NCERT Judiciary class 11 chapter for UPSC , SSC , RRB , NTPC , RAILWAY

Judiciary — NCERT Class 11: Indian Constitution at Work Judiciary is an important organ of government. It interprets the Constitution and laws, settles disputes, protects Fundamental Rights, and ensures that government functions according to the Rule of Law. 1. Independent Judiciary India has an independent judiciary so that judges can give decisions without political pressure from the legislature or executive. Judicial independence is important for: Protection of Fundamental Rights Rule of Law Constitutional Supremacy Fair Justice Independence does not mean judges are above the Constitution; they are bound by it. 2. Structure of Indian Judiciary India has a single integrated judicial system: Supreme Court → High Courts → District & Subordinate Courts The Supreme Court is the highest court of the country. 3. Supreme Court The Supreme Court has several important jurisdictions: Original Jurisdiction: Deals directly with certain disputes, especially disputes between the Union and States or between States. Appellate Jurisdiction: It is the highest court of appeal. Advisory Jurisdiction: Under Article 143, the President can seek the Court's opinion on important questions. Writ Jurisdiction: Under Article 32, the Supreme Court can issue writs for enforcement of Fundamental Rights. Five important writs are: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari and Quo Warranto. 4. High Courts High Courts operate below the Supreme Court and above subordinate courts. Under Article 226, High Courts can issue writs for the protection of Fundamental Rights and for other constitutional/legal purposes. 5. Judicial Review Judicial Review is the power of courts to examine whether laws and executive actions are consistent with the Constitution. If a law violates the Constitution, the judiciary can declare it unconstitutional to the extent of the inconsistency. Thus, judicial review protects constitutional supremacy. 6. Judicial Activism Judicial Activism refers to an active role played by courts in interpreting the Constitution and protecting rights. It is particularly associated with: Public Interest Litigation (PIL) Expansion of Fundamental Rights Protection of vulnerable sections Environmental and human-rights issues However, it raises the question of how far courts should intervene in matters belonging to the legislature and executive. 7. Public Interest Litigation PIL made it easier for matters affecting the public interest to reach constitutional courts. It has been important in cases concerning: Prisoners Bonded labour Environment Human rights Disadvantaged groups 8. Judicial Independence and Removal Judges enjoy constitutional safeguards to protect their independence. A Supreme Court judge cannot be removed simply because the government disagrees with a judgment. Removal follows a special constitutional process based on proved misbehaviour or incapacity. 9. Separation of Powers Broadly: Legislature → Makes laws Executive → Implements laws Judiciary → Interprets laws and Constitution These organs also exercise checks and balances over one another. 10. Independence and Accountability A good judiciary requires both: Judicial Independence — freedom from improper political influence. Judicial Accountability — responsibility to the Constitution, law and appropriate institutional standards. Core Idea The judiciary ensures that majority rule does not become unlimited rule. Constitution → Supreme Law Judiciary → Protects and interprets Constitution Judicial Review → Controls unconstitutional action Fundamental Rights → Protected by Courts Important Terms Judicial Independence, Supreme Court, High Courts, Judicial Review, Judicial Activism, PIL, Fundamental Rights, Rule of Law, Constitutional Supremacy, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, Judicial Accountability.