Executive & Judiciary — UPSC Questions
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
Previous year questions and Mains practice questions on this exact syllabus topic, collected from every GainingSun analysis mapped to it. Each question links back to the analysis it came from, so you can read the material behind the answer.
Previous year questions (from 4 analyses)
Questions UPSC has set on this syllabus topic, as cited in our analyses.
Right to vote and to be elected in India is a (UPSC Prelims 2017) A) Fundamental Right B) Natural Right C) Constitutional Right D) Legal Right Correct Answer: C
From SC on SIR Explained: Why Deletion from Electoral Roll Does Not Mean Automatic Loss of Citizenship
Do you think that Constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain. (UPSC Mains GS2, 2019)
From Justice Varma Report Explained: Can Judicial Accountability Continue After Resignation?
Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (UPSC Mains GS2, 2017)
From Delhi HC Media Verdict Explained: When Press Freedom Meets the Right to Privacy
"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 horizons of the right to life and personal liberty. (UPSC CSE Mains 2023, GS Paper II, 15 marks)
Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute. Comment. (UPSC CSE Mains 2022, GS Paper II, 10 marks)
From Right to Walk a Fundamental Right: SC Reads Footpath Access into Article 21 & 19(1)(d)
Mains practice questions (from 18 analyses)
Practice questions written for this topic, each tied to the current affairs that would answer it.
"The Election Commission of India may examine citizenship for the limited purpose of maintaining electoral rolls, but the determination of citizenship lies exclusively with the Central Government under the Citizenship Act, 1955." In light of the Supreme Court's rulings on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, examine the constitutional balance between ensuring the purity of electoral rolls and protecting the universal adult franchise. (250 words, 15 marks)
From SC on SIR Explained: Why Deletion from Electoral Roll Does Not Mean Automatic Loss of Citizenship
The Justice Varma controversy shows that resignation may end the possibility of removal but cannot erase the need for public accountability. Discuss the constitutional, institutional and ethical issues involved in judicial accountability in India.
From Justice Varma Report Explained: Can Judicial Accountability Continue After Resignation?
The Delhi High Court’s ruling on media as a “public function” raises important questions about the balance between press freedom and privacy. Discuss its constitutional significance and possible implications for investigative journalism in India.
From Delhi HC Media Verdict Explained: When Press Freedom Meets the Right to Privacy
The Supreme Court has recently recognised the "right to walk on safe footpaths" as a fundamental right and placed a correlative duty on civic authorities. Examine how the judiciary's expansive interpretation of Articles 19 and 21 advances citizens' welfare, and discuss the challenges in giving effect to such rights through urban local bodies. (250 words, 15 marks)
From Right to Walk a Fundamental Right: SC Reads Footpath Access into Article 21 & 19(1)(d)
The shift to On-Screen Marking by CBSE illustrates both the promise and the perils of technology-driven reform in India's public examination system. In light of this, critically examine the principles that should govern the adoption of e-governance in high-stakes public services, and suggest measures to balance efficiency with fairness and accountability. (15 marks, 250 words)
From CBSE On-Screen Marking (OSM) Explained: Why Class 12 Digital Evaluation Faced Backlash
"Justice delayed is justice denied." In light of the Supreme Court's recent directions on the timely pronouncement of reserved judgments, examine how judicial delay impinges on the right to personal liberty under Article 21. Discuss the balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in this context. (250 words)
From SC's 3-Month Rule for Reserved Judgments Explained: Article 142, Right to Speedy Trial & Article 21
The Supreme Court's verdict on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls attempts to balance the integrity of electoral rolls with the protection of the citizen's right to vote. In this context, examine the distinction between electoral eligibility and citizenship status, and discuss the constitutional safeguards that prevent the Election Commission's roll-revision powers from becoming a citizenship-determination exercise. (250 words)
Critically examine the Supreme Court's intervention in the NCERT textbook controversy involving the Class 8 chapter on judiciary, analysing its implications for academic freedom, curriculum development, and the protection of institutional integrity in India's democratic framework.
Examine the evolution of the creamy layer doctrine in India's reservation policy, highlighting its constitutional significance and the challenges in its implementation for achieving social justice.
Examine the judicial evolution of the right to die with dignity in India, analyzing its constitutional basis and the need for comprehensive legislation on end-of-life care.
Examine the constitutional implications of granting immunity to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners under the 2023 Act, and discuss its potential impact on the independence and accountability of the Election Commission in ensuring free and fair elections.
From Supreme Court Seeks Response on Plea Against Lifetime Immunity for CEC and ECs in Official Duties
Examine the role of coaching institutes in India's education system and evaluate the potential impact of the proposed reforms on reducing student dependence on them while ensuring equity and quality in competitive exam preparation.
Examine the role of artificial intelligence in modernizing the Indian judiciary, with special reference to tools like TERES and SUVAS, and discuss the potential challenges in ensuring equitable and unbiased justice delivery.
Examine the evolving jurisprudence on transgender rights in India's armed forces, and assess the role of specialized tribunals like the AFT in balancing individual constitutional protections with military discipline requirements.
Evaluate the contributions of judicial oversight in managing climate-exacerbated environmental risks in ecologically sensitive zones like the Himalayas, and recommend holistic approaches for aligning conservation efforts with disaster preparedness in India.
From Himachal Floods' Floating Logs: Nature's Uproot, Not Illegal Cut, State Assures Supreme Court
Evaluate the impact of pendency in execution petitions on the efficacy of India's judicial system and suggest comprehensive reforms integrating technology, infrastructure, and procedural changes to ensure prompt enforcement of decrees.
Examine the role of the judiciary in enhancing road safety measures in India, with special reference to the recent Supreme Court directives on pedestrian infrastructure and enforcement of traffic rules.
Examine the constitutional role of governors in granting assent to state bills under Article 200, and discuss the implications of the Supreme Court's observations on reasonable time and risks of fixed timelines for India's federal structure.