Class 9 Political Science Chapter 6 Judiciary Important Questions – Complete Guide with Answers

The CBSE Class 9 Political Science syllabus emphasizes the Judiciary as a pillar of constitutional democracy. Chapter 6 directly supports your understanding of Constitutional Rights (Chapter 4) and Parliament (Chapter 5) by showing how courts enforce and protect those rights. In recent board papers (2023-25), Judiciary questions appear in all three sections: 1–2 MCQs (1 mark each), 2–3 short-answer questions (2 marks), 1–2 medium questions (3 marks), and occasionally 1 five-mark essay. The 2026-27 rationalized syllabus retains all three core topics: the structure of the Supreme Court and High Courts, their jurisdiction and powers, and the landmark concept of judicial review. Examiners often ask comparative questions (e.g., 'Distinguish between the jurisdiction of Supreme Court and High Court') and application-based scenarios (e.g., 'Can a citizen approach the Supreme Court directly for violation of fundamental rights?'). By practicing these curated questions, you not only memorize facts but develop the analytical skills to score consistently across all question types.

MCQs test your recall of key definitions and straightforward facts. Here are 5 representative questions: **Q1. The Supreme Court of India has __________ judges including the Chief Justice.** (a) 31 (b) 26 (c) 34 (d) 40 **Answer: (c) 34** — The Supreme Court consists of one Chief Justice and 33 other judges (total 34), as per the constitutional framework. **Q2. Which of the following is NOT a function of the High Court?** (a) Hear appeals from lower courts (b) Protect fundamental rights (c) Amend the Constitution (d) Issue writs **Answer: (c) Amend the Constitution** — Only Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution; High Courts exercise judicial review but cannot amend constitutional provisions. **Q3. The power of courts to examine whether a law is constitutional is called:** (a) Appellate jurisdiction (b) Judicial review (c) Original jurisdiction (d) Advisory jurisdiction **Answer: (b) Judicial review** — This is the core power that allows courts to strike down unconstitutional laws or government actions. **Q4. How many High Courts are there in India?** (a) 18 (b) 24 (c) 28 (d) 31 **Answer: (b) 24** — India has 24 High Courts (including the High Court of Himachal Pradesh and others) serving different states and union territories. **Q5. A citizen can directly approach the Supreme Court of India when:** (a) A fundamental right is violated (b) A state law is unjust (c) A police officer is rude (d) A local leader is unpopular **Answer: (a) A fundamental right is violated** — Article 32 grants citizens the right to move the Supreme Court directly for enforcement of fundamental rights, making it the guardian of the Constitution.

Short-answer questions demand brief explanations with clear reasoning. These five are frequently asked in board exams: **Q1. What is the difference between Original Jurisdiction and Appellate Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?** **Answer:** Original Jurisdiction is the authority of the Supreme Court to hear cases directly (e.g., disputes between states or violation of fundamental rights). Appellate Jurisdiction is the right to hear appeals against decisions of lower courts. The Supreme Court exercises both, but its original jurisdiction is limited to specific cases mentioned in Articles 131-132 of the Constitution. **Q2. Name any two types of writs that a High Court can issue to protect fundamental rights.** **Answer:** (i) Habeas Corpus – to secure the release of a person illegally detained. (ii) Mandamus – to compel a government official to perform a legal duty. (Other acceptable answers: Prohibition, Quo Warranto, Certiorari.) **Q3. Why is judicial review considered an important power of Indian courts?** **Answer:** Judicial review allows courts to examine the constitutionality of laws and government actions. If a law violates the Constitution or fundamental rights, courts can strike it down. This power protects citizens from arbitrary government actions and ensures the government operates within constitutional limits, making it a safeguard of democracy. **Q4. What is the relationship between a High Court and the District Courts in its jurisdiction?** **Answer:** High Courts supervise and exercise appellate authority over District Courts. Citizens can appeal decisions of District Courts to the High Court. The High Court also ensures that District Courts follow constitutional norms and can issue directions to protect fundamental rights within its territorial jurisdiction. **Q5. Can the Supreme Court change a decision it has already made? Explain briefly.** **Answer:** Yes, the Supreme Court has the power to review its own decisions under Article 137 of the Constitution. A review petition can be filed on grounds of newly discovered evidence, manifest error of law, or if the decision was made without considering a crucial legal point. However, reviews are granted only in rare cases.

These questions require explanation with examples and deeper conceptual understanding: **Q1. Describe the composition and structure of the Supreme Court of India.** **Answer:** The Supreme Court consists of 34 judges: one Chief Justice and 33other judges. The Chief Justice is appointed by the President and serves until age 65. Other judges are appointed on the recommendation of the Chief Justice and a collegium of senior judges. Judges must have at least 10 years of experience as a lawyer or judge. The Supreme Court has its headquarters in New Delhi and is the highest court in the country. It exercises both original and appellate jurisdiction and acts as the guardian of the Constitution. **Q2. How does the principle of Judicial Review protect citizens' rights? Give one example.** **Answer:** Judicial Review empowers courts to examine whether laws and government actions comply with the Constitution. If a law violates fundamental rights, courts can declare it unconstitutional and void. For example, if a state government passes a law restricting freedom of speech, a citizen can challenge it in court, and the court can strike it down as violating Article 19 of the Constitution. This principle ensures no authority, not even Parliament in certain cases, can act beyond constitutional limits and protects individual liberty. **Q3. Distinguish between the Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and High Courts.** **Answer:** Supreme Court: (i) Exercises appellate jurisdiction over all courts in India; (ii) Has original jurisdiction in cases involving disputes between states or the Centre; (iii) Protects fundamental rights directly under Article 32; (iv) Has nationwide jurisdiction. High Courts: (i) Have appellate jurisdiction only over courts within their territorial jurisdiction; (ii) Exercise original jurisdiction in limited matters like issuing writs under Articles 226-227; (iii) Protect fundamental rights within their region; (iv) Have jurisdiction limited to their assigned states/territories. The Supreme Court is the final authority on constitutional matters. **Q4. What are the main functions of a High Court? Explain any two in detail.** **Answer:** Main functions include: (i) **Appellate Function** – Hears and decides appeals against orders of lower courts, reviews legal errors, and ensures justice. (ii) **Protection of Fundamental Rights** – Issues writs like Habeas Corpus and Mandamus to protect constitutional rights within its jurisdiction. (iii) **Supervisory Function** – Oversees lower courts and directs them to follow constitutional norms. (iv) **Advisory Function** – Advises the President on constitutional matters. High Courts serve as crucial links between citizens and the Supreme Court.

Long-answer questions require comprehensive, well-structured responses with examples and legal reasoning: **Q1. Explain the concept of Judicial Review. How has it strengthened India's democratic system? Support your answer with any two real examples.** **Full Solution:** Judicial Review is the power of courts to examine the validity of laws and government actions against the Constitution. It is based on the principle that the Constitution is the supreme law and no authority can act against it. **How it strengthens democracy:** (1) Protects fundamental rights – Citizens can challenge unconstitutional laws in court. (2) Checks government power – Even the executive and legislature must operate within constitutional limits. (3) Ensures rule of law – Laws and actions must comply with constitutional principles. (4) Provides justice – Citizens have a forum to seek remedy for rights violations. **Examples:** (i) **Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)** – The Supreme Court declared that Parliament cannot amend the basic structure of the Constitution (sovereignty, democracy, federalism, secular character). This landmark judgment limited even parliamentary power and protected the Constitution's core from arbitrary changes. (ii) **Roe v. Wade (analogy)** or **Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)** – Indian courts have decriminalized consensual adult relationships, striking down archaic laws that violated fundamental rights. Courts have consistently used judicial review to expand rights and strike down discriminatory provisions. **Conclusion:** Judicial review is the backbone of India's constitutional democracy, ensuring that no branch of government, however powerful, can violate the Constitution or infringe fundamental rights. --- **Q2. What are the different types of writs issued by courts? Explain the purpose and use of any three writs with examples.** **Full Solution:** Wraits are court orders that direct a person or authority to do or refrain from doing something. They are mechanisms to protect fundamental rights and enforce constitutional duties. The Constitution recognizes five main types: **1. Habeas Corpus ('You shall have the body')** **Purpose:** Protects personal liberty by releasing a person from unlawful detention. **Example:** If police arrest someone without proper warrant or charge-sheet, the detained person or family can approach court seeking Habeas Corpus. The court will order the police to bring the person and justify the detention. If detention is illegal, the person is freed. **2. Mandamus ('We command')** **Purpose:** Compels a public official or authority to perform a legal duty they are refusing to do. **Example:** If a school principal refuses to issue a transfer certificate to a student without valid reason, the student can file for Mandamus directing the principal to issue it immediately. This writ ensures officials cannot arbitrarily refuse their constitutional or statutory duties. **3. Prohibition** **Purpose:** Stops a lower court or authority from exceeding its jurisdiction or acting illegally. **Example:** If a lower court attempts to hear a case outside its jurisdiction, a higher court can issue Prohibition to stop proceedings. A District Court attempting to hear a case meant only for High Court can be stopped through this writ. **Additional writs:** (4) **Quo Warranto** – Questions the authority of a person holding public office. (5) **Certiorari** – Orders a lower court to send records of a case for review of legality. **Conclusion:** Writs are powerful judicial tools that give courts the authority to directly intervene and protect citizens' constitutional rights, making them essential to India's justice system. --- **Q3. Analyze the role of the Supreme Court of India in protecting the Constitution and the rights of citizens. How does this role differ from that of High Courts?** **Full Solution:** **Role of the Supreme Court:** **1. Guardian of the Constitution** – The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution and has the power of judicial review to strike down unconstitutional laws. It ensures the Constitution remains the supreme law and protects its basic structure (as established in Kesavananda Bharati case). **2. Protector of Fundamental Rights** – Citizens can directly approach the Supreme Court (Article 32) if fundamental rights are violated. It issues writs and orders to enforce these rights. Example: The Supreme Court has issued orders to protect environmental rights (right to clean air and water), workers' rights, and rights of marginalized groups. **3. Final Court of Appeal** – The Supreme Court hears appeals against High Court judgments, ensuring consistency in law across the country. It settles legal disputes between states and between states and the Centre. **4. Constitutional Interpreter** – The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution when disputes arise. Its interpretations set precedents binding on all lower courts, shaping the meaning of constitutional provisions. **5. Advisor to the President** – The Supreme Court can advise the President on constitutional matters (Advisory Jurisdiction under Article 143). **Role of High Courts:** **1. Regional Protectors** – High Courts protect fundamental rights within their territorial jurisdiction (usually one or more states). Citizens can approach High Courts under Article 226 for writs. **2. Supervisory Authority** – High Courts supervise District and lower courts, issue directions to ensure constitutional compliance, and correct errors in lower court proceedings. **3. Appellate Court** – High Courts hear appeals from District Courts but only within their jurisdiction. **4. Original Jurisdiction** – Limited to specific matters like issuing writs or cases involving disputes between the state government and authorities. **Key Differences:** - **Territorial Scope:** Supreme Court is nationwide; High Courts are regional. - **Authority:** Supreme Court is final; High Courts are subordinate and can be appealed against to the Supreme Court. - **Access to Rights:** Article 32 allows direct access to Supreme Court for fundamental rights; Article 226 allows access to High Courts. - **Precedent:** Supreme Court's judgments bind all courts; High Court judgments bind lower courts and other High Courts (persuasive value). - **Constitutional Power:** Supreme Court can interpret the Constitution and establish binding precedents; High Courts apply Supreme Court's interpretations. **Conclusion:** While both courts protect rights and enforce the Constitution, the Supreme Court is the ultimate guardian with nationwide authority and final interpretive power, while High Courts serve as important regional institutions ensuring access to justice and constitutional compliance at the state level.

**Case-Study Question:** Read the following scenario and answer the questions: **Scenario:** A state government passes a law requiring all private schools to teach a particular subject as mandatory, with no flexibility for curriculum modification. A school challenges this law in the High Court, arguing it violates the fundamental right to freedom of expression and the right to education (fundamental right to education). The High Court strikes down the law as unconstitutional. The state government appeals to the Supreme Court, claiming the law is within its legislative authority under the education portfolio. **Questions:** **(a) Which fundamental right is being violated here? Under which Article can the school directly approach the Supreme Court?** (2 marks) **Answer:** The fundamental right to freedom of expression (Article 19) and potentially the right to education (Article 21-A) are violated. The school can directly approach the Supreme Court under Article 32, which grants citizens the right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights. This is a direct original jurisdiction case. **(b) Explain the concept of Judicial Review used by the High Court to strike down the law. Why is this power important?** (3 marks) **Answer:** Judicial Review is the power of courts to examine whether a law or government action is constitutional. The High Court reviewed the law against the Constitution and found it violated fundamental rights. This is important because: (1) It prevents the government from passing arbitrary laws that infringe rights. (2) It ensures every law complies with constitutional principles. (3) It gives citizens a remedy against unconstitutional actions. (4) It protects democracy by maintaining checks and balances. Without judicial review, the government could abuse its power without accountability. **(c) The Supreme Court upholds the High Court's decision. What does this mean for the state government? Can they challenge this decision further?** (2 marks) **Answer:** The Supreme Court's decision is final and binding on all courts and the government. The state cannot challenge it further because the Supreme Court is the highest court in India, and its judgments are not appealable. However, the government can seek a **review petition** if new evidence emerges or if the court made a manifest error of law, but reviews are granted only in rare, exceptional cases. The state must follow the Supreme Court's order and cannot enforce the struck-down law. **(d) How does this case demonstrate the principle of separation of powers in India?** (2 marks) **Answer:** This case shows the three branches operating as checks on each other: (1) **Legislature** passed a law (state government's power). (2) **Judiciary** examined its constitutionality through judicial review and struck it down, checking the legislature's power. (3) **Executive** must enforce the court's order, not the law. This prevents any single branch from becoming too powerful and protects citizens' rights, demonstrating India's system of checks and balances.

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