GSEB Class 8 Social Science Solutions Chapter 4 The Supreme Court

GSEB Class 8 Social Science The Supreme Court Textbook Questions and Answers

 

1. Answer the following questions:

 

Question 1. Narmada Yojana is an important multipurpose project. It possibly does not violate fundamental rights of any individual. Why was this judgement given by the Supreme Court? Discuss.
Answer: Narmada is the longest river in the states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. To manage the destructive floods that affect it and to use the abundant amount of water, a multipurpose project known as 'Sardar Sarovar Yojana' has been built on it at Navagam in Gujarat. This project is a joint venture of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan States. The Narmada Project holds great importance for the progress of all four states.

A protest was made against increasing the height of Narmada Dam (situated near Navagam) above 110 metres. Environmentalist groups and NGOs from Madhya Pradesh were advocating for the rights of tribal people who would lose their land and home forever because of this project. On March 8, 2006, the Supreme Court issued a verdict to resolve the disagreement between the two states. The verdict was in favour of Gujarat State. The Court mentioned that due to increasing population, it was essential to carry out this project. The possibility of positive growth and benefits for living beings from the Sardar Sarovar Yojana could not be overlooked. Dry areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh would receive water, and the spread of the desert could be controlled. The Supreme Court mandated proper rehabilitation for the tribal people affected by the Yojana but did not halt it. In this way, the basic rights of the tribal people were safeguarded, and the Yojana also moved forward.
In simple words: The Narmada Dam project was built to manage floods and use water, benefiting four states. Despite protests from tribal groups about losing land, the Supreme Court allowed the project to proceed in 2006, citing population growth and development needs, while ensuring tribal rights were protected.

Exam Tip: When discussing Supreme Court judgements, always mention the specific date of the judgement, the parties involved, and the key reasons provided by the court for its decision.

 

Question 2. Why should the Judiciary be independent?
Answer: If the judges are under anyone's control, or if they are influenced by any powerful individuals, they will not be able to give fair judgements. For this reason, our Constitution does not permit any such interference. As a consequence, the Judiciary operates independently of the Legislature and the Executive Body.
In simple words: The judiciary needs to be separate from the government and powerful people so judges can make fair decisions without being influenced.

Exam Tip: Emphasize that an independent judiciary is vital for ensuring justice and protecting citizens' rights without bias.

 

Question 3. Why is the 'Public Interest Litigation' considered to be an important step?
Answer: Any citizen can approach a court with their complaint. However, it is very challenging for poor people, who are illiterate and must earn their living daily, to go to court and seek justice. It is difficult for them to defend their fundamental rights because they do not have money to pursue their cases in courts. The legal process is not only time-consuming but also very expensive. A lot of legal paperwork is also part of the process. As a result, it is extremely difficult for the poor to approach the judiciary and seek justice.

Keeping this issue in mind, the Supreme Court announced the provision of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in 1980. The Judiciary aims to reach out and offer justice to as many people as possible with this system. The Judiciary has granted the right to any person or institution to file a case on behalf of individuals from underprivileged classes. If any fundamental rights are being violated, then a citizen can appeal directly to the High Court or the Supreme Court. For example:

• PIL was filed to free labourers from cruel labour, and
• to release prisoners who were not let go from jail in Bihar even after they had completed their sentence.

In simple words: Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is important because it allows ordinary people, especially the poor and illiterate, to seek justice easily by letting anyone file a case for them if their basic rights are being violated. This helps the judiciary reach more people.

Exam Tip: When explaining PIL, define what it is, state its purpose (helping the underprivileged), mention when it was introduced (1980), and provide specific examples to illustrate its impact.

 

Question 4. State the various judgements given by different courts in the case of Ratlam Municipality.
Answer: The various judgements provided by different courts in the case of Ratlam Municipality are as follows:

Verdict by the Taluka Court: The Municipality and Town Improvement Trust failed in their duty to maintain cleanliness. Both institutions were ordered to clean the area immediately. The work for a closed drainage system should be finished within 15 days. However, the Municipality contested this verdict in the Ratlam District Court.

The following is the ruling of the District Court:

• The judgement of the Taluka Court is hereby declared unfair.
• This verdict was challenged by the residents. They went to the High Court.
• The High Court upheld the judgement of the Taluka Court but added some words to it.

The following is the verdict of the High Court:

• For a closed drainage system, 7 months' time is given instead of 15 days. The pits should be filled with soil to prevent water accumulation and mosquito breeding. The work should be finished within two years.
• The Ratlam Municipality, being dissatisfied with the verdict, appealed to the Supreme Court.

However, the Supreme Court upheld the judgement of the Taluka Court and further instructed that: The chemical and dye plants responsible for the pollution should be closed with the joint effort of the Municipality and the state government.
In simple words: In the Ratlam Municipality case, the Taluka Court ordered cleanliness and drainage work. The District Court overturned this, but the High Court reinstated it with changes, giving 7 months for drainage and 2 years for pit filling. The Supreme Court then upheld the Taluka Court's decision and ordered the closure of polluting factories.

Exam Tip: When detailing court judgements, present them chronologically, stating each court's decision and the main reasons or conditions, including appeals and final outcomes.

 

Read the following statements in reference to Ratlam Municipality case. Put a tick mark [ ✓] for the correct and a cross mark [ x ] for an incorrect statement. Correct and rewrite the incorrect statements.

 

Question 1. Municipality took the case to the District Court as it was dissatisfied with the decision given by the lower court. [ ✓ ]
Answer: The statement is correct. The Municipality did take the case to the District Court because they were unhappy with the initial decision from the lower court.
In simple words: This statement is correct. The Municipality appealed to a higher court because they disagreed with the first court's ruling.

Exam Tip: For true/false questions, always clearly state whether the statement is correct or incorrect. If it's incorrect, provide the accurate information.

 

Question 2. Municipality appealed to the High Court against the judgement given by the Supreme Court. [x] Corrected Statement: Municipality appealed to the Supreme Court against the judgement given by the High Court.
Answer: The statement is incorrect. The Municipality appealed to the Supreme Court against the judgement given by the High Court, not the other way around. The correction provided accurately reflects the sequence of events.
In simple words: This statement is wrong. The Municipality went to the Supreme Court because they were unhappy with what the High Court decided.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the hierarchy of courts (Taluka, District, High, Supreme) and the direction of appeals to avoid confusion in such questions.

 

Question 3. The Supreme Court approved the judgement given by the High Court. [ X ]
Answer: The statement is incorrect. The Supreme Court did not fully approve the judgement given by the High Court; instead, it sustained the judgement of the Taluka Court and added further orders, such as closing polluting plants.
In simple words: This statement is wrong. The Supreme Court did not just agree with the High Court; it went back to the original court's decision and added new instructions.

Exam Tip: Remember that higher courts can either affirm, reverse, or modify lower court decisions. Don't assume a direct approval unless explicitly stated.

 

Activities

 

Question 1. Collect the cuttings of judgements published in newspapers and fill the table given below:

Answer: To complete this activity, students should collect newspaper clippings that report on court judgements. For each clipping, identify the name of the court that passed the judgement (e.g., High Court, Supreme Court), determine who filed the legal request (the petitioner), identify the party against whom the petition was filed (the respondent), and finally, summarize the main points of the court's decision or verdict. This will help students understand how court proceedings are reported in the media.
In simple words: Find newspaper articles about court decisions. For each one, write down which court made the decision, who started the case, who it was against, and what the court decided.

Exam Tip: For practical activities, clearly outline the steps required to complete the task and the type of information that needs to be collected or identified.

 

Question 2. Fill the table given below with the judgements published in different newspapers.

Answer: To complete this activity, students need to find newspaper reports about various legal cases. For each listed case type (e.g., disputes between Centre and State, between two States, between citizens, or between a person and the government), students should locate a relevant news article and then summarize the court's final judgement or decision in the "Judgment" column. This will demonstrate their understanding of different judicial scenarios.
In simple words: Find newspaper articles for each kind of case listed, like fights between states or with the government. Then, write down what the court decided for that case in the "Judgment" box.

Exam Tip: Encourage students to look for prominent cases or recent headlines that fall into these categories to make the activity engaging and relevant.

 

3. With the help of your teacher, arrange a mock court procedure from the Taluka Court to the Supreme Court in the classroom.

 

GSEB Class 8 Social Science The Supreme Court Intext Questions and Answers

 

Question 1. Can an ordinary citizen win a case over a powerful/influential person in this judicial system? Justify your response.
Answer: Yes, a regular citizen can certainly win a case against a powerful or influential individual in this judicial framework. Our Constitution does not permit any outside interference in how the Judiciary operates. Our Constitution has declared that the Judiciary is separate from the Legislature and the Executive Body. The judges are not under any sway or authority of powerful people, so they are able to give fair judgements. Therefore, any person, whether rich or poor, can definitely receive proper justice.
In simple words: Yes, a regular citizen can win against a powerful person in court because our Constitution ensures the Judiciary is independent, meaning judges make fair decisions without being influenced by anyone, rich or powerful.

Exam Tip: When justifying the independence of the judiciary, focus on its constitutional mandate and the role it plays in ensuring equality before the law for all citizens, regardless of their status.

 

Additional

 

Fill in the blanks with proper words or numbers in the following statements:

 

Question 1. Our Constitution has kept the ......... independent of the Legislature and the Executive Body.
Answer: Judiciary
In simple words: The Constitution made the judiciary separate from the legislative and executive parts of the government.

Exam Tip: Remember that "Judiciary" refers to the system of courts that interprets and applies the law, distinct from the law-making (legislature) and law-enforcing (executive) branches.

 

Question 2. The Supreme Court of India is in .........
Answer: Delhi
In simple words: India's highest court, the Supreme Court, is located in Delhi.

Exam Tip: Know the capital cities and their significant government institutions.

 

Question 3. The ......... Court is the highest among all courts of our country.
Answer: Supreme
In simple words: The Supreme Court is the top court in our country, above all others.

Exam Tip: Understand the hierarchy of courts in India, with the Supreme Court at the apex.

 

Question 4. The Supreme Court of our country came into existence on 28th January, .........
Answer: 1950
In simple words: The Supreme Court in our country started on January 28, 1950.

Exam Tip: It is helpful to remember important dates related to key national institutions like the Supreme Court.

 

Question 5. The ......... Court has the right to protect the fundamental rights of citizens.
Answer: Supreme
In simple words: The Supreme Court has the authority to safeguard the basic rights of all citizens.

Exam Tip: Remember that the Supreme Court is the ultimate protector and interpreter of the Constitution, including fundamental rights.

 

Question 6. The ......... Court resolves disputes between citizens and the government, between states and between the centre and any state.
Answer: Supreme
In simple words: The Supreme Court handles arguments between people and the government, and also between different states or the central government and a state.

Exam Tip: Be aware of the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in resolving inter-state and centre-state disputes.

 

Question 7. A Dam has been constructed on the River Narmada at ......... in Gujarat.
Answer: Navagam
In simple words: A dam was built on the Narmada River in Navagam, Gujarat.

Exam Tip: For geographical facts, remember the specific locations of important projects or features.

 

Question 8. According to the verdict of the Supreme Court in the Narmada Project Case, the ......... rights of the tribal people living in that area would not be threatened.
Answer: fundamental
In simple words: The Supreme Court said in the Narmada Project Case that the basic rights of tribal people in that area would still be protected.

Exam Tip: Connect specific court cases with the fundamental rights that were discussed or protected during the proceedings.

 

Question 9. Any citizen can approach a court for the protection of his/her ......... rights.
Answer: fundamental
In simple words: Any person can go to court to protect their basic rights.

Exam Tip: Emphasize that fundamental rights are enforceable through courts, making the judiciary a crucial guardian of individual liberties.

 

Question 10. The Supreme Court announced the provision of the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in .........
Answer: 1980
In simple words: The Supreme Court introduced Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in 1980.

Exam Tip: Knowing the year PIL was introduced helps to understand its historical context in Indian jurisprudence.

 

State whether the following statements are true or false:

 

Question 1. The Judiciary is necessary for the safety and welfare of people.
Answer: True
In simple words: The judiciary is important for keeping people safe and helping them live well.

Exam Tip: Understand that the judiciary maintains law and order, resolves conflicts, and protects rights, which are all essential for societal well-being.

 

Question 2. The Judiciary is one of the most important organs of the government.
Answer: True
In simple words: The judiciary is a very crucial part of how the government works.

Exam Tip: Recall the three main branches of government: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. All three are vital for effective governance.

 

Question 3. The High Court is the highest among all courts of our country.
Answer: False
In simple words: This statement is wrong; the Supreme Court is the highest court, not the High Court.

Exam Tip: Clearly differentiate between the High Court (state level) and the Supreme Court (national level) in terms of their positions in the judicial hierarchy.

 

Question 4. The Supreme Court of India is in Ahmedabad.
Answer: False
In simple words: The Supreme Court of India is not in Ahmedabad; it is in Delhi.

Exam Tip: Always confirm the correct locations of important national institutions.

 

Question 5. Irrigation will be possible in the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan with the Sardar Sarovar Yojana.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, the Sardar Sarovar Yojana will help provide water for farming in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Exam Tip: Understand the multi-state benefits and objectives of major river valley projects.

 

Question 6. Our Constitution has kept the Judiciary independent of the Legislature and the Executive Body.
Answer: True
In simple words: Our Constitution made sure the judiciary is separate from the law-making and law-enforcing parts of the government.

Exam Tip: Reinforce the concept of separation of powers, which ensures checks and balances among government branches.

 

Answer the following questions in one or two sentences:

 

Question 1. Why is law necessary in a country?
Answer: Law is essential in a country for the protection and well-being of its people. It helps maintain order, resolve disputes, and ensure justice for everyone.
In simple words: Law is needed in a country to keep people safe and ensure their welfare.

Exam Tip: Briefly explain the dual role of law: protecting citizens and promoting their welfare, encompassing order and justice.

 

Question 2. In our country, what type of judiciary is in place for imparting justice?
Answer: In our country, a system of courts is established to deliver justice. It begins with the lowest court, known as the Taluka Court, followed by the District Court, then the High Court, and finally the Supreme Court or the Highest Court of the country. Our judiciary operates as a continuous and well-organized process.
In simple words: Our country has a tiered court system to give justice, starting from the lowest Taluka Court and going up to the Supreme Court, all connected.

Exam Tip: List the courts in hierarchical order (Taluka, District, High, Supreme) and mention that the system is integrated or continuous.

 

Question 3. Which court of our country holds the highest position among all courts?
Answer: The Supreme Court of our country holds the highest position among all courts in our country. It is the final court of appeal and the chief interpreter of the Constitution.
In simple words: The Supreme Court in our country is the highest court.

Exam Tip: Directly name the Supreme Court and highlight its top position in the judicial system.

 

Question 4. When did the Supreme Court come into existence in our country?
Answer: The Supreme Court of our country came into existence on 28th January 1950. This was soon after the adoption of the Indian Constitution.
In simple words: Our country's Supreme Court started on January 28, 1950.

Exam Tip: Provide the exact date for specific historical events like the establishment of a key institution.

 

Question 5. Which disputes does the Supreme Court resolve?
Answer: The Supreme Court resolves disagreements between citizens and the government, between different states, and between the central government and any state. It handles major constitutional and legal disputes.
In simple words: The Supreme Court settles arguments between people and the government, between states, and between the central government and a state.

Exam Tip: List the different types of disputes that fall under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

 

Question 6. Who protested against the height of Narmada Dam increasing above 110 metres?
Answer: Environmentalist groups and NGOs from Madhya Pradesh protested against increasing the height of Narmada Dam (situated near Navagam) above 110 metres. They aimed to protect the rights of tribal people who would lose their land and homes due to this project.
In simple words: Environmental groups and NGOs from Madhya Pradesh protested against raising the Narmada Dam's height, wanting to protect tribal people's land.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific groups involved in protests and their primary motivations, such as environmental concerns or human rights.

 

Question 7. In whose favour did the Supreme Court pass judgement about the height of the dam in the Narmada Project Case?
Answer: On March 8, 2006, the Supreme Court issued a verdict to resolve the disagreement between the two states regarding the Narmada Project Case concerning the height of the dam. The judgement was given in favour of Gujarat State.
In simple words: In the Narmada Project Case, the Supreme Court's decision on March 8, 2006, about the dam's height was in favour of Gujarat State.

Exam Tip: State the specific outcome of the judgement and the beneficiary party clearly.

 

Question 8. What will happen if judges can be controlled or influenced?
Answer: If judges are under anyone's influence or if they are controlled by any influential or powerful people, they will not be able to give fair and unbiased judgements. This would undermine the justice system.
In simple words: If judges are controlled or influenced by powerful people, they won't be able to make fair decisions.

Exam Tip: Highlight the direct consequence of a lack of judicial independence: biased judgements and a breakdown of trust in the justice system.

 

Question 9. What is the Judiciary of our country independent of?
Answer: The Judiciary of our country is independent of the Legislature and the Executive Body. This separation ensures its impartiality and effective functioning.
In simple words: Our country's judiciary is separate from the law-making and law-enforcing parts of the government.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the two other branches of government from which the judiciary is independent.

 

Question 10. Who safeguards the fundamental rights of citizens?
Answer: High Courts and the Supreme Court safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens. They act as the guarantors and protectors of these rights through various writs and legal remedies.
In simple words: The High Courts and the Supreme Court protect the basic rights of citizens.

Exam Tip: Mention both the High Courts and the Supreme Court as key institutions for protecting fundamental rights.

 

Question 11. What provision has the Supreme Court made to ensure that the poor also get justice?
Answer: To ensure that poor people also receive justice, the Supreme Court announced the provision of the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in 1980. This allows cases to be filed on behalf of those who cannot access the courts themselves.
In simple words: The Supreme Court created Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in 1980 to help poor people get justice.

Exam Tip: Recall the term PIL and its specific purpose of enabling access to justice for the economically disadvantaged.

 

Question 12. Why is it difficult for the poor to go to court?
Answer: It is very challenging for poor people to go to court and demand justice because they are often illiterate and must earn their living on a daily basis, leaving them with little time or resources for legal proceedings.
In simple words: It's hard for poor people to go to court because they might not be educated and need to work every day for their survival.

Exam Tip: Focus on the practical barriers (illiteracy, daily wages) that prevent economically vulnerable individuals from accessing justice.

 

Question 13. State two examples wherein justice was imparted through the PIL system.
Answer: Two instances where justice was delivered through the PIL system are:

1. PIL was filed to free labourers from cruel labour, and
2. to release prisoners who were not let go from jail in Bihar even after they had completed their sentence.

In simple words: Two examples of PIL helping are: freeing workers from bad labor and releasing prisoners who had served their time.

Exam Tip: Provide clear and distinct examples that illustrate the protective and remedial nature of PIL.

 

Question 14. When can the Judiciary itself pass a judgement in favour of the people?
Answer: If the Supreme Court feels that the fundamental rights of any group in society are being threatened, it can intervene in the case and issue a judgement in favour of the people. This demonstrates its proactive role in safeguarding liberties.
In simple words: If the Supreme Court sees that people's basic rights are in danger, it can step in and make a decision to protect them.

Exam Tip: Understand the concept of judicial activism or suo motu action, where the court initiates action to protect rights without a formal petition.

 

Question 15. Should a PIL regarding fundamental rights and/or their implementation be inappropriate what can the High Court or the Supreme Court do?
Answer: If the High Court or Supreme Court finds any Public Interest Litigation regarding fundamental rights or their execution to be improper, then it may penalize the concerned person, group, or institution. This prevents misuse of the PIL system.
In simple words: If a PIL about basic rights is found to be wrong or misused, the High Court or Supreme Court can punish the person or group responsible.

Exam Tip: Highlight that while PIL is a powerful tool, there are checks in place to prevent its frivolous or malicious use, including penalties for inappropriate filings.

 

Answer the following questions in short:

 

Question 1. How can we say that the Judiciary of our ' country is continuous and well-knit?
Answer: In our country, a system of courts is in place to deliver justice. It starts with the lowest court, known as the Taluka Court, which is followed by the District Court, then comes the High Court, and finally the Supreme Court or the Highest Court of the country. This system of courts is referred to as the Judiciary. The Judiciary serves as one of the most crucial branches of the government, and because of this structured hierarchy, we can affirm that it is a well-organized and continuous process.
In simple words: Our country's judiciary is a well-connected system. It begins with the lowest Taluka Court, moves to the District Court, then the High Court, and finally the Supreme Court. This clear order and connection between courts show it's a continuous and well-organized process.

Exam Tip: Explain "continuous and well-knit" by describing the clear hierarchical structure of courts in India, from the lowest (Taluka) to the highest (Supreme), emphasizing that decisions can be appealed through these connected levels.