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Generate QuizPolity – Medium Level – GK Questions
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Salaries and allowances of Supreme Court Judges are charged on which fund?
- Consolidated Fund of India
- Contingency Fund of India
- Public Account of India
- State Consolidated Fund
Answer: Consolidated Fund of India
Article 125: SC Judges' salaries, allowances, pensions charged on Consolidated Fund of India (not subject to annual parliamentary vote). Similarly, HC Judges' expenses charged on State Consolidated Fund (Article 221). This financial insulation protects judicial independence from executive/legislative pressure.
When office of Chief Justice of High Court is vacant, the President may appoint a Judge of that High Court as acting Chief Justice under Article ______.
- 223
- 224
- 224A
- 225
Answer: 223
Article 223: President may appoint senior-most HC Judge as acting CJ when office is vacant or CJ is absent/unable to perform duties. Ensures continuity in HC administration. Similar provision for additional Judges under Article 224 to handle temporary workload increases.
Which writ jurisdiction is wider: Supreme Court under Article 32 or High Court under Article 226?
- Supreme Court
- High Court
- Both are equal
- Depends on the case
Answer: High Court
Article 226: HC can issue writs not only for enforcement of Fundamental Rights (like SC under Article 32) but also for 'any other purpose' (enforcement of legal rights). Thus, HC's writ jurisdiction is wider territorially (within State) and substantively (FRs + legal rights). SC's jurisdiction is nationwide but limited to FRs for writs.
Judges of High Court are appointed by the President after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the State, and the ______ of the High Court.
- Senior-most Judge
- Chief Justice
- Administrative Judge
- Registrar
Answer: Chief Justice
Article 217: HC Judges appointed by President after consultation with: (a) CJI, (b) Governor of State, (c) CJ of that HC (except for appointment of CJ). Collegium system applies: CJI-led collegium recommends names. Ensures judicial independence while incorporating executive input through consultation.
Under Article 143, the President may seek Supreme Court's opinion on any question of law or fact of public importance, and the Court's opinion is binding on the President.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Article 143: President may refer questions of law/fact of public importance to SC for advisory opinion. However, SC's opinion is NOT binding on President; it's advisory only. SC may decline to answer if question is political or speculative. Used in landmark references: Ayodhya (1993), 2G spectrum (2012), NJAC (2015).
Which type of cases can be appealed to Supreme Court as of right (without certificate from High Court)?
- Civil cases involving substantial question of law
- Criminal cases where HC reversed acquittal and sentenced to death
- Cases certified by HC as fit for appeal
- All of the above
Answer: Criminal cases where HC reversed acquittal and sentenced to death
Article 134(1): Appeal to SC as of right in criminal cases if: (a) HC reversed acquittal and sentenced to death, OR (b) HC withdrew case from subordinate court and sentenced to death, OR (c) HC certifies case fit for appeal. Civil appeals require HC certification of substantial question of law (Article 133).
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in disputes between the Government of India and one or more States, or between States themselves, under Article ______.
- 131
- 132
- 133
- 134
Answer: 131
Article 131: SC has exclusive original jurisdiction in federal disputes: (a) Union vs one/more States, (b) Union+State(s) vs State(s), (c) State vs State. Excludes disputes arising from pre-Constitution treaties/agreements. Ensures apex court resolves inter-governmental conflicts impartially, preserving federal balance.
A Judge of the Supreme Court retires upon attaining the age of ______ years.
- 58
- 60
- 62
- 65
Answer: 65
Article 124(2): SC Judges retire at 65 years; HC Judges at 62 years (Article 217). Judges can resign by writing to President. This age differentiation recognizes SC's greater workload and complexity, while ensuring regular infusion of fresh judicial talent at both levels.
Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President after consultation with such Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts as the President may deem necessary.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 124(2): SC Judges appointed by President after consultation with CJI and other SC/HC Judges as deemed necessary. Collegium system (evolved through Judges Cases: 1981, 1993, 1998) now governs appointments: CJI-led collegium recommends names, President normally appoints. Ensures judicial independence.
Article 167 requires the Chief Minister to communicate to the Governor all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to administration of State affairs and proposals for ______.
- judicial appointments
- legislation
- international treaties
- financial audits
Answer: legislation
Article 167(a-b): CM shall communicate to Governor all Council decisions on State administration and legislative proposals; furnish information called by Governor. Ensures Governor (nominal executive) stays informed while CM/Council (real executive) governs. Reinforces cooperative executive functioning at State level.
Under Article 176, the Governor addresses the Legislative Assembly at the commencement of the first session after each general election and at the commencement of the first session of each ______.
- month
- quarter
- year
- budget cycle
Answer: year
Article 176: Governor addresses State Legislature at: (a) first session after general election, (b) first session of each year. Address outlines government policies, legislative agenda, and State's condition. Similar to President's address to Parliament under Article 87, reinforcing ceremonial head's role.
The same person can be appointed as Governor of two or more States simultaneously.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 153 (as amended by 7th Amendment, 1956): Same person can be appointed Governor of two or more States. This provision enables administrative flexibility, especially for small States or during transitional periods. Emoluments are shared between States as determined by President.
The Chief Minister can advise the Governor to dissolve the Legislative Assembly, and Governor is bound to accept this advice if CM commands majority.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 174: Governor summons/prorogues Assembly and can dissolve it. Convention dictates Governor accepts CM's advice on dissolution if CM commands majority. However, in ambiguous situations (e.g., loss of majority), Governor may exercise discretion to explore alternative government before dissolving.
Article 361 grants immunity to Governor from criminal proceedings during their term of office.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 361: Governor enjoys immunity: (a) no criminal proceedings during term, (b) no arrest/imprisonment, (c) civil proceedings allowed with 2-month notice. Ensures Governor can perform constitutional duties without harassment. Immunity ends after tenure; post-tenure accountability remains.
Which Article provides for the appointment of Advocate General of a State?
- Article 164
- Article 165
- Article 166
- Article 167
Answer: Article 165
Article 165: Governor appoints Advocate General (AG) who must be qualified to be High Court judge. AG is highest law officer of State, advises government, represents State in courts, has right to speak in State Legislature but no vote. Holds office during Governor's pleasure.
The Council of Ministers of a State is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly of that State.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 164(2): Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to Legislative Assembly (not Council). This means: (a) Ministry falls if Assembly passes no-confidence motion, (b) Ministers defend policies jointly, (c) CM's resignation dissolves entire Council. Cornerstone of parliamentary democracy at State level.
Which Article specifies the duties of Chief Minister in communicating Council decisions to Governor?
- Article 164
- Article 165
- Article 166
- Article 167
Answer: Article 167
Article 167: CM shall communicate to Governor all Council decisions on State administration and legislative proposals; furnish information called by Governor; submit matters for Council consideration if Governor requires. Mirrors Article 78 for Union, ensuring coordination between nominal and real executive at State level.
The Governor's pardoning power under Article 161 extends to death sentences.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Article 161: Governor can grant pardons, reprieves, respites, remissions for offences against State law. However, Governor cannot pardon: (a) court-martial punishments, (b) death sentences (only President under Article 72 can pardon death sentences). This division prevents conflicting clemency decisions.
The Governor can reserve a Bill passed by State Legislature for consideration of the President.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 200: Governor may reserve certain Bills for President's consideration: (a) Bills derogating HC powers, (b) Bills on Concurrent List conflicting with Union law, (c) Bills against DPSP or national interest. President may assent, withhold assent, or direct Governor to return Bill (if not Money Bill).
Which of the following appointments is NOT made by the Governor of a State?
- Chief Minister
- Advocate General
- Chairman of State Public Service Commission
- Judge of High Court
Answer: Judge of High Court
Article 217: High Court judges are appointed by President (not Governor) after consultation with CJI, Governor of State, and CJ of HC. Governor appoints CM (Article 164), Advocate General (Article 165), SPSC Chairman/members (Article 316), and other State officers. Understanding appointment authorities is crucial.