Assessment of Judicial Activism in India

What is one positive effect of judicial activism mentioned in the text?

• Increased executive power

• Democratised judicial system

• Limited public participation

• Reduced court accessibility

Answer explanation

One positive effect of judicial activism is that it can lead to a democratised judicial system, making the courts more accessible and responsive to the needs of the public, thus enhancing democratic principles.

How has judicial activism affected executive accountability?

• It has no effect on accountability

• It has increased corruption

• It has forced executive accountability

• It has decreased accountability

Answer explanation

Judicial activism has played a crucial role in enhancing executive accountability by enabling courts to review and challenge executive actions, ensuring that government officials are held responsible for their decisions.

What requirement did the court impose on candidates contesting elections?

• To undergo a background check

• To file affidavits indicating their assets and income

• To pay a fee

• To have a minimum education level

Answer explanation

The court required candidates to file affidavits indicating their assets and income to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

What is a negative consequence of judicial activism mentioned in the text?

• Increased public trust in the judiciary

• Overburdened courts

• Reduced number of cases filed

• More efficient case handling

Answer explanation

A negative consequence of judicial activism is that it can lead to overburdened courts, as increased judicial intervention often results in a higher volume of cases, straining the judicial system.

What has contributed to the growing backlog of cases in courts?

• More efficient court processes

• Decreased public interest in legal matters

• Fewer judges being appointed

• Increased number of disposed cases

Answer explanation

The growing backlog of cases in courts is largely due to fewer judges being appointed, which limits the capacity to handle cases efficiently, leading to delays and an accumulation of unresolved cases.

What issue has judicial activism blurred according to the text?

• The distinction between civil and criminal law

• The rights of the accused

• The line between executive, legislature, and judiciary

• The role of the media in justice

Answer explanation

Judicial activism has blurred the line between executive, legislature, and judiciary, leading to concerns about the separation of powers and the roles each branch plays in governance.

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the judiciary as per the text?

• Interpreting laws

• Ensuring fair elections

• Reducing air or sound pollution

• Investigating cases of corruption

Answer explanation

The judiciary is responsible for interpreting laws, investigating cases of corruption, and ensuring justice. However, ensuring fair elections and reducing pollution are typically responsibilities of other branches of government.

What community groups have gained access to the courts due to judicial activism?

• Only wealthy individuals

• Corporate entities

• Adivasis and migrant labourers

• Political parties

Answer explanation

Judicial activism has enabled marginalized groups like Adivasis and migrant labourers to access the courts, seeking justice and rights that were previously denied to them, unlike wealthier individuals or corporate entities.

What has been a primary reason for the increase in case pendency?

• New cases filed outpacing disposed cases

• Increased public awareness

• Fewer cases being filed

• More judges appointed

Answer explanation

The primary reason for the increase in case pendency is that new cases filed are outpacing the number of disposed cases, leading to a backlog in the system.

What aspect of the electoral system has judicial activism aimed to improve?

• Candidate popularity

• Voter turnout

• Free and fair elections

• Political party funding

Answer explanation

Judicial activism has focused on ensuring free and fair elections by addressing issues like gerrymandering, voter suppression, and election integrity, which are essential for a democratic electoral process.