Oxford Solutions for ICSE Class 8 History Civics Chapter 18 The Judiciary

EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. In India there is a single unified system of courts for the Indian Union and the states.
This means that laws made at the top apply to everyone down to the smallest village. It ensures that justice is consistent and fair across the whole country.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the court system like a single pyramid with the Supreme Court at the very top.
Exam Tip: Use the word 'single' to emphasize that there are not separate systems for states and the center.

2. The Supreme Court of India is located in New Delhi.
New Delhi is the capital of India where all the most important government offices are situated. The Supreme Court building here is the highest center for legal decisions in our nation.
Teacher's Tip: Remember: Capital City = Top Court.
Exam Tip: Always capitalize 'New Delhi' as it is a proper noun for a city.

3. To quality for the post of a judge in the Supreme Court, a person must either be an advocate of a High Court for at least ten years or a judge of a High Court for five years’ standing.
These strict rules ensure that only the most experienced legal experts can reach the highest court. It takes many years of hard work and deep knowledge to earn this position.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the 10-5 rule: 10 years for a lawyer, 5 years for a judge.
Exam Tip: Be careful not to swap the numbers 10 and 5 when writing this in your paper.

4. The High Court controls and supervises the functioning of subordinate courts.
The High Court acts as a leader for all the smaller courts within a specific state. It makes sure that they follow the correct procedures and give fair trials.
Teacher's Tip: The High Court is like the "Principal" of the state's school of justice.
Exam Tip: Mention both 'controls' and 'supervises' to show the full power of the High Court.

5. The records of the High Court serve as references for lower courts in future cases.
When a High Court makes a decision, it is written down as a permanent record. Judges in smaller courts can look at these records to help them decide similar cases later.
Teacher's Tip: Think of these records as a "History Book" that guides new judges.
Exam Tip: Use the term 'Court of Record' if you are asked to describe this function.

B. Match the following:

1. Supreme Court (a) can have two more states under its jurisdiction.
2. High Court (b) village level courts
3. Nyaya Panchayats (c) affordable and speedy justice
4. Lok Adalats (d) free legal aid and service
5. Legal Aid Scheme (e) the apex court of India
Answer:
1. Supreme Court - (e) the apex court of India
2. High Court - (a) can have two or more states under its jurisdiction.
3. Nyaya Panchayats - (b) village level courts
4. Lok Adalats - (c) affordable and speedy justice
5. Legal Aid Scheme - (d) free legal aid and service
This matching exercise shows how different levels of courts serve different parts of society. From big national courts to small village councils, every part helps people get justice.
Teacher's Tip: Match the court to its specific "location" or "benefit" to remember them easily.
Exam Tip: Draw clean, straight lines or write the letters clearly to avoid losing marks for messy work.

C. Choose the correct answer:

Question 1: Disputes between the union government and the state government fall under the Original/Advisory/Appellate Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
Answer: Disputes between the union government and the state government fall under the Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
Original jurisdiction means these types of cases must start directly at the Supreme Court. They are too important to be handled by smaller local courts.
Teacher's Tip: "Original" means it's the "Original" place where the case begins.
Exam Tip: Identify 'Original' for any case involving a fight between a state and the center.

Question 2: The District Court/Nyaya Panchayats/Supreme Court has the power of judicial review.
Answer: The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review.
Judicial review is the power to check if a law passed by the government follows the rules of the Constitution. If the law is found to be unfair, the Supreme Court can cancel it.
Teacher's Tip: Judicial Review is like the court being a "Ref" who checks if a play was against the rules.
Exam Tip: Remember that only the highest court has this specific supreme power.

Question 3: The High Court is the highest court of justice in a village/ district/state.
Answer: The High Court is the highest court of justice in a state.
Each state in India usually has its own High Court to handle its specific legal matters. It is the final authority for justice within that state's borders.
Teacher's Tip: Supreme = Nation, High = State, District = District.
Exam Tip: Don't confuse the High Court with the Supreme Court; the Supreme Court is above the High Court.

Question 4: Judges of the High Court can serve till they are 60/62/65 years old.
Answer: Judges of the High Court can serve till they are 62 years old.
This retirement age is set to ensure that experienced judges can serve for a long time. Supreme Court judges retire slightly later at 65 years old.
Teacher's Tip: High Court = 62; Supreme Court = 65. Remember the difference of 3 years.
Exam Tip: Be very careful with these numbers as they are often used in tricky questions.

Question 5: The Nyaya Panchayats/Lok Adalats/District Courts were set up to provide quicker and cheaper judicial services.
Answer: The Lok Adalats were set up to provide quicker and cheaper judicial services.
Lok Adalats are "People's Courts" where people can solve their problems without long and expensive lawyer fees. They focus on settling disputes through compromise and talk.
Teacher's Tip: Lok = People, Adalat = Court. Together they mean People's Court.
Exam Tip: Keywords like 'quicker' and 'cheaper' should always lead you to pick 'Lok Adalats'.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

Question 1: The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is appointed by the Prime Minister of India.
Answer: False.
The Chief Justice is actually appointed by the President of India. This keeps the judiciary independent from the daily politics of the Prime Minister's office.
Teacher's Tip: President = Appointments; Prime Minister = Advice.
Exam Tip: Always provide the correct answer after writing 'False' to earn full marks.

Question 2: No cases can be brought directly to the Supreme Court for the first time.
Answer: False.
Under 'Original Jurisdiction,' certain important cases like disputes between states can go directly to the Supreme Court. It is the only court allowed to handle these big national issues.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the "Original" cases that skip the line.
Exam Tip: Use the term 'Original Jurisdiction' to explain why this statement is false.

Question 3: A High Court is not a court of record.
Answer: False.
The High Court is indeed a court of record, meaning all its judgments are kept for future use. These records help other courts make similar decisions later.
Teacher's Tip: Both the Supreme Court and High Courts are "Courts of Record."
Exam Tip: If a statement says a top court is *not* a court of record, it's almost always false.

Question 4: A Nyaya Panchayat can impose a fine of up to Rs. 10,000.
Answer: False.
Nyaya Panchayats are for small village disputes and can only impose very small fines (usually up to 100 rupees). They do not have the power to send anyone to jail or give large fines.
Teacher's Tip: Small court = small fine.
Exam Tip: Check your textbook for the exact fine amount, as 10,000 is far too high for a village court.

Question 5: The process of obtaining justice through law courts is a long-drawn-out and expensive process in our country.
Answer: True.
This is why systems like Lok Adalats and Legal Aid were created. Regular courts often take many years to finish one case because there are so many people waiting for justice.
Teacher's Tip: This is a sad truth, which is why "Speedy Justice" is so important.
Exam Tip: Use the terms 'expensive' and 'long-drawn-out' when describing the problems of the regular judiciary.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1: On what grounds can Supreme Court judges be removed from office?
Answer: Supreme Court judges can only be removed on grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity, through impeachment.
This means they can only be fired if they do something very wrong or are no longer able to do their job. The process of impeachment is very difficult and involves the Parliament.
Teacher's Tip: Think of impeachment as a "Supreme Fire" for top officials who break rules.
Exam Tip: Use the exact words 'proven misbehaviour' and 'incapacity' for full credit.

Question 2: Mention any two kinds of disputes that can be brought directly before the Supreme Court.
Answer: Following cases can be directly brought before the Supreme Court:
1. If there are disputes between the Union Government and a State Government or more than one State Government.
2. Cases concerning the violation of the Constitution by the Government or an individual.
These are cases where the whole country's rules are at stake. By going straight to the top, these problems get solved as quickly and correctly as possible.
Teacher's Tip: "State vs Center" is the classic Supreme Court case.
Exam Tip: Number your points 1 and 2 to make your answer easy for the teacher to read.

Question 3: What is the Advisory Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?
Answer: The Supreme Court can advise the President, on request, on legal and constitutional issues. The President may or may not accept the advice.
This is like the President asking a "Legal Expert" for help with a difficult law. Even though the court gives the advice, the President has the final choice to follow it.
Teacher's Tip: Advisor = Legal Helper for the President.
Exam Tip: Mention that the advice is 'not binding' (the President can say no).

Question 4: Why are the records of the cases and judgement of the Supreme Court important?
Answer: These records serve as references in future cases.
They help ensure that the law is used in the same way for everyone over time. If a similar problem happens again, the new judge uses the old record to be fair.
Teacher's Tip: Records are the "Rulebook" for all future cases.
Exam Tip: Use the keyword 'references' to explain why the records matter.

Question 5: Who appoints the Chief Justice of the High Courts?
Answer: The President appoints the Chief Justice of the High Court and the other judges in consultation with the Governor of the state and the Chief Justice of India.
This process involves many leaders to make sure the best person is chosen. By asking the state Governor and the national Chief Justice, the President gets different viewpoints.
Teacher's Tip: It's a team decision led by the President.
Exam Tip: List all three people involved: President, Governor, and Chief Justice of India.

Question 6: What are writs?
Answer: A writ is a form of written command, or legal document giving order or direction to a person to act or not to act in a particular way. Some of the writs are the writs of Habeus Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto, etc.
Writs are like "Magic Commands" that courts use to fix a violation of rights immediately. They are very powerful tools used by judges to protect citizens from unfair treatment.
Teacher's Tip: Writs are "Super Orders" given by high-level judges.
Exam Tip: Memorize the names of at least two writs, like 'Habeas Corpus' and 'Mandamus'.

Question 7: What is a Nyaya Panchayat?
Answer: Nyaya Panchayat is a small law court at the village level which try petty civil and criminal cases such as trespassing, personal disputes, minor thefts etc.
These courts help solve local problems without people having to travel far to a big city. They are made up of respected village members who know the people involved.
Teacher's Tip: Nyaya = Justice, Panchayat = Village Council.
Exam Tip: Give examples of 'petty cases' like minor thefts to show you understand its role.

Question 8: Why have Lok Adalats been set up?
Answer: In order to provide quicker and cheaper judicial services, Lok Adalats have been set up.
Regular courts are often too slow and too expensive for common people to use. Lok Adalats act as a faster alternative to help people get justice without waiting for years.
Teacher's Tip: Quick + Cheap = Lok Adalat.
Exam Tip: Mention 'speedy justice' as the main goal of these courts.

Question 9: Why are Lok Adalats becoming popular?
Answer: Lok Adalats are becoming popular because they provide affordable and speedy justice.
Because they solve problems through agreement, they don't have the stress of a long trial. People like them because they save both time and money.
Teacher's Tip: People love saving time and money, so Lok Adalats are a hit!
Exam Tip: Use the terms 'affordable' and 'speedy' to describe why they are popular.

Question 10: What is the objective of the Legal Aid Scheme?
Answer: The objective of the Legal Aid Scheme, is to provide free legal aid and legal services to the poorer and weaker sections of the society.
This scheme ensures that even people without money can have a lawyer to defend them. It makes sure that justice is not just for the rich, but for everyone.
Teacher's Tip: Legal Aid = Free Lawyers for those in need.
Exam Tip: Use the phrase 'weaker sections' to describe who gets the help.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1: The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the country. In this context, explain: (a) Its original Jurisdiction (b) Its Appellate Jurisdiction. (c) Why it is called the guardian of the Constitution.
Answer: (a) Original Jurisdiction: Certain cases are brought before the Supreme Court directly, for the first time. This happens in cases involving:
1. Disputes between the union government and one or more state governments.
2. Disputes between two or more states governments.
3. Violation of the Constitution by the government or an individual.
4. Violation of the Fundamental Rights of an individual.
(b) Appellate Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court hears appeals against judgements of High Courts. The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal and has power to review and change decisions of the High Court.
(c) The Supreme Court is the guardian of the Constitution. It safeguards the Constitution in two ways:
1. It can cancel a law or an executive order if it is found to violate the Constitution.
2. It can issue write (orders or directions) for the enforcement of the Fundamental Rights.
As the final court, it has the last word on what the law means. It watches over our democracy to make sure no leader becomes too powerful or takes away our rights.
Teacher's Tip: Original = Direct; Appellate = Second Chance/Review.
Exam Tip: In part (c), clearly state that the court can 'cancel laws' to show its power as a guardian.

Question 2: With reference to the powers of the High Court, discuss its: (a) Original Jurisdiction (b) Appellate Jurisdiction. (c) Review and Revisory Jurisdiction
Answer: (a) Original Jurisdiction: A High Court can hear the cases brought for the first time or we can say original cases if they are concerned with disputes regarding Fundamental rights and election petitions.
(b) Appellate Jurisdiction: A High Court has Appellate Jurisdiction where it can hear appeals against judgements passed in Subordinate Courts. The High Court can review and change decisions taken in the Subordinate Courts.
(c) The High Court can review and change decisions taken in the subordinate courts. It can also transfer a case from one court to another. A High Court also controls and supervises the functioning of subordinate courts.
The High Court is the "Boss" of the state's legal system. It handles the most serious state crimes and checks all the smaller courts to make sure they are doing their jobs right.
Teacher's Tip: Jurisdiction is just a fancy word for "Area of Power."
Exam Tip: Use the word 'subordinate' to refer to the smaller courts under the High Court.

Question 3: In the context of the judicial system in India, answer the following questions:
(a) What are the main features of a Nyaya Panchayat?
(b) Why are Lok Adalats becoming popular in India?
(c) Mention the sections of society which receive free legal services under the Legal Aid Scheme.
Answer: (a) Nyaya Panchayat try petty civil and criminal cases of the village level. They can impose fines upto 100 Rs. only and appeals can be made against decisions taken in the Nyaya Panchayat, to higher courts.
(b) Lok Adalats are becoming popular because they provide affordable and speedy justice.
(c) Sections of society who receive free legal services under the Legal Aid Scheme are:
1. People belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other backward classes.
2. People who are mentally ill or disabled.
3. Women and children.
These systems help the court system reach people who live in remote areas or who are struggling. By making law accessible and free for those who need it, the country becomes a fairer place for everyone.
Teacher's Tip: These are the "Helpful Courts" that help the poor and vulnerable.
Exam Tip: For part (c), list at least three groups to get full marks on the Legal Aid question.

G Picture study:

This is a picture of the apex Indian Court.

1. Identify it
Answer: It is Supreme Court of India.
It is located in New Delhi and is the highest court in the entire country. Every citizen has the right to look to this court for final justice.
Teacher's Tip: Look for the dome and the classic pillars to identify this building.
Exam Tip: Use the full name 'Supreme Court of India' for the identify question.

2. What is the composition of this court?
Answer: It has one Chief Justice and a number of other Judges. At Present, the number of Judges including the Chief Justice cannot exceed twenty-five.
The court is made up of many judges so they can handle many cases at the same time. The Chief Justice is the leader who oversees all the other judges in the court.
Teacher's Tip: One Chief Justice + many helpers = Composition.
Exam Tip: Remember the limit of '25' judges as mentioned in your textbook.

3. Who appoints the judges?
Answer: The Judge of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President on the advice of the Council of Ministers and the Chief Justice of India.
This selection process is very careful to ensure only the best legal minds are chosen. By involving both the government and current top judges, the system remains balanced.
Teacher's Tip: The President is the "Official Appointer" for the judges.
Exam Tip: Mention both the 'President' and the 'Chief Justice of India' in your answer.

4. Explain its role as the guardian of the Constitution.
Answer: The Supreme Court is the guardian of the Constitution. It safeguards the Constitution in two ways:
1. It can cancel a law or an executive order if it is found to violate the Constitution.
2. It can issue write (orders or directions) for the enforcement of the Fundamental Rights.
The Constitution is the ultimate rulebook of India, and the court makes sure nobody ignores it. It acts as a "Bodyguard" for our democracy and our personal freedom.
Teacher's Tip: Guardian = Protector. The court protects our rules.
Exam Tip: Emphasize 'enforcement of Fundamental Rights' as a key reason it is a guardian.