Class 11 Political Science - CBSE
Judiciary
The Judiciary chapter in Class 11 CBSE Political Science explores the role, structure, and importance of the judicial system in India. It highlights the independence of the judiciary as a cornerstone of Indian democracy and details the powers of the Supreme Court, High Courts, and subordinate courts. Students learn about judicial review, Public Interest Litigation (PIL), and the dynamic relationship between the judiciary and Parliament. This chapter is vital for board exams as it forms the foundation of constitutional law and civic understanding, frequently featuring in both short-answer questions and analytical case studies.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Independence of Judiciary
The principle that the judiciary must be free from interference by the executive and legislature to ensure fair and impartial justice.
Judicial Review
The power of the Supreme Court and High Courts to examine the constitutional validity of any law or executive action and declare it unconstitutional if it violates the Constitution.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
A legal mechanism introduced in the early 1980s allowing any individual or group to approach the court on behalf of those whose rights are violated, expanding access to justice.
Original Jurisdiction
The power of the Supreme Court to hear certain disputes directly, especially those involving the central government and one or more states, or disputes between states.
Appellate Jurisdiction
The authority of higher courts to review, accept, or overturn decisions made by lower courts when cases are appealed.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In CBSE Class 11 Political Science, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Common question types include direct theoretical questions on the independence of the judiciary, differences between various jurisdictions of the Supreme Court, short notes on PIL, and case-based application questions regarding judicial activism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Judicial activism refers to courts playing an active role in shaping public policy and protecting rights (often via PIL), sometimes overstepping traditional boundaries, whereas judicial restraint urges courts to limit the exercise of their own power and defer to the elected branches.
Judicial activism refers to courts playing an active role in shaping public policy and protecting rights (often via PIL), sometimes overstepping traditional boundaries, whereas judicial restraint urges courts to limit the exercise of their own power and defer to the elected branches.
How does the Constitution ensure the independence of judges?
The Constitution ensures independence through secure tenure, fixed service conditions, a ban on practice after retirement, financial autonomy, and by keeping their appointment process away from purely political control (such as the Collegium system).
Can the Supreme Court reject a law passed by Parliament?
Yes, through the power of Judicial Review, the Supreme Court can declare any law passed by Parliament null and void if it violates the provisions or the basic structure of the Indian Constitution.
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