP Police SI, 24 November 2021, Shift 3]
(A) 1986
(B) 1950
(C) 1976
(D) 1988
Answer: (C) 1976
Explanation: The 1976 Mumbai Kamgar Sabha litigation associated with Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer is frequently cited as an early step towards relaxed standing. PIL expanded further through the late 1970s and early 1980s, especially in rights-related proceedings.
Q18. Public Interest Litigation was introduced in India:
[UP Police SI, 23 November 2021, Shift 2]
(A) By political parties
(B) By an Act of Parliament
(C) By constitutional amendment
(D) By judicial initiative
Answer: (D) By judicial initiative
Explanation: PIL developed through judicial initiative rather than a dedicated parliamentary statute or constitutional amendment. Judges made standing requirements more flexible so that bona fide petitioners could seek relief on behalf of people who lacked practical access to courts.
Q17. A person may file a Public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court under which Article?
[UP Police SI, 23 November 2021, Shift 1]
(A) Article 134
(B) Article 32
(C) Article 136
(D) Article 131
Answer: (B) Article 32
Explanation: Article 32 permits direct recourse to the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights, including through appropriate public-interest petitions. Article 226 separately empowers High Courts to issue writs for fundamental rights and other legally enforceable rights.
Q16. India borrowed the concept of judicial review from which country?
[UGC NET Public Administration, 22 November 2021]
(A) United Kingdom
(B) Canada
(C) South Africa
(D) United States of America
Answer: (D) United States of America
Explanation: The constitutional practice of judicial review is closely linked to the United States and Marbury v. Madison. India incorporated this safeguard through its own constitutional provisions, permitting courts to examine whether statutes or government actions exceed constitutional powers.
Q15. Where did the concept of Public Interest Litigation originate?
[UP Police SI, 21 November 2021, Shift 3]
(A) Ireland
(B) USA
(C) Russia
(D) UK
Answer: (B) USA
Explanation: American public-interest law was an important antecedent of India’s PIL movement. Indian judges adapted the approach to local constitutional rights and barriers to access, allowing litigation for genuine public causes even where a petitioner is not individually injured.
Q14. Who coined the expression “judicial activism” in 1947?
[UP Police SI, 20 November 2021, Shift 2]
(A) Harlan F. Stone
(B) John Roberts
(C) Pierce Butler
(D) Arthur Schlesinger Jr.
Answer: (D) Arthur Schlesinger Jr.
Explanation: American historian Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. popularised the expression “judicial activism” in 1947 while discussing approaches taken by judges. In India, the phrase later became associated with assertive constitutional adjudication, rights expansion and public-interest proceedings.
Q13. Who cautioned that judicial activism should not become judicial adventurism?
[JPSC Civil Services, 19 September 2021]
(A) Justice A. S. Anand
(B) Justice Ranjan Gogoi
(C) Justice Dipak Misra
(D) Justice P. N. Bhagwati
Answer: (A) Justice A. S. Anand
Explanation: Former Chief Justice A. S. Anand warned against judicial adventurism, emphasising the need for judicial restraint and discipline. Activism can enforce constitutional accountability, but courts must respect institutional boundaries and avoid unnecessarily replacing policymaking by elected authorities.
Q12. What does PIL stand for?
[SSC Junior Engineer (Mechanical), 27 October 2020, Evening]
(A) Private Industry Limited
(B) Public Industry Limited
(C) Public Interest Litigation
(D) Political Interest Litigation
Answer: (C) Public Interest Litigation
Explanation: PIL stands for Public Interest Litigation. The procedure allows serious matters of collective welfare to be brought before courts, often by representatives acting for disadvantaged individuals or communities. Courts should reject petitions designed merely for personal gain or publicity.
Q11. Which Article of the Indian Constitution is especially associated with rights-expanding judicial activism?
[UGC NET Political Science, 9 October 2020]
(A) Article 14
(B) Article 18
(C) Article 21
(D) Article 25
Answer: (C) Article 21
Explanation: Article 21 protects life and personal liberty. Through purposive judicial interpretation it has been read to include aspects of dignity, health, livelihood and fair procedure. This expansive rights jurisprudence is a prominent example of judicial activism in India.
Q10. The essence of judicial activism is:
[TNPSC Group I Preliminary Examination, 2019]
(A) Active justice-delivery system
(B) Active implementation of rule of law
(C) Active interpretation of law
(D) Active intervention by the judiciary
Answer: (A) Active justice-delivery system
Explanation: The examination’s keyed choice stresses active delivery of justice. Judicial activism describes courts taking a more proactive approach to safeguarding rights and making remedies effective. Interpretative innovation and public-interest proceedings are tools used for this objective.
Q9. The concept of Public Interest Litigation in India is chiefly associated with which judge?
[MPTET Varg 2 Social Science, 3 March 2019, Shift 1]
(A) Justice S. M. Sikri
(B) Justice P. N. Bhagwati
(C) Justice H. J. Kania
(D) Justice S. R. Das
Answer: (B) Justice P. N. Bhagwati
Explanation: Justice P. N. Bhagwati is regarded as a principal architect of Indian PIL. Through expanded standing and innovative constitutional remedies, he helped ensure that the judiciary could hear public grievances on behalf of people facing poverty or disability.
Q8. In which country did the concept of Public Interest Litigation originate?
[RPSC RAS Preliminary Examination, 2018]
(A) Canada
(B) United States of America
(C) United Kingdom
(D) Australia
Answer: (B) United States of America
Explanation: The modern public-interest law movement developed prominently in the United States. In India, the judiciary adapted this approach to expand court access for disadvantaged people and to hear genuine concerns affecting wider communities or public rights.
Q7. A Public Interest Litigation before the Supreme Court is filed under which Article?
[MP Vyapam Assistant Accounts Officer, 4 August 2018, Shift 1]
(A) Article 32
(B) Article 31
(C) Article 226
(D) Article 141
Answer: (A) Article 32
Explanation: The Supreme Court considers appropriate PIL petitions under Article 32 for the enforcement of fundamental rights. High Courts exercise wider writ jurisdiction under Article 226. A petitioner must present a genuine public cause rather than a private or frivolous dispute.
Q6. In India, judicial review implies:
[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, 2017]
(A) Judicial power to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders
(B) Judicial power to question the wisdom of legislation
(C) Mandatory examination of every bill before assent
(D) Power to reconsider the Court’s own earlier judgments
Answer: (A) Judicial power to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders
Explanation: Judicial review concerns the constitutionality of statutes and executive orders. It is distinct from judicial reconsideration of an earlier judgment, and courts do not routinely screen all bills before assent. The doctrine keeps public authorities within constitutional limits.
Q5. Which are functions of the Supreme Court?
1. Protecting fundamental rights;
2. Judicial review;
3. Granting clemency;
4. Deciding Centre–State disputes.
[MPPSC Assistant Professor (Political Science), 11 July 2017]
(A) 1, 2 and 3
(B) 1 and 3
(C) 1, 2 and 4
(D) 3 and 4
Answer: (C) 1, 2 and 4
Explanation: The Supreme Court safeguards fundamental rights, exercises judicial review and decides constitutionally defined federal disputes. Clemency is an executive power, notably exercised by the President under Article 72, not a general pardoning power vested in the Court.
Q4. The Supreme Court’s power of judicial review means the authority to:
(a) review High Court judgments;
(b) review Council of Ministers’ functioning;
(c) advise the President;
(d) decide constitutionality of legislation and executive orders.
[Telangana Police SI Preliminary Examination, 2016]
(A) (a) and (b)
(B) (b) and (c)
(C) (d) only
(D) (c) and (d)
Answer: (C) (d) only
Explanation: Judicial review permits the Supreme Court to determine whether legislation and executive action comply with the Constitution. Appellate review and the Court’s advisory jurisdiction are distinct functions. Thus only the statement on constitutional validity defines judicial review.
Q3. Which two Articles most clearly express the constitutional power of judicial review through fundamental-rights writ remedies?
[UPSC NDA General Ability Test, 16 December 2015]
(A) Articles 21 and 446
(B) Articles 32 and 226
(C) Articles 44 and 152
(D) Articles 17 and 143
Answer: (B) Articles 32 and 226
Explanation: Article 32 enables the Supreme Court to enforce fundamental rights, while Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue writs for those rights and other purposes. Together with Article 13, these provisions form a central constitutional foundation for judicial review.
Q2. Consider statements on Article 356:
(i) failure of constitutional machinery is always objectively established;
(ii) the proclamation may be judicially reviewed;
(iii) the Assembly may be dissolved;
(iv) parliamentary approval is required within two months.
Which are correct?
[RPSC RAS Preliminary Examination, 2013]
(A) (i), (ii) and (iv) only
(B) (i), (ii) and (iii) only
(C) (iii) and (iv) only
(D) (ii), (iii) and (iv) only
Answer: (D) (ii), (iii) and (iv) only
Explanation: Presidential proclamations under Article 356 are reviewable by courts, as affirmed in S. R. Bommai. Assemblies may be dissolved within constitutional rules, and the proclamation requires parliamentary approval within two months. The President’s satisfaction is not automatically an unquestionable objective fact.
Q1. PIL is:
[MPPSC State Service General Studies, 2013]
(A) Public Interest Litigation
(B) Public Inquiry Litigation
(C) Public Investment Litigation
(D) Private Investment Litigation
Answer: (A) Public Interest Litigation
Explanation: Public Interest Litigation lets bona fide persons bring matters concerning public welfare or infringement of rights affecting disadvantaged groups. The Supreme Court and High Courts developed this procedure through a relaxation of traditional standing principles and accessible constitutional remedies.