Also read: Chapter 17 Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles of the State Policy – DAV Class 8 SST Complete Solutions (All Questions Solved)“
DAV Book Chapter 18: The Union Government Legislature – Exercise Solutions”
DAV Class 8 SST Chapter 19 Solutions – The Union Government Question Answers
A. Tick (✔) the correct option.
- The Lok Adalat is generally presided over by—
(b) retired judge - Who among the following does not work under the Board of Revenue?
(c) Metropolitan Magistrate - A judge of the Supreme Court may continue to remain in office till the attainment of—
(d) 65 years - Which one of the following statements about Public Interest Litigation is false?
(b) It has proved to be a boon for the upper middle class people of India. - Which case related to the following subjects is a civil case?
(a) marriage
B. Fill in the blanks.
- The highest Revenue Court in the district is the Collector which deals with the cases of land revenue.
- Any law declared unconstitutional, immediately ceases to remain in force.
- The criminal cases begin with the lodging of a First Information Report.
- Legal cases can be either civil or criminal in nature.
- The Supreme Court is the guardian of the Indian Constitution.
C. Write True or False for the following statements.
- Tax evasion is a crime. — True
- The judges of the High Court are appointed by the Chief Justice of India. — False
- The Court of the Sessions Judge is the highest Civil Court in a district. — False
- The High Court has the power of Judicial Review. — True
- Subordinate Courts are equally competent to interpret the Constitution of India. — False
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
1. What is meant by independence of judiciary? Give any two examples to prove that Indian Judiciary is independent.
Independence of judiciary means that the judges and courts are free from the control or pressure of the government, political parties or any other powerful group while giving judgments. Judges decide cases only according to the Constitution and the law. This helps in giving fair justice to all citizens, whether rich or poor.
Two examples which prove that Indian Judiciary is independent are—
- Security of Tenure of Judges
Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts cannot be removed easily from their office. They can be removed only through a special process called impeachment by the Parliament. This protects them from political pressure. - Power of Judicial Review
The courts can declare any law unconstitutional if it goes against the Constitution of India. This shows that the judiciary works independently and protects the rights of citizens.
Thus, the independence of judiciary strengthens democracy and ensures justice, equality and protection of Fundamental Rights.
2. Differentiate between civil and criminal cases with the help of examples.
| Basis | Civil Cases | Criminal Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Civil cases relate to disputes between individuals or organisations. | Criminal cases relate to offences against society or the state. |
| Nature | They involve private rights and property matters. | They involve crimes and law-breaking activities. |
| Punishment | Usually compensation, fine or settlement is given. | Punishment may include imprisonment, fine or both. |
| Examples | Marriage disputes, property disputes, divorce cases. | Murder, robbery, cheating, theft. |
Explanation
Civil cases mainly deal with disagreements between people regarding property, marriage or money matters. Criminal cases are more serious because they involve offences that harm society. The judiciary ensures justice in both kinds of cases and protects peace and order in the country.
3. Describe the composition of Criminal Courts and Revenue Courts.
Composition of Criminal Courts
The criminal courts in India are organised in the following order—
- Supreme Court – The highest court of the country.
- High Court – The highest court in a state.
- Court of Sessions Judge – Highest criminal court in a district.
- Chief Metropolitan Magistrate/Chief Judicial Magistrate
- First Class Magistrate
- Second Class Magistrate
These courts hear criminal cases such as theft, robbery, murder and cheating.
Composition of Revenue Courts
Revenue courts deal mainly with land revenue and land-related disputes. Their order is—
- Board of Revenue – Highest Revenue Court in a state.
- Commissioner
- Collector
- Tehsildar
These courts help in maintaining proper land records and solving disputes related to land and revenue matters.
4. What qualifications are required to be a judge of the Supreme Court? How can a judge of the Supreme Court be removed?
Qualifications required to become a judge of the Supreme Court
A person can become a judge of the Supreme Court if he or she—
- Is a citizen of India.
- Has been a judge of a High Court for at least five years, or
- Has been an advocate of a High Court for at least ten years, or
- Is considered a distinguished jurist by the President of India.
Removal of a Supreme Court Judge
A judge of the Supreme Court can be removed only by the President of India on the recommendation of Parliament. The removal process is called impeachment.
A judge can be removed on grounds of—
- Proven misbehaviour, or
- Incapacity.
Both Houses of Parliament must pass the impeachment motion with a special majority. This difficult process ensures that judges remain fearless and independent while delivering justice.
5. ‘India has a single unified and integrated judicial system.’ Explain.
India has a single unified and integrated judicial system because all courts in the country work together in one continuous structure. The Supreme Court is at the top, followed by the High Courts and the subordinate courts below them.
This system is called unified because—
- The Supreme Court controls and supervises the entire judicial system.
- The same laws and Constitution apply throughout the country.
- Decisions of higher courts are binding on lower courts.
- Citizens can appeal from lower courts to higher courts for justice.
Structure of the Judicial System
- Supreme Court
- High Courts
- District and Subordinate Courts
This integrated system ensures equal justice for all citizens. It also maintains unity in the interpretation of laws and protects the Fundamental Rights of the people. Through this system, every citizen, whether rich or poor, gets an opportunity to seek justice.
E. Answer the following questions.
1. Briefly describe any five powers and functions of the Supreme Court of India.
The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in India and the guardian of the Constitution. It plays an important role in protecting democracy, justice and Fundamental Rights.
1. Original Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court hears disputes directly between—
- The Central Government and State Governments, or
- Between two or more states.
Such cases begin directly in the Supreme Court.
2. Appellate Jurisdiction
People can appeal to the Supreme Court against the judgments of the High Courts in civil, criminal and constitutional cases. It is the final court of appeal in India.
3. Guardian of the Constitution
The Supreme Court protects the Constitution and ensures that all laws and government actions follow constitutional principles.
4. Judicial Review
The Court can declare any law unconstitutional if it violates the Constitution or Fundamental Rights. This power protects citizens from unfair laws.
5. Protector of Fundamental Rights
Citizens can directly approach the Supreme Court if their Fundamental Rights are violated. The Court can issue writs to safeguard these rights.
Thus, the Supreme Court acts as the protector of justice, equality and democracy in India.
2. Explain the main powers and functions of the High Courts.
The High Court is the highest court in a state. It supervises the subordinate courts and ensures justice within the state.
Main Powers and Functions of the High Courts
1. Original Jurisdiction
The High Court hears certain civil and criminal cases directly.
2. Appellate Jurisdiction
It hears appeals against the decisions of lower courts in the state.
3. Judicial Review
The High Court can declare laws or government actions unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution.
4. Protection of Fundamental Rights
The High Court can issue writs to protect the Fundamental Rights of citizens.
5. Supervisory Functions
It supervises and controls all subordinate courts functioning within the state.
6. Administrative Functions
The High Court appoints and manages the staff of subordinate courts and ensures proper administration of justice.
The High Court plays an important role in maintaining law, justice and constitutional values at the state level.
3. State the significance of Public Interest Litigation in the Indian judicial system.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is an important feature of the Indian judicial system. It allows any public-spirited citizen or organisation to approach the court for the protection of public interest and the rights of weaker sections of society.
Significance of PIL
- Provides Justice to the Poor and Weak
PIL helps poor, illiterate and helpless people who cannot approach courts on their own. - Protects Fundamental Rights
It helps in protecting the Fundamental Rights of citizens against injustice and exploitation. - Promotes Social Justice
PIL helps in solving social problems such as child labour, environmental pollution and bonded labour. - Increases Government Accountability
Through PIL, courts can direct the government to perform its duties honestly and efficiently. - Strengthens Democracy
PIL allows citizens to participate in protecting public welfare and constitutional values.
Thus, Public Interest Litigation has made justice more accessible and meaningful for common people. It reflects the humanitarian spirit of the Indian Constitution.
4. Explain the concept of Lok Adalats? Why are they called People’s Courts?
Lok Adalats are special courts established to settle disputes quickly through mutual agreement and compromise. The term “Lok Adalat” means “People’s Court”.
These courts aim to provide simple, speedy and inexpensive justice to the people.
Features of Lok Adalats
- Cases are settled through discussion and compromise.
- Court fees are very low or not charged.
- Decisions are given quickly.
- The atmosphere is simple and friendly.
- Retired judges, social workers and legal experts often participate in the proceedings.
Why are they called People’s Courts?
Lok Adalats are called People’s Courts because—
- They provide easy justice to common people.
- They reduce lengthy court procedures.
- They help poor people who cannot afford expensive legal cases.
- They encourage peaceful settlement of disputes.
Lok Adalats promote harmony, cooperation and social justice. They make the judicial system more humane and accessible for ordinary citizens.
5. Describe the composition of the High Court. Explain the qualifications, tenure and the method of removal of the High Court judges.
Composition of the High Court
Each High Court consists of—
- A Chief Justice, and
- Other judges appointed by the President of India.
The number of judges depends on the workload of the court.
Qualifications of High Court Judges
A person can become a High Court judge if he or she—
- Is a citizen of India.
- Has held a judicial office in India for at least ten years, or
- Has been an advocate of a High Court for at least ten years.
Tenure of High Court Judges
A High Court judge remains in office till the age of 62 years. Judges can resign before completing their term by submitting resignation to the President of India.
Removal of High Court Judges
A High Court judge can be removed by the President on the recommendation of Parliament through the process of impeachment.
A judge may be removed on grounds of—
- Proven misbehaviour, or
- Incapacity.
Both Houses of Parliament must pass the motion with a special majority.
This system protects the independence and dignity of the judiciary and ensures fair justice for all citizens.