Q1. Which of the following High Courts covers more than one State/Union Territories?
(a) Delhi
(b) Allahabad
(c) Gauhati
(d) None of these
(UPSC Prelims 1981)
Answer: (c) Gauhati
Explanation: The Gauhati High Court has jurisdiction over multiple states in the Northeast region, including Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. It is unique in its multi-state coverage, ensuring judicial access across diverse territories.
Q2. The greatest hallmark of personal liberty is
(a) Mandamus
(b) Certiorari
(c) Quo Warranto
(d) Habeas Corpus
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (d) Habeas Corpus
Explanation: Habeas Corpus is a legal writ that protects individuals from unlawful detention, making it the cornerstone of personal liberty. It ensures that a person is presented before a court to justify the legality of their detention.
Q3. After retirement, a High Court Judge
(a) Can plead in the same High Court
(b) Cannot plead in the same High Court
(c) Can plead in the Supreme Court
(d) Can plead in any of the High Courts
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (d) Can plead in any of the High Courts
Explanation: A retired High Court Judge is permitted to practice law in other High Courts or the Supreme Court, but not in the same High Court where they served. This restriction ensures judicial impartiality and avoids conflicts of interest.
Q4. Which of the following is a ‘cognizable offence’?
(a) First offence committed by any person
(b) Offence committed by a minor
(c) Offence other than murder
(d) Offence which can be dealt with by the court
(UPSC Prelims 1986)
Answer: (d) Offence which can be dealt with by the court
Explanation: A cognizable offence is one where the police can register a case and arrest without prior approval from a magistrate. These are usually serious offences like murder, theft, or assault, and are triable by a court.
Q5. Judges of a High Court are appointed by the President with the consent of the
(a) Governor
(b) Governor, the Chief Justice of India and the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned
(c) Governor and the preceding Chief Justice of the High Court
(d) None of these
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (b) Governor, the Chief Justice of India and the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned
Explanation: As per Article 217 of the Constitution, High Court judges are appointed by the President after consulting the Governor of the State, the Chief Justice of India, and the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court, ensuring judicial independence and federal balance.