UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — No urgent hearing in case related to judges’ PAs: SC

Q1. The refusal in 2026 to grant urgent listing of the plea challenging the setting aside of the appointment of 17 Personal Assistants was made by which of the following?

• A. A two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court of India comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and Sheel Nagu
• B. A Division Bench of the Madras High Court comprising Justices S.M. Subramaniam and N. Senthilkumar
• C. The Registrar General, High Court of Madras
• D. A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India

Q2. In the Supreme Court Bench that declined urgent listing of the plea in the Personal Assistants recruitment matter, who was the presiding (senior) judge?

• A. Justice M.M. Sundresh
• B. Justice Sheel Nagu
• C. Justice S.M. Subramaniam
• D. Justice N. Senthilkumar

Q3. In its July 2026 order, the Madras High Court set aside the appointment of how many Personal Assistants to its judges?

• A. 7
• B. 14
• C. 17
• D. 23

Q4. With reference to the Madras High Court's July 2026 order on the recruitment of Personal Assistants to judges, consider the following statements: 1. The impugned selection was conducted pursuant to a circular of 2023. 2. Candidates who had scored zero marks in transcription were nonetheless selected. 3. The High Court upheld the selection but reduced the number of persons to be appointed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. The impugned selection was conducted pursuant to a circular of 2023.
2. Candidates who had scored zero marks in transcription were nonetheless selected.
3. The High Court upheld the selection but reduced the number of persons to be appointed.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2 and 3

Q5. With reference to Rule 14A of the Madras High Court Service Rules, 2015 and the recruitment challenged before the Court, consider the following statements: 1. Rule 14A requires a candidate for the post of Personal Assistant to judges to possess the Higher Grade qualification in English Shorthand and Typewriting. 2. The impugned circular permitted candidates holding only Junior or Intermediate Grade qualifications to participate, giving them time to acquire the prescribed qualification later. 3. The qualifying framework is laid down under the Madras High Court Service Rules of 2015. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. Rule 14A requires a candidate for the post of Personal Assistant to judges to possess the Higher Grade qualification in English Shorthand and Typewriting.
2. The impugned circular permitted candidates holding only Junior or Intermediate Grade qualifications to participate, giving them time to acquire the prescribed qualification later.
3. The qualifying framework is laid down under the Madras High Court Service Rules of 2015.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2 and 3

Q6. Under Rule 14A of the Madras High Court Service Rules, 2015, what is the essential (mandatory) qualification prescribed for the post of Personal Assistant to judges?

• A. Higher Grade qualification in English Shorthand and Typewriting
• B. Junior Grade qualification in Typewriting only
• C. Intermediate Grade qualification in Shorthand only
• D. A degree in law from a recognised university

Q7. With reference to Article 229 of the Constitution of India (officers and servants and the expenses of High Courts), consider the following statements: 1. Appointments of officers and servants of a High Court are made by the Chief Justice of the Court or a judge or officer directed by the Chief Justice. 2. Rules relating to salaries, allowances, leave or pensions of such staff require the approval of the Governor of the State. 3. The administrative expenses of a High Court, including salaries of its officers and servants, are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India. 4. The Governor may, in certain cases, require that the State Public Service Commission be consulted regarding such appointments. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

1. Appointments of officers and servants of a High Court are made by the Chief Justice of the Court or a judge or officer directed by the Chief Justice.
2. Rules relating to salaries, allowances, leave or pensions of such staff require the approval of the Governor of the State.
3. The administrative expenses of a High Court, including salaries of its officers and servants, are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India.
4. The Governor may, in certain cases, require that the State Public Service Commission be consulted regarding such appointments.

• A. 3 only
• B. 1 and 3
• C. 2 and 4
• D. 4 only

Q8. Under Article 229 of the Constitution, who is the primary authority for the appointment of officers and servants of a High Court?

• A. The Chief Justice of the High Court
• B. The Governor of the State
• C. The President of India
• D. The State Public Service Commission

Q9. An appeal to the Supreme Court against the Madras High Court's order setting aside the recruitment would ordinarily be entertained under which constitutional provision?

• A. Article 136 — special leave to appeal
• B. Article 226 — writ jurisdiction of High Courts
• C. Article 227 — power of superintendence of High Courts
• D. Article 32 — writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court

Q10. The power of superintendence over all courts and tribunals within the territory of a State is vested primarily in which body?

• A. The High Court of that State, under Article 227
• B. The Supreme Court of India, under Article 227
• C. The District and Sessions Court, under Article 235
• D. The State Public Service Commission, under Article 315

Q11. Which single constitutional provision is the primary basis for the appointment of the ministerial/subordinate staff (such as Personal Assistants) of a High Court, as distinct from the appointment of its judges?

• A. Article 229
• B. Article 217
• C. Article 224
• D. Article 233

Q12. With reference to the Supreme Court's revised protocol on mentioning and urgent listing of cases, consider the following statements: 1. Under the protocol effective from December 2025, requests for urgent listing must ordinarily be submitted in writing rather than by oral mention. 2. Oral mentioning continues to be permitted only in extraordinary circumstances, such as matters involving personal liberty. 3. Under the revised protocol, once a matter is mentioned the Bench is bound to list it for hearing the same day. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. Under the protocol effective from December 2025, requests for urgent listing must ordinarily be submitted in writing rather than by oral mention.
2. Oral mentioning continues to be permitted only in extraordinary circumstances, such as matters involving personal liberty.
3. Under the revised protocol, once a matter is mentioned the Bench is bound to list it for hearing the same day.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2 and 3