Supreme Court Practice Questions
17 free Supreme Court practice questions for the Static GK. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
What is the retirement age of a Judge of the Supreme Court?
- A 60 years
- B 62 years
- C 70 years
- D 65 years
Correct answer: 65 years
A judge of the Supreme Court holds office until they attain the age of 65 years. Any question regarding their age is determined by such authority and in such manner as provided by Parliament.
The 'Original Jurisdiction' of the Supreme Court covers which of the following?
- A Disputes between the Centre and the States
- B Appeals in civil, criminal, and constitutional cases
- C Legal advice to the President
- D Transfer of cases from one High Court to another
Correct answer: Disputes between the Centre and the States
Under Article 131, the Supreme Court has exclusive original jurisdiction in disputes between the Centre and States or between two or more States. This means such cases can only be initiated in the Supreme Court.
The power of the Supreme Court to punish for contempt of itself is derived from which Article?
- A Article 129
- B Article 126
- C Article 137
- D Article 141
Correct answer: Article 129
Article 129 declares the Supreme Court to be a 'Court of Record' and gives it the power to punish for contempt of itself. This is essential to maintain the dignity and authority of the highest court.
Under which Article can the President of India seek the advisory opinion of the Supreme Court?
- A Article 123
- B Article 131
- C Article 139
- D Article 143
Correct answer: Article 143
Article 143 provides for the Advisory Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The President may refer a question of law or fact of public importance to the court for its opinion.
Which of the following is the 'Guardian of the Constitution' and the 'Protector of Fundamental Rights'?
- A The President
- B The Parliament
- C The Prime Minister
- D The Supreme Court
Correct answer: The Supreme Court
The Supreme Court acts as the final interpreter of the Constitution and has the power of judicial review. It protects the Fundamental Rights of citizens through Article 32.
The salaries and allowances of the Judges of the Supreme Court are charged upon:
- A The Public Account of India
- B The Contingency Fund of India
- C The Central Ministry of Finance
- D The Consolidated Fund of India
Correct answer: The Consolidated Fund of India
The administrative expenses of the Supreme Court, including salaries and pensions of judges, are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. This means they are not subject to the annual vote of Parliament, ensuring judicial independence.
Which Article states that the law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding on all courts within the territory of India?
- A Article 141
- B Article 140
- C Article 142
- D Article 144
Correct answer: Article 141
Article 141 ensures the uniformity of law throughout the country. It mandates that any legal principle laid down by the Supreme Court must be followed by all lower courts in India.
The 'Curative Petition', a final remedy against a gross miscarriage of justice, was evolved by the Supreme Court in which case?
- A Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
- B Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
- C Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan
- D Rupa Ashok Hurra v. Ashok Hurra
Correct answer: Rupa Ashok Hurra v. Ashok Hurra
In the 2002 case of Rupa Ashok Hurra v. Ashok Hurra, the court held that to prevent abuse of its process, it may reconsider its judgments through a curative petition after a review petition has been dismissed.
A person is qualified for appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court if they have been a Judge of a High Court for at least:
- A 5 years
- B 7 years
- C 10 years
- D 15 years
Correct answer: 5 years
To be eligible, a person must be a citizen of India and have been a judge of one or more High Courts for at least five years, or an advocate of a High Court for ten years.
Who can remove a Judge of the Supreme Court from office?
- A The President on address by Parliament
- B The Chief Justice of India
- C The Parliament, by a simple majority vote
- D The Prime Minister
Correct answer: The President on address by Parliament
A judge can only be removed by an order of the President. This order follows an address by Parliament, supported by a special majority in each House, on grounds of proved misbehavior or incapacity.
Article 142 of the Constitution deals with which power of the Supreme Court?
- A Transfer of cases from one High Court to another
- B Review of the Court's own earlier judgments
- C Passing orders needed to do 'complete justice'
- D Exercise of ancillary and incidental powers
Correct answer: Passing orders needed to do 'complete justice'
Article 142 grants the Supreme Court the unique power to pass any decree or order necessary for doing 'complete justice' in any cause or matter pending before it.
To whom does a Judge of the Supreme Court address their resignation letter?
- A The Chief Justice of India
- B The President of India
- C The Law Minister
- D The Speaker of Lok Sabha
Correct answer: The President of India
Since the President is the appointing authority for Supreme Court judges, any judge wishing to resign must address their resignation in writing to the President.
Who appoints the 'Ad hoc' judges of the Supreme Court?
- A The President of India, without consulting the Chief Justice
- B The Chief Justice of India with the previous consent of the President
- C The Parliament, by passing a special resolution
- D The Collegium comprising the five senior-most judges of the Supreme Court
Correct answer: The Chief Justice of India with the previous consent of the President
Under Article 127, if there is a lack of quorum of permanent judges, the Chief Justice of India can appoint a High Court judge as an ad hoc judge for a temporary period, following consultation and presidential consent.
Which Article provides the Supreme Court with the power to review any judgment pronounced or order made by it?
- A Article 135
- B Article 136
- C Article 137
- D Article 138
Correct answer: Article 137
Article 137 allows the Supreme Court to review its own decisions to rectify any mistakes or errors. This is an exception to the principle that a court's decision is final.
The concept of 'Public Interest Litigation' (PIL) was introduced in India by which Supreme Court judge?
- A Justice P.N. Bhagwati
- B Justice Y.V. Chandrachud
- C Justice D.A. Desai
- D Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer
Correct answer: Justice P.N. Bhagwati
Justice P.N. Bhagwati is widely regarded as the pioneer of PIL in India. It relaxed the traditional rule of 'locus standi', allowing any public-spirited citizen to approach the court for the rights of the poor and marginalized.
The 'Special Leave Petition' (SLP) is filed in the Supreme Court under which Article?
- A Article 132
- B Article 134
- C Article 136
- D Article 139
Correct answer: Article 136
Article 136 gives the Supreme Court discretionary power to grant special leave to appeal against any judgment or order passed by any court or tribunal in the country (except military tribunals).
What is the minimum number of judges required to sit on a 'Constitutional Bench'?
- A 3
- B 5
- C 7
- D 9
Correct answer: 5
Article 145(3) specifies that any case involving a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution, or for hearing a reference under Article 143, must be decided by at least five judges.