NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 5 - Judiciary

NCERT TEXTBOOK  QUESTIONS SOLVED

Q.1. You read that one of the main functions of the judiciary is upholding the law and enforcing Fundamental Rights? Why do you think an independent judiciary is necessary to carry out this important function?
 Ans. An independent judiciary can be able to protect our Fundamental Rights. The judiciary is above all prejudices. It is above all caste, creed or religion. This is the only cause that it conducts a fair trial and gives fair justice. Any influence from any individual or machinery cannot affect the judiciary.
 

Q.2. Re-read the list of Fundamental Rights provided in Chapter 1. How do you think the Right to Constitutional Remedies connects to the idea of judicial review?
 Ans. The Right to Constitutional Remedies allows citizens to approach the court if they believe that any of their Fundamental Rights have been violated by the State. The judiciary has the power to strike down particular laws passed by the Parliament if it finds that they violate the basic structure of the constitution. Thus, the Right to constitutional Remedies connects to the idea of judicial review.
 

Q.3. In the following illustration, fill in each tier with the judgement given by the various courts in the Sudha Goel case. Check your responses with others in class.
 Ans. Lower Court. The Lower Court convicted Laxman, his mother Shakuntala and his brother-in-law Subash Chandra and sentenced all three of them to death.
High Court. The High Court acquitted Laxman, Shakuntala and Subash Chandra.
Supreme Court. The Supreme Court founded Laxman and his mother guilty but acquitted the brother-inlaw Subash because they did not have enough evidence against him. The Supreme Court decided to send the accused to prison for life.
 

Q.4. Keeping the Sudha Goel case in mind, tick the sentences that are true and correct the ones that are false. (a) The accused took the case to the High Court because they were unhappy with the decision of the Trial Court. (b) They went to the High Court after the Supreme Court had given its decision.

(c) If they do not like the Supreme Court verdict, the accused can go back again to the Trial Court.
 Ans.(a)True (b) False (c) False

Q.5. Why do you think the introduction of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the 1980s is a significant step in ensuring access to justice for all?
 Ans. PIL is a significant step in ensuring access to justice for all. It allows any individual or organisation to file a PIL in the High Court or the Supreme Court on behalf of those whose rights are being violated. Its legal process is greatly simplified. Even a letter or telegram addressed to the Supreme Court or the High Court can be treated as a PIL.
 

Q.6. Re-read excerpts from the judgement on the ‘Olga Tellis vs Bombay Municipal Corporation’ case. Now write in your own words what the judges meant when they said that the Right to Livelihood was a part of the Right to Life.
 Ans. What the judges meant was that no person can live without the means of livelihood.
 

Q.7. Write a story around the theme, ‘Justice delayed is justice denied.’
 Ans. Students are suggested to create their story around the theme given.
 

Q.8. Make sentences with each of the glossary words given in the textbook.
 Ans.

• Acquit. The High Court acquitted K.D. Mittal of the charges of the murdering of his neighbour’s son.     
• To appeal. Mr. Hari Ram approached the Supreme Court to appeal against the judgement of the High Court.   
• Compensation. The state government declared to pay compensation to the factory workers for injuries they got at work.     
• Eviction. The tenant faced eviction for not paying the rent.
• Violation. My neighbour was fined for violation of traffic rules.
   

Q.9. The following is a poster made by the Right to Food campaign.
 Read this poster and list the duties of the goverment to uphold the Right to Food.

How does the phrase “Hungry stomachs, overflowing godowns! We will not accept it !!” used in the poster relate to the photo essay on the Right to Food on page 61?
Ans. The Contitution provides Right to Food under the Fundamental Rights. If this Right is hurt or affected by any reason, the government is solely liable for this. If one dies out of hunger, the government is responsible for it. Very recently we have seen cases of suicide by the farmers. The government has to check such happenings. Sometimes, traders cause such situations by hoardings. A crisis of food is created by these hoardings. The government must find out these hoarders and punish them.