Executive, judiciary, pressure groups

Current affairs on this topic 14

• Op-ed: Split verdict on the Election Commissioners Act exposes how the Supreme Court sits 3 October 2026

  Two judges could not agree on who should even hear the case. What does that say about how India's top court is built?

• Supreme Court orders curbs on vehicle services until unpaid e-challans are cleared 2 October 2026

  Of ₹49,194 crore in traffic fines issued, only ₹26,175 crore was collected. Can blocking services fix that?

• Supreme Court rules out a total firecracker ban, open to next-generation green crackers 1 October 2026

  Neither a total ban nor round-the-clock bursting: where will the court draw the line this Deepavali?

• Supreme Court orders Delhi-NCR safety audit in four weeks after a string of rapes 29 September 2026

  Nirbhaya was 2012. Why is the Supreme Court still asking who answers for a dark park in 2026?

• Supreme Court asks Centre to frame rules to stop social media firms signing up minors 29 September 2026

  If a minor cannot sign a contract, how is a 13-year-old agreeing to a platform's terms of service?

• Justice Nagarathna: family disputes need mediation and adjudication working together 27 September 2026

  Can mediation clear family court backlogs without weakening the rights of the weaker party?

• A Supreme Court judge defends the Collegium and hits back at the Centre 24 September 2026

  Who should pick judges, and who is to blame for vacancies?

• Supreme Court: an accused must be released if not told the grounds of arrest 22 September 2026

  If the police skip one step, the whole arrest can fall.

• Punjab asks Centre to hold High Court Chief Justice appointment, citing MoP breach 7 September 2026

  The Constitution says the Governor must be consulted. Does that give a State a say in who heads its High Court?

• Supreme Court asks States to raise district judges' retirement age from 60 to 62 5 September 2026

  With 5.18 crore cases pending in district courts, can two more years on the bench help?

• Supreme Court: Bar Councils have no power to discipline law students 4 September 2026

  Can a professional regulator punish people who have not yet joined the profession it regulates?

• Supreme Court ties Bar Council of India's policy decisions to the AG and SG 3 September 2026

  Who regulates the regulator of India's lawyers when its own chairman's tenure is under challenge?

• Supreme Court uses Article 142 to quash FIRs against NEET-UG protesters 2 September 2026

  Can the Supreme Court close criminal cases across India in one order, and when should it?

• Why no 'distinguished jurist' has ever been appointed to the Supreme Court 2 September 2026

  The Constitution opened a third door to the Supreme Court in 1950. In 76 years, why has nobody walked through it?

Previous-year questions 14

1. 2025 · GS2 · 15 marks The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can…
2. 2025 · GS2 · 15 marks Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.
3. 2025 · GS2 · 15 marks "Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike..." In view of the above observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept…
4. 2024 · GS2 · 10 marks Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?
5. 2023 · GS2 · 10 marks "Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy". Comment.
6. 2023 · GS2 · 15 marks Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws.
7. 2023 · GS2 · 15 marks "The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society." Illustrate with special reference to the expanding…
8. 2021 · GS2 · 15 marks Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their…
9. 2018 · GS2 · 10 marks E-governance is not only about utilisation of the power of new technology, but also much about the critical importance of the 'use value' of information. Explain.
10. 2018 · GS2 · 15 marks How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India.
11. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marks Critically examine the Supreme Court's judgement on 'National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014' with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India.
12. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marks To achieve the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in the recent past.
13. 2014 · GS2 · 12.5 marks Starting from inventing the 'basic structure' doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly pro active role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement…
14. 2014 · GS2 · 12.5 marks What do you understand by the concept "freedom of speech and expression"? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of…