Supreme Court of India Practice Questions
20 free Supreme Court of India practice questions for the Indian Polity. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court?
- A Article 120
- B Article 124
- C Article 131
- D Article 143
Correct answer: Article 124
Article 124 states that there shall be a Supreme Court of India consisting of a Chief Justice of India and other judges. It also outlines the appointment, qualifications, and removal process for these judges.
Who has the power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India?
- A The President of India
- B The Chief Justice of India
- C Parliament by law
- D The Union Cabinet
Correct answer: Parliament by law
While the Constitution originally provided for a specific number, it empowered Parliament to increase this number as needed. Over the years, Parliament has used the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act to raise the strength to the current limit.
A person must have been a Judge of a High Court for at least how many years to be eligible for appointment as a Supreme Court judge?
- A 5 years
- B 7 years
- C 10 years
- D 15 years
Correct answer: 5 years
Under Article 124, one qualification for a Supreme Court judge is having served as a judge of one or more High Courts for a minimum of 5 years. Alternatively, the person could be an advocate of a High Court for 10 years or a distinguished jurist.
What is the retirement age for a Judge of the Supreme Court of India?
- A 60 years
- B 62 years
- C 65 years
- D 70 years
Correct answer: 65 years
A judge of the Supreme Court holds office until he or she attains the age of 65 years. Any question regarding the age of a judge is determined by such authority and in such manner as Parliament provides.
A Judge of the Supreme Court can be removed from office by an order of the President on the ground of:
- A Violation of the Constitution
- B Insolvency
- C Proved misbehaviour or incapacity
- D The pleasure of the Prime Minister
Correct answer: Proved misbehaviour or incapacity
Article 124(4) specifies that the only grounds for removal are 'proved misbehaviour' or 'incapacity'. The removal requires a resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament with a special majority.
Which Article defines the 'Original Jurisdiction' of the Supreme Court in disputes between the Centre and States?
- A Article 131
- B Article 132
- C Article 136
- D Article 141
Correct answer: Article 131
Article 131 gives the Supreme Court exclusive original jurisdiction in any dispute between the Government of India and one or more States, or between two or more States. This allows the Court to act as a federal court.
The 'Special Leave Petition' (SLP) can be granted by the Supreme Court under which Article?
- A Article 133
- B Article 134
- C Article 136
- D Article 137
Correct answer: Article 136
Article 136 confers a wide discretionary power on the Supreme Court to grant special leave to appeal from any judgment, decree, or order in any cause or matter passed by any court or tribunal in India. This excludes military tribunals.
Which Article empowers the Supreme Court to review its own judgments or orders?
- A Article 131
- B Article 137
- C Article 141
- D Article 142
Correct answer: Article 137
Article 137 provides that the Supreme Court shall have the power to review any judgment pronounced or order made by it. This is necessary to correct any 'error apparent on the face of the record' or prevent a miscarriage of justice.
Under which Article can the President of India seek an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court?
- A Article 123
- B Article 131
- C Article 139
- D Article 143
Correct answer: Article 143
Article 143 authorizes the President to refer any question of law or fact of public importance to the Supreme Court for its opinion. The Court is not bound to give an opinion in all cases, and the opinion is not binding on the President.
The Law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all courts within the territory of India under:
- A Article 136
- B Article 141
- C Article 142
- D Article 144
Correct answer: Article 141
Article 141 states that the law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding on all courts within the territory of India. This establishes the Supreme Court as the highest authority on the interpretation of law.
What does the term 'Court of Record' signify for the Supreme Court under Article 129?
- A The court must record every word spoken during trials
- B Its records are evidence in law and it can punish contempt
- C It maintains permanent records open to the public
- D It certifies and preserves all official court documents
Correct answer: Its records are evidence in law and it can punish contempt
As a Court of Record, the Supreme Court's judgments are recorded for perpetual memory and testimony, and they cannot be questioned in any court. It also possesses the power to punish for contempt of itself.
Who appoints the Chief Justice of India and other judges of the Supreme Court?
- A The Chief Justice of India through a warrant
- B The President of India in consultation with judges
- C The Prime Minister on the advice of the Law Minister
- D A Parliamentary committee on judicial appointments
Correct answer: The President of India in consultation with judges
Judges are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal. While the President makes the appointment, the 'Collegium System' evolved through the Judges Cases ensures that the judiciary has a primary role in the selection.
Which Article empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights?
- A Article 13
- B Article 32
- C Article 226
- D Article 139
Correct answer: Article 32
Article 32 gives the Supreme Court the power to issue directions or orders or writs (Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Quo Warranto, and Certiorari) for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. It is often called the 'heart and soul' of the Constitution.
Which Article gives the Supreme Court the power to pass any decree or order necessary for 'doing complete justice' in any cause or matter?
- A Article 131
- B Article 137
- C Article 141
- D Article 142
Correct answer: Article 142
Article 142 provides the Supreme Court with a unique power to ensure 'complete justice' where existing laws might be silent or insufficient. This has been used in landmark cases like the Ayodhya dispute and Bhopal Gas tragedy.
Who was the first Chief Justice of India?
- A M. Patanjali Sastri
- B Hiralal J. Kania
- C Sudhi Ranjan Das
- D Mehr Chand Mahajan
Correct answer: Hiralal J. Kania
Sir Hiralal Jekisundas Kania served as the first Chief Justice of India from 1950 to 1951. He presided over the inauguration of the Supreme Court on January 28, 1950.
The seat of the Supreme Court shall be in Delhi or such other place as:
- A The Parliament may appoint by law from time to time
- B The President may, with Parliamentary sanction, appoint
- C The Chief Justice may, with Presidential approval, appoint
- D The Union Home Minister may decide with Cabinet approval
Correct answer: The Chief Justice may, with Presidential approval, appoint
Article 130 states that the Supreme Court shall sit in Delhi or in such other place or places as the Chief Justice of India may, with the approval of the President, from time to time, appoint. This allows for the possibility of circuit benches.
Which of the following is NOT a qualification for appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court?
- A He should be a citizen of India
- B He should have been an advocate of a High Court for 10 years
- C He should be, in the opinion of the President, a distinguished jurist
- D He should be a minimum of 45 years of age
Correct answer: He should be a minimum of 45 years of age
The Constitution does not prescribe a minimum age for appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court. It only lists qualifications regarding citizenship and professional experience (judge, advocate, or jurist).
The salaries and allowances of Supreme Court judges are charged upon which fund?
- A Public Account of India
- B Contingency Fund of India
- C Consolidated Fund of India
- D National Savings Fund of India
Correct answer: Consolidated Fund of India
The administrative expenses of the Supreme Court, including salaries and pensions of judges and staff, are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India. This means they are not subject to the annual vote of Parliament, ensuring judicial independence.
In the 'Second Judges Case' (1993), the Supreme Court ruled that 'consultation' in the appointment of judges means:
- A Exchange of views
- B Binding concurrence
- C Mere suggestion
- D Approval by the Law Ministry
Correct answer: Binding concurrence
The Court ruled that the word 'consultation' in Article 124 actually implies 'concurrence'. This meant the advice given by the Chief Justice of India is binding on the President in the matter of appointments.
Which power of the Supreme Court is described as the 'Guardian of the Constitution'?
- A Advisory Jurisdiction
- B Judicial Review of laws
- C Original Jurisdiction
- D Appellate Jurisdiction
Correct answer: Judicial Review of laws
Judicial Review is the power of the Supreme Court to examine the constitutionality of legislative enactments and executive orders. If they are found to be violative of the Constitution, the Court can declare them illegal and void.