The Indian judiciary and the rule of law

PYQ (2012-2025 papers)

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• 2016 · VAO · Question 181 · Final answer key
• 2012 · G4 · Question 83 · Provisional answer key

Provisional key: until TNPSC publishes the final key; the answer may change.

Free questions

1. Question 1

   Consider the following statements on the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. 1. Disputes between the Union and the states fall under its original jurisdiction. 2. The President may seek its opinion on a question of public importance. 3. All civil cases go to it on appeal even without a High Court certificate. Which of these are correct?

   1. A. 1 and 2 only
   2. B. 1 only
   3. C. 2 and 3 only
   4. D. 1, 2 and 3
   Answer and explanation

   ✓ Correct answer: A. 1 and 2 only

   Union-state and inter-state disputes are under original jurisdiction, and the President may seek its opinion on questions of public importance. Appeals go up on a High Court certificate, so 3 is wrong.

   Source: சமூக அறிவியல், பத்தாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard X, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (குடிமையியல் அலகு 2 நடுவண் அரசு, p. 271 (PDF p. 277))

2. Question 2

   Who was the Chief Justice of the first Supreme Court, set up at Fort William, Calcutta, under the Regulating Act of 1773?

   1. A. Warren Hastings
   2. B. Sir Elijah Impey
   3. C. Lord Cornwallis
   4. D. William Bentinck
   Answer and explanation

   ✓ Correct answer: B. Sir Elijah Impey

   Under the Regulating Act of 1773 the first Supreme Court was set up at Fort William, Calcutta, with Sir Elijah Impey as Chief Justice.

   Source: சமூக அறிவியல், எட்டாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard VIII, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (குடிமையியல் அலகு 7 நீதித்துறை, p. 261 (PDF p. 267))