Judicial Activism in India

What is the chief instrument through which judicial activism has flourished in India?

• Civil Rights Movement

• Judicial Review

• Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

• Criminal Law

Answer explanation

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been a key tool for judicial activism in India, allowing individuals and groups to seek justice on behalf of those unable to do so, thus expanding the scope of judicial intervention in social issues.

Who were the first judges to admit Public Interest Litigations (PILs) in court?

• Justice P.N Bhagwati and Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer

• Justice A.S. Anand and Justice R.C. Lahoti

• Justice M.H. Kania and Justice S.B. Sinha

• Justice R. Banumathi and Justice A.K. Sikri

Answer explanation

Justice P.N. Bhagwati and Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer were instrumental in recognizing Public Interest Litigations (PILs) in India, allowing the courts to address issues affecting the public interest.

What must a person filing a PIL demonstrate?

• Personal interest in the case

• Interest of large public involved

• Financial capability

• Legal representation

Answer explanation

A person filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) must demonstrate that the case involves the interest of a large public, rather than personal interest or financial capability. This ensures that the litigation serves a broader societal purpose.

In what year did the concept of PIL undergo a significant change?

• 1975

• 1980

• 1985

• 1979

What does SAL stand for in the context of judicial activism?

• Social Advocacy Law

• Statutory Action Law

• Supreme Action Law

• Social Action Litigation

Answer explanation

In the context of judicial activism, SAL stands for Social Action Litigation. This term refers to legal actions aimed at promoting social justice and addressing issues affecting marginalized communities.

What type of cases does PIL primarily address?

• Criminal cases

• Personal disputes

• Corporate lawsuits

• Public interest issues

Answer explanation

PIL, or Public Interest Litigation, primarily addresses public interest issues, focusing on matters that affect the community or society at large, rather than individual disputes or corporate matters.

What was one of the first issues taken up by the Supreme Court related to PIL?

• Consumer rights

• Labor laws

• Rights of prisoners

• Environmental protection

Answer explanation

One of the first issues taken up by the Supreme Court related to PIL was the rights of prisoners. This landmark case highlighted the need for legal protection and humane treatment of inmates, setting a precedent for future PIL cases.

What is the primary goal of Public Interest Litigation?

• To serve personal interests

• To protect existing rights and improve conditions

• To increase court revenues

• To expedite criminal trials

Answer explanation

The primary goal of Public Interest Litigation is to protect existing rights and improve conditions for the public, rather than serving personal interests, increasing court revenues, or expediting criminal trials.

Who mentored the legal aid movement in India?

• Justice A.S. Anand

• Justice R.C. Lahoti

• Justice P.N Bhagwati

• Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer

Answer explanation

Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer is widely recognized as a key figure in mentoring the legal aid movement in India, advocating for the rights of the underprivileged and promoting access to justice.

What does judicial activism primarily aim to achieve?

• Reduction of court cases

• Judicial intervention for public welfare

• Strict adherence to existing laws

• Promotion of corporate interests

Answer explanation

Judicial activism primarily aims for judicial intervention for public welfare, addressing social issues and protecting rights, rather than strictly adhering to existing laws or promoting corporate interests.