Polity MCQs for Prelims – 16th June 2025

Welcome to today’s curated set of MCQs from the Polity segments, specially aligned with the evolving trend of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. These questions are not just a quiz, but a resource designed to familiarize you with the exact nature of questions asked in Prelims — where static concepts are tested through a current affairs lens.

Each question below is framed using recent developments in the news and backed by clear, concise explanations to help you link dynamic events with foundational knowledge. Topics covered today include: bypolls, removal of a judge, and more...

Use this as a daily revision tool to refine your understanding, build context, and learn how UPSC frames conceptual questions from contemporary issues.

 Click Here to read the Current Affairs Total (CAT) Magazine for January 2025- April 2025.

 

Question 1: Which of the following statements best describes the concept of Judicial Review in India?

1. The power of the judiciary to question the wisdom of the laws enacted by the Parliament.
2. The authority of the judiciary to amend the constitution.
3. The power of the judiciary to review and invalidate legislative and executive actions that are not in accordance with the Constitution.
4. The ability of the judiciary to introduce new laws.

Answer: c

Explanation:

1. Judicial Review is the power of the judiciary to review and invalidate legislative and executive actions that are not following the Constitution.
2. This ensures that the laws and actions of the government do not violate constitutional principles.

 

Question 2: Consider the following statements about the role of the judiciary in parole decisions in India:

1. The judiciary has the sole authority to grant parole to convicts.
2. Parole decisions are made by a parole board, which includes members from the judiciary, police, and social welfare departments.
3. The Supreme Court of India has laid down specific guidelines for granting parole to ensure a uniform approach across the country.
4. Parole is granted solely on the basis of good behaviour inside the prison.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 4 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1, 2 and 3 only
4. 2 and 4 only

Answer: b

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The judiciary does not have sole authority to grant parole. Parole is generally granted by prison authorities or the government, with courts playing a role in reviewing appeals or disputes related to parole decisions.

Statement 2 is correct: Parole decisions are made by a parole board that includes representatives from the judiciary, police, and social welfare departments.

Statement 3 is correct: The Supreme Court of India has issued guidelines to ensure a uniform approach to granting parole across the country.

Statement 4 is incorrect: While good behaviour inside prison is an important factor in parole decisions, it is not the sole criterion. Other factors, such as humanitarian grounds, medical conditions, and family emergencies, also influence parole decisions.

 

Question 3: Who among the following can remove a judge of the Supreme Court of India from office?

1. President, on the request of Parliament
2. Chief Justice of India
3. Parliament alone
4. The President, on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of India

Answer: a

Explanation:

1. A judge of the Supreme Court can be removed by the President of India based on a resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament.
2. The resolution should be passed with a two-thirds majority of members present and voting, and an absolute majority of the total membership of each House
3. This can be on the grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.

 

Question 4: Consider the following statements regarding Article 142 of the Constitution of India:

1. It allows the Supreme Court to issue guidelines or directives in the absence of existing law.
2. It empowers the Supreme Court to protect public interest and fundamental rights.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Article 142 enables the Supreme Court to fill legislative gaps by issuing temporary guidelines or directions, as seen in the Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan case, where the Court laid down norms on workplace harassment in the absence of a law.

Statement 2 is correct: The Court often uses Article 142 to uphold constitutional rights, intervene in matters of public interest, and ensure justice where legal or procedural barriers might otherwise prevent effective relief.

 

Question 5: Consider the following pairs with respect to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India:

Jurisdiction	Description
1. Original Jurisdiction	Disputes between Union and States or between States
2. Appellate Jurisdiction	Hearing appeals from High Courts in civil, criminal, and constitutional matters
3. Advisory Jurisdiction	Issuing writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights

Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1, 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 2 and 3 only

Answer: a

Explanation:

Pair 1 is correct: Original Jurisdiction refers to the authority of the Supreme Court to hear certain types of cases for the first time. Under Article 131 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in disputes between the Government of India and one or more States, or between two or more States.

Pair 2 is correct: Appellate Jurisdiction means the power of the Supreme Court to hear appeals against the judgments of lower courts, particularly High Courts. Under Articles 132 to 134, the Supreme Court can hear appeals in civil, criminal, and constitutional matters.

Pair 3 is incorrect: Advisory Jurisdiction, under Article 143, empowers the President of India to refer questions of law or matters of public importance to the Supreme Court for its opinion. However, issuing writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights falls under Article 32, which is part of the Court’s original jurisdiction, not its advisory jurisdiction.