Why is it considered necessary to keep the judiciary independent in a democracy?

Correct answer: So courts decide fairly on the basis of Constitution and law

Correct answer: B — courts should decide fairly on the basis of the Constitution and law. Judicial independence means that judges can perform their constitutional duty without improper pressure from the executive, legislature, political parties or other powerful groups. Independence does not mean that courts may ignore the law; it means that they apply the Constitution and law impartially. Option B is correct because fair constitutional interpretation and protection of rights require freedom from pressure. Option A is the opposite of independence and is therefore wrong. Option C is wrong because judges are expected to perform judicial duties, not seek political office. Option D is wrong because judicial independence does not mean that every parliamentary law is automatically cancelled; a law is reviewed only when a legal constitutional issue is properly raised. Memory cue: independent does not mean lawless; it means impartial under the law.