CBSE Class 11 Political Science – Sample Question Paper

Chapter 6: Judiciary
Maximum Marks: 80
Time: 3 hours

General Instructions:

1. Answer all questions.
2. Support answers with examples wherever possible.
3. Marks for each question are indicated.

PART A: VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

(1 mark each, 8 × 1 = 8 Marks)

1. What is the literal meaning of the word “Judiciary”?
2. Name the highest court in India.
3. Under which Article can citizens approach the Supreme Court directly for enforcement of Fundamental Rights?
4. Who appoints the judges of the Supreme Court?
5. Mention one feature of judicial independence.
6. Name any one type of jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
7. Under which Article can the President seek advisory opinion from the Supreme Court?
8. Give one reason why an independent judiciary is essential.

Answers – Part A

1. The word “Judiciary” comes from Latin Judicare, meaning “to judge or decide.”
2. Supreme Court of India.
3. Article 32.
4. President of India (on recommendation of the Collegium).
5. Security of tenure / financial independence / administrative independence.
6. Original / appellate / advisory / writ jurisdiction.
7. Article 143.
8. To protect Fundamental Rights / uphold the Constitution / ensure rule of law.

PART B: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

(3–4 marks each, 6 × 3 = 18 Marks)

1. State two reasons why India needs an independent judiciary.
2. List three powers or functions of the Supreme Court.
3. What is judicial review? Give one example.
4. Explain the process of removal of a Supreme Court judge.
5. Name the three levels of courts in India.
6. Mention two ways in which the judiciary protects citizens’ rights.

Answers – Part B

1. Reasons for independent judiciary:
   • Safeguards the Constitution.
   • Ensures impartial justice and prevents arbitrary rule.
2. Powers/Functions of Supreme Court:
   • Original jurisdiction in disputes between states and Centre.
   • Appellate jurisdiction over High Court judgments.
   • Advisory jurisdiction to President on constitutional questions.
   • Power of judicial review of laws.
3. Judicial review is the power of the judiciary to strike down laws or government actions that violate the Constitution.
   • Example: Supreme Court striking down unconstitutional amendments or acts.
4. Removal of Supreme Court judge:
   • Motion supported by 100 Lok Sabha or 50 Rajya Sabha members.
   • Investigation by a committee.
   • Two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.
   • President removes the judge.
5. Three levels of courts:
   • Supreme Court (apex)
   • High Courts (state level)
   • Subordinate Courts (district and lower courts)
6. Judiciary protects rights by:
   • Enforcing Fundamental Rights (Article 32 & 226).
   • Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
   • Judicial activism for social and environmental rights.

PART C: LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

(5 marks each, 6 × 5 = 30 Marks)

1. Explain the appointment process of Supreme Court and High Court judges.
2. Describe the structure of the Indian judiciary.
3. What is advisory jurisdiction? How is it used?
4. Explain three ways in which the judiciary maintains its independence.
5. Discuss the relationship between judiciary and Parliament.
6. How does the judiciary protect citizens’ rights in India?

Answers – Part C

1. Appointment of Judges:
   • Supreme Court: Appointed by President, recommended by Collegium (CJI + senior judges), qualifications: 5 yrs as HC judge or 10 yrs as advocate or distinguished jurist.
   • High Court: Appointed by President in consultation with CJI and state Governor; qualifications: 10 yrs as HC judge or advocate.
   • Lower Courts: Appointed by State Government/Public Service Commissions based on merit, experience, and examination.
2. Structure of Judiciary:
   • Supreme Court: Apex court, CJI at the head, original, appellate, advisory, and writ jurisdiction.
   • High Courts: States/UTs, headed by Chief Justice, original and appellate jurisdiction.
   • Subordinate Courts: District and lower courts, civil and criminal matters, supervised by High Courts.
3. Advisory Jurisdiction:
   • Article 143: President can seek Supreme Court opinion on legal/constitutional questions.
   • Court provides advice but not binding.
   • Ensures clarity in law, resolves doubts in legislation.
   • Example: Presidential reference on constitutional interpretation.
4. Judicial Independence Maintained By:
   • Security of tenure.
   • Financial independence (salaries from Consolidated Fund).
   • Administrative independence (control over court procedures).
   • Freedom in decision-making (without political pressure).
5. Judiciary-Parliament Relationship:
   • Parliament makes laws; judiciary ensures compliance with Constitution.
   • Judicial review: Laws violating Constitution can be struck down.
   • Advisory opinions: Judiciary advises President on constitutional matters.
   • Limits: Parliament can amend Constitution, but judiciary ensures basic structure is preserved.
6. Protection of Citizens’ Rights:
   • Enforcement of Fundamental Rights via Supreme Court (Art. 32) and High Courts (Art. 226).
   • Judicial review ensures laws are constitutional.
   • Public Interest Litigation enables citizens to raise social issues.
   • Judicial activism protects social, environmental, and human rights.

PART D: CASE-BASED / APPLICATION QUESTION

(Answer any 1, 1 × 8 = 8 Marks)

Case Study:
A state passes a law restricting media freedom, which is challenged by citizens claiming violation of Fundamental Rights. The case reaches the Supreme Court.

• Identify the jurisdiction used by the Supreme Court.
• Explain why the judiciary can intervene in this matter.
• Describe the possible outcome.

Answer – Part D

• Jurisdiction: Original / Writ jurisdiction (Fundamental Rights).
• Reason: Judiciary protects citizens’ rights under the Constitution; law may violate Fundamental Rights (freedom of speech and expression).
• Possible outcome: Supreme Court can strike down or modify the law to ensure it complies with Constitution, upholding citizens’ rights.

Marking Scheme Summary:

• Part A: 8 × 1 = 8 Marks
• Part B: 6 × 3 = 18 Marks
• Part C: 6 × 5 = 30 Marks
• Part D: 1 × 8 = 8 Marks
• Total = 80 Marks