Judiciary — UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 PYQ

2025

1. Q2
   Comment on the need of administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribunal reforms through rationalization of tribunals made in 2021.

   10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
2. Q11
   “Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike… .” In view of the above observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept of constitutional morality and its application to ensure balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in India.

   15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
3. Q13
   Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.

   15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2024

1. Q2
   Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?

   10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
2. Q12
   Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of child in the womb to establish its paternity.

   15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
3. Q14
   Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most powerful judiciary?

   15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2023

1. Q1
   “Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy.” Comment.

   10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
2. Q2
   Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India.

   10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →

2022

1. Q1
   “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.

   10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →

2021

1. Q2
   Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness.

   10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →

2020

1. Q4
   The judicial systems in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices.

   10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
2. Q12
   Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities.

   15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2019

1. Q2
   “The Central Administrative Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority.” Explain.

   10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →

2018

1. Q12
   How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India.

   15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2017

1. Q2
   Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India.

   10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →

2016

1. Q6
   What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution?

   12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
2. Q8
   What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.

   12.5 marks 200 words Easy Model answer →

2015

1. Q6
   What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 through the recent Ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss.

   12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
2. Q7
   Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulations on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and Judgement(s) of the Apex Court in this regard.

   12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →

2014

1. Q1
   Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy.

   12.5 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →