UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — The apex court rings its own chain

Question 1

Consider the following matters in which the Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognisance during 2025-2026:
1. Illegal mining in the Aravalli Hills
2. Dog bites leading to rabies deaths
3. Content of a Class 8 NCERT textbook chapter on corruption in the judiciary
4. Demonetisation of ₹2000 banknotes
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

4 only

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

3 only

Answer

2 and 4 only

Question 2

Under the Constitution of India, the power to pass any decree or order necessary for doing 'complete justice' in any cause or matter — frequently invoked while exercising suo motu jurisdiction — is vested in which one of the following?

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court of India alone

Answer

The Supreme Court and every High Court

Answer

The President of India on advice of the Council of Ministers

Answer

Parliament by special majority

Question 3

Consider the following matters:
1. Illegal mining in the Aravalli Hills (December 2025)
2. The Phalodi road accident in Rajasthan (November 2025)
3. Incidents of dog bites leading to rabies deaths (July 2025)
4. 'Digital arrest' cyber-fraud cases (February 2026)
Which of the above are correctly identified as matters in which the Supreme Court of India invoked suo motu cognisance during 2025-2026?

Accepted Answer

1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

2 and 4 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3 only

Question 4

In the context of constitutional courts in India, the expression 'suo motu cognisance' most precisely refers to:

Accepted Answer

The court taking up a matter on its own motion, without any formal petition by an affected party

Answer

The court referring a matter to a larger bench on the request of the Attorney-General

Answer

The court adjudicating a Presidential Reference under Article 143

Answer

The court reviewing its own judgment under Article 137 on a curative petition

Question 5

According to commentary published in 2026 mapping the Supreme Court of India's self-initiated interventions, how many times did the Court invoke suo motu jurisdiction during the calendar year 2025?

Accepted Answer

17

Answer

7

Answer

12

Answer

24

UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — The apex court rings its own chain

Q2. Under the Constitution of India, the power to pass any decree or order necessary for doing 'complete justice' in any cause or matter — frequently invoked while exercising suo motu jurisdiction — is vested in which one of the following?

Q4. In the context of constitutional courts in India, the expression 'suo motu cognisance' most precisely refers to:

Q5. According to commentary published in 2026 mapping the Supreme Court of India's self-initiated interventions, how many times did the Court invoke suo motu jurisdiction during the calendar year 2025?