The Judiciary (Supreme Court, High Courts, and judicial independence)

Courts can declare a law unconstitutional if it violates the Constitution. Link it with judicial review.

Courts free from undue pressure can give fair decisions. This is the purpose of judicial independence.

Separate institutions prevent misuse of power. Judicial independence strengthens fairness.

The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. Its decisions and interpretation of law can be binding on courts throughout the country. Therefore, a Supreme Court decision may generally apply to the whole country. It is not normally limited to just one state or district. Exam tip: remember that Supreme Court rulings generally have nationwide authority.

Judiciary decides matters involving citizens and government on the basis of law. This shows impartiality.

If Fundamental Rights are violated, citizens can approach a court for enforcement of those rights. High Courts can issue writs under Article 226, while the Supreme Court can issue writs under Article 32. A district administration office may help with a complaint, but it is not a substitute for a court in enforcing Fundamental Rights. Exam tip: Link the protection of rights and the issuing of writs with the judiciary.

Public Interest Litigation allows public interest issues to be raised in court. Link it with access to justice.

An independent judiciary can examine government actions. This maintains checks and balances in democracy.

A High Court can protect rights of citizens in its area. It delivers justice at the state level.

Independence helps judiciary give impartial decisions. This is the main point of judicial independence.

The main purpose of judiciary is to give justice. Remember it as the judicial branch of government.

Supreme Court and High Courts are part of judiciary. They are courts that deliver justice.

Evidence, such as documents, witness statements, or other proof, helps a court establish the facts related to a dispute. The court applies the law to the facts proved before it; therefore, option A is correct. Declaring a side victorious without a hearing violates due process, and evidence does not change laws. Exam tip: Remember that evidence provides factual support for a claim or judicial decision.

Hearing both sides allows the court to consider the claim, the defence, and the evidence before deciding. It is a principle of natural justice and helps ensure a fair decision. Hearing only one side may lead to a biased or incomplete judgment. Exam tip: Link “hearing both sides” with fair hearing and natural justice.

Court decisions must be obeyed to uphold the rule of law. This ensures that the Constitution and laws apply equally to individuals and institutions. If court orders are ignored, the effectiveness of the judiciary and protection of citizens' rights can be weakened. Private benefit is not the purpose of obeying judicial decisions. Exam tip: Link compliance with court decisions to rule of law and justice.

Judiciary resolves disputes between different parties. This is a main role of justice system.

Judges cannot be removed arbitrarily; they may be removed only through a special parliamentary procedure. This lets them decide cases without government pressure. Exam tip: security of tenure is a key safeguard of judicial independence.

Judges free from pressure can decide according to law. This is the basis of judicial independence.

The court can review a government decision based on the Constitution. This is the power of judicial review.

Independent judiciary gives citizens fair hearing and protection of rights. It is a safeguard of democracy.