Judiciary, Civics, Class 8 -Test - Class 8 MCQ

Establishment of the Supreme Court:
The Supreme Court of India, the highest judicial authority in the country, was established on 26th January 1950. Here is a detailed explanation of its establishment:
Background:
- India gained independence from British colonial rule on 15th August 1947.
- The Constituent Assembly of India was tasked with drafting the Constitution of India.
- The Constitution aimed to establish a democratic framework with a separation of powers among the three branches of government.
Establishment:
- The Supreme Court was established under the provisions of Part V of the Constitution of India.
- Article 124 of the Constitution deals with the establishment and composition of the Supreme Court.
- The first meeting of the Supreme Court was held on 28th January 1950.
Composition:
- The Supreme Court consists of a Chief Justice and a maximum of 34 judges.
- The President of India appoints the judges in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and other senior judges.
- The judges hold office until the age of 65.
Functions and Powers:
- The Supreme Court has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdictions.
- It acts as the guardian of the Constitution and has the power of judicial review.
- The Court has the authority to interpret the Constitution and settle disputes between the central and state governments.
Significance:
- The establishment of the Supreme Court marked a significant milestone in the Indian judicial system.
- It ensures the independence of the judiciary and upholds the rule of law.
- The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in safeguarding the fundamental rights of the citizens.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court of India was established on 26th January 1950, coinciding with the adoption of the Constitution of India. It serves as the highest judicial body in the country, with the responsibility of upholding the principles of justice and protecting the rights of the citizens.

The number of courts at the apex level is one.
Explanation:
- The question asks about the number of courts at the apex level.
- The options provided are A, B, C, and D.
- The correct answer is option A, which states that there is one court at the apex level.
Key Points:
- The apex level refers to the highest or supreme level of a judicial system.
- In most countries, there is typically one apex court that serves as the highest authority in interpreting and applying the law.
- This court is often called the Supreme Court or the Constitutional Court.
- The apex court has the final jurisdiction and is responsible for hearing appeals from lower courts and resolving important legal issues.
- Its decisions are binding and have a significant impact on the legal system of the country.
Therefore, the number of courts at the apex level is one.

The High Court of Delhi
The High Court of Delhi is one of the prominent high courts in India. It was established in 1966 and is located in New Delhi, the capital city of India. The court has jurisdiction over the National Capital Territory of Delhi and handles a wide range of civil, criminal, and constitutional matters.
Here is a breakdown of the establishment of the High Court of Delhi:
Establishment:
- The High Court of Delhi was established on October 31, 1966.
- It was established by the Parliament of India under the Delhi High Court Act, 1966.
- The Act came into effect on May 1, 1967.
Location:
- The High Court of Delhi is located in New Delhi, the capital city of India.
- The court building is situated in the heart of the city at Sher Shah Road, near India Gate.
Jurisdiction:
- The High Court of Delhi has jurisdiction over the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
- It hears appeals and writ petitions under various laws, including civil, criminal, and constitutional matters.
- The court has original jurisdiction in certain matters, such as company law and intellectual property disputes.
Composition:
- The High Court of Delhi consists of a Chief Justice and several other judges.
- The Chief Justice is appointed by the President of India in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
- The other judges are appointed by the President of India based on the recommendations of the Collegium.
Significance:
- The High Court of Delhi plays a crucial role in the Indian judicial system.
- It serves as an appellate court and a court of original jurisdiction.
- The court has contributed significantly to the development of jurisprudence in India.
Overall, the High Court of Delhi was established in 1966 and has since played a vital role in ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Total Number of High Courts in India
There are a total of 25 High Courts in India.
Explanation:
- The High Court is the highest judicial authority in each state or union territory of India.
- Each High Court has jurisdiction over a specific geographical area and exercises both original and appellate jurisdiction.
- The High Court is responsible for hearing cases related to civil, criminal, and constitutional matters.
- The High Courts are established under Article 214 of the Indian Constitution.
- Currently, there are 25 High Courts in India.
- The High Courts are located in the following states and union territories:
1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Arunachal Pradesh
3. Assam
4. Bihar
5. Chhattisgarh
6. Delhi
7. Goa
8. Gujarat
9. Haryana
10. Himachal Pradesh
11. Jammu and Kashmir
12. Jharkhand
13. Karnataka
14. Kerala
15. Madhya Pradesh
16. Maharashtra
17. Manipur
18. Meghalaya
19. Mizoram
20. Nagaland
21. Odisha
22. Punjab and Haryana (common High Court)
23. Rajasthan
24. Sikkim
25. Telangana
- Each High Court is headed by a Chief Justice and consists of several judges appointed by the President of India.
- The High Courts play a crucial role in the Indian judicial system by ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law.

Not Associated with Civil Law:
The correct answer is C: Theft.
Explanation:
Civil law is a branch of law that deals with disputes between individuals or organizations, typically involving private matters rather than criminal offenses. It focuses on resolving conflicts and providing compensation or remedies for harm caused.
1. Divorce: Divorce falls under civil law as it deals with the dissolution of a marriage and the legal aspects associated with it, such as dividing assets, child custody, and alimony.
2. Rent matters: Issues related to rent, such as disputes between landlords and tenants, non-payment of rent, eviction, and breach of lease agreements, are regulated by civil law.
3. Theft: Theft, on the other hand, is a criminal offense and is dealt with under criminal law. Criminal law focuses on punishing individuals who commit crimes against society, rather than resolving disputes between individuals.
4. Disputes related to sale of land: This is associated with civil law, as it deals with conflicts arising from the sale or purchase of land, such as breach of contract, property boundaries, or disputes over ownership rights.
In summary, while divorce, rent matters, and disputes related to the sale of land are all associated with civil law, theft is a criminal offense and falls under criminal law.

Answer:
Supreme Court of India:
- The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial body in the country.
- It is presided over by the Chief Justice of India, who is the head of the judiciary in India.
Role of the Chief Justice of India:
- The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President of India.
- The Chief Justice is responsible for the administration of the Supreme Court and the judiciary as a whole.
- The Chief Justice presides over the Supreme Court and leads the other judges in the decision-making process.
Confirmation of the Statement:
- The statement "The Supreme Court is presided over by the Chief Justice of India" is true.
- The Chief Justice of India is the highest authority in the Supreme Court and is responsible for its functioning.
Conclusion:
- The Chief Justice of India presides over the Supreme Court, making the statement "The Supreme Court is presided over by the Chief Justice of India" true.

Explanation:
The statement given is false. Poor people are not restricted to only approach lower courts; they have the right to approach any court in the legal system. Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Access to Justice:
- Access to justice is a fundamental right guaranteed to all individuals, regardless of their financial status.
- The legal system aims to provide equal opportunities for everyone to seek justice, regardless of their socio-economic background.
2. Court Hierarchy:
- The court system consists of multiple levels, including lower courts, appellate courts, and the highest court in the country.
- While lower courts deal with initial trials and disputes, higher courts handle appeals and constitutional matters.
3. Legal Aid:
- To ensure equal access to justice, legal aid programs and services are available for individuals who cannot afford legal representation.
- These programs provide assistance to financially disadvantaged individuals, enabling them to approach any court for their legal matters.
4. Pro Bono Services:
- Many lawyers and law firms offer pro bono services, providing free legal representation to individuals who cannot afford to pay for legal assistance.
- This further enhances the accessibility of the legal system for poor people.
5. Public Interest Litigation (PIL):
- Public Interest Litigation allows any citizen, including poor individuals, to approach the higher courts directly to seek justice for matters of public importance.
- This mechanism empowers disadvantaged individuals to address systemic issues and hold authorities accountable.
Conclusion:
- Poor people are not limited to approaching only lower courts but have the right to seek justice in any court.
- The legal system strives to ensure equal access to justice through legal aid, pro bono services, and the availability of public interest litigation.

False
The judiciary does not act as per the wishes of the government. Here's why:
1. Separation of powers: In a democratic system, there is a clear separation of powers among the three branches of government - the executive, legislature, and judiciary. The judiciary acts as an independent branch and is responsible for interpreting and applying the law, regardless of the wishes of the government.
2. Judicial independence: The judiciary is designed to be independent from the government to ensure fairness and impartiality in the legal system. Judges are appointed based on their qualifications and expertise, and they are expected to make decisions based on the law, constitution, and legal principles, rather than political considerations or government influence.
3. Checks and balances: The judiciary acts as a check on the powers of the government. It has the authority to review and strike down laws or actions of the government that are unconstitutional or violate individual rights. This helps to maintain the balance of power and prevent any abuse of authority by the government.
4. Judicial review: The judiciary has the power of judicial review, which allows it to review the constitutionality of laws and government actions. This ensures that the government acts within the limits set by the constitution and protects the rights of citizens.
5. Legal precedents: The judiciary relies on legal precedents and established principles of law to make decisions. These precedents are developed over time through the decisions of previous judges and are not influenced by the government's wishes.
In conclusion, the judiciary acts independently and is not controlled by the government. Its role is to uphold the rule of law, protect individual rights, and provide justice, irrespective of the government's desires.

The Role of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in Facilitating Justice:
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a legal mechanism that allows individuals or organizations to seek justice on behalf of the public or a marginalized group. PIL plays a crucial role in facilitating justice for all by addressing social issues, protecting human rights, and promoting accountability. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Access to Justice: PIL ensures that justice is accessible to all, especially those who are economically or socially disadvantaged and unable to afford legal representation.
2. Social Justice: PIL helps in addressing social and systemic issues by advocating for the rights of marginalized groups, such as women, children, the elderly, and the environment.
3. Accountability: PIL holds public authorities and government officials accountable for their actions or inactions that may infringe upon the rights of individuals or harm the public interest.
4. Legal Reform: PIL often leads to the formulation of new laws or amendments to existing laws, resulting in legal reforms that address societal concerns and ensure justice for all.
5. Public Awareness: PIL cases often garner public attention and create awareness about social issues, leading to discussions and debates that can bring about positive change.
6. Judicial Activism: PIL encourages judicial activism by allowing courts to take a proactive role in protecting and promoting human rights and social justice.
7. Preventing Abuse of Power: PIL acts as a check on the abuse of power by public authorities and ensures that they act in accordance with the law and uphold the principles of justice.
8. Public Participation: PIL allows citizens to actively participate in the judicial process, empowering them to raise their voices against injustice and contribute to the development of a just society.
In conclusion, Public Interest Litigation (PIL) plays a significant role in facilitating justice for all by addressing social issues, promoting accountability, and protecting the rights of marginalized groups. It ensures access to justice, leads to legal reforms, and encourages public participation in the pursuit of a just society.

The correct answer is B: False.

1. Explanation:

In civil cases, the process usually does not involve lodging a First Information Report (FIR) with the police and subsequent investigation by the police. The process for civil cases is different from criminal cases. Here is the general process for civil cases:

1. Complaint: The civil case typically begins with the filing of a complaint by the plaintiff (the party bringing the case) in the appropriate court.


2. Service of Summons: After the complaint is filed, the court issues a summons to the defendant (the party being sued) to notify them of the lawsuit and provide them with an opportunity to respond.


3. Response: The defendant then has a certain period of time to file a response to the complaint, either admitting or denying the allegations made by the plaintiff.


4. Discovery: Once the initial pleadings are filed, both parties engage in the process of discovery, where they exchange relevant information and evidence related to the case.


5. Pre-Trial Proceedings: Prior to the trial, there may be pre-trial proceedings such as settlement negotiations, motions, and conferences to streamline the issues and determine the scope of the trial.


6. Trial: If the case does not settle, it proceeds to trial where both parties present their evidence and arguments to a judge or jury, who then make a decision based on the facts and the law.


7. Judgment: After the trial, the court issues a judgment, which is a decision on the merits of the case.


8. Appeal: If either party is dissatisfied with the judgment, they may have the option to appeal the decision to a higher court.

Therefore, the statement that civil cases usually begin with the lodging of an FIR with the police and subsequent investigation is false. This process is more commonly associated with criminal cases.