UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Centre elevates three HC Chief Justices to top court

Q1. Suppose Parliament wants to make the following changes concerning the Supreme Court of India. Consider the following changes: Which of the changes given above can be made by an ordinary law of Parliament, without amending the Constitution?

  1. Increasing the number of judges of the Supreme Court other than the Chief Justice of India
  2. Raising the age at which a judge of the Supreme Court retires
  3. Laying down the procedure for investigating and proving the alleged misbehaviour of a judge
  4. Lowering the special majority that each House needs to pass an address for removing a judge
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 3 and 4 only

Q2. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. The 2026 law that raised the number of Supreme Court judges did not need to be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the States.
  2. Article 124 empowers the Chief Justice of India, with the previous consent of the President, to raise the number of Supreme Court judges whenever the pendency of cases so requires.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q3. With reference to the appointment of judges of the Supreme Court of India, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The text of Article 124(2) requires the President to consult only the Chief Justice of India before appointing a judge of the Supreme Court.
  2. The collegium is not expressly provided for in the text of the Constitution and arose from the judiciary's interpretation of the requirement of consultation.
  3. The formal act of appointing a judge of the Supreme Court is a warrant issued by the President under his hand and seal.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 3 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q4. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. The constitutional amendment that set up the National Judicial Appointments Commission was struck down by the Supreme Court even though Parliament had passed it through the procedure for amending the Constitution.
  2. The Supreme Court held that giving the executive a role in appointing judges impinged on the independence of the judiciary, which is part of the basic structure that the amending power cannot destroy.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q5. With reference to the ordinance-making power of the President under Article 123 of the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. An ordinance can be promulgated even while one of the two Houses of Parliament is in session.
  2. An ordinance is void to the extent that it makes a provision that Parliament itself would not be competent to enact.
  3. While it is in force, an ordinance has the same force and effect as an Act of Parliament.
  4. The President may withdraw an ordinance at any time.
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1, 3 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1 and 2 only

Q6. With reference to Articles 127 (ad hoc judges) and 128 (retired judges) of the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. An ad hoc judge can be brought in under Article 127 only when a quorum of Supreme Court judges is not available to hold or continue a session.
  2. A sitting High Court judge designated as an ad hoc judge may decline to attend because of pending work in their own High Court.
  3. Both Article 127 and Article 128 require the previous consent of the President before the Chief Justice of India makes the request.
  4. Only persons who have held office as judges of the Supreme Court or the Federal Court can be requested under Article 128.
  • A. 1, 3 and 4 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3 only