GSEB Class 8 Social Science Chapter 17 The Judiciary: Solutions & Notes
Get GSEB Class 8 Social Science Chapter 17 The Judiciary question answers, important notes, fill in the blanks and easy revision points.
Exercise Answers
1. Answer the following questions in one sentence
- (1) Which matters are included in a criminal case?
Answer: Criminal cases include matters such as theft, murder and other offences.
- (2) Who is known as Sessions Judge?
Answer: A District Judge dealing with criminal cases is known as the Sessions Judge.
- (3) Which court stands at the top of all the courts?
Answer: The Supreme Court stands at the top of all the courts in India.
2. Answer the following questions
(1) Write a note on the powers and functions of the High Court.
The High Court hears civil, criminal and revenue cases and gives justice. It hears appeals against decisions of subordinate courts. Under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution, it can issue orders to protect fundamental rights. It can ask subordinate courts to submit reports and can make or change general rules for them. An appeal against a High Court order may be made in the Supreme Court.
(2) State the benefits of the Lok Adalat.
- Lok Adalat helps settle many cases quickly and peacefully.
2. It saves the time and money of citizens and the courts.
3. It helps people avoid complicated legal procedures.
4. It aims to reach a settlement acceptable to both parties, so justice can be provided at lower cost.
3. Fill in the blanks
(1) The Lady Justice holds ______ and ______ in her hands.
Answer: a balance and a sword
(2) An appeal can be made in ______ against the judgment of the High Court.
Answer: the Supreme Court
(3) The High Court of Gujarat is located in ______.
Answer: Ahmedabad
(4) The Supreme Court of our nation is located in ______.
Answer: Delhi
GSEB Class 8 Social Science Chapter 17 The Judiciary Important Notes
1. Meaning and need of the Judiciary
The Judiciary is the system of courts that gives justice and applies the law. It protects people’s rights, punishes those found guilty according to law, and helps ensure that innocent people are not punished. It also protects the Constitution and fundamental rights.
2. Structure of the Judiciary
India has a unified court system. The main levels are the Supreme Court at the top, High Courts at the state level, District Courts, and Taluka Courts. Subordinate courts work under the supervision of the High Court.
3. Taluka Courts
Taluka Courts hear cases within their legal powers. The chapter describes the Civil Judge as hearing civil cases up to the stated monetary limit, and the Judicial Magistrate as hearing criminal cases at the lowest level. Appeals against a Judicial Magistrate’s decision can be filed in the District Court.
4. District Court
Each district has civil and criminal courts. The District and Sessions Judge is the highest court authority in the district. The judge is appointed by the Governor in consultation with the High Court. In civil cases, the judge is called the District Judge; in criminal cases, the judge is called the Sessions Judge.
5. High Court
The High Court is the highest court at the state level and connects subordinate courts with the Supreme Court. The High Court of Gujarat is in Ahmedabad. It hears civil, criminal and revenue matters, hears appeals, protects fundamental rights through orders under Article 226, asks subordinate courts for reports, and makes rules for subordinate courts.
6. Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the highest court in India and is located in Delhi. It hears appeals from lower courts, including High Courts; deals with questions about interpreting the Constitution; can act in cases of contempt of court; reviews its earlier judgments; and settles certain disputes connected with the election of the President or Vice-President. Its judgments are binding on all subordinate courts.
7. Court of Records
The Supreme Court is a court of record for the whole nation, while High Courts are courts of record for their states. Their judgments are preserved as permanent records and can be used as references by lower courts.
8. Independence of the Judiciary
Judicial independence means courts should give decisions fairly and without improper influence from the government or other powerful people. The chapter explains that judges can be removed only through a special constitutional process when the required conditions are proved.
9. Lady Justice
The chapter describes Lady Justice as holding a balance and a sword. The balance represents fair judgment without favouritism. The sword represents the power to punish a person found guilty according to law.
10. Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
PIL allows a person or institution to bring a matter of public interest before the court. It helps people from different sections of society seek justice. Courts can act against the misuse of PIL.
11. Lok Adalat
Lok Adalat, or People’s Court, aims to settle cases quickly and at low cost. It encourages a compromise acceptable to both parties. It saves citizens’ time and money and reduces complicated legal procedures. The chapter notes that the first Lok Adalat was experimented with in Gujarat.
12. First Information Report (FIR)
When an offence is reported to the local police, the information recorded is called a First Information Report (FIR). The police use it to begin investigating the case and collecting evidence.
13. Important judgments mentioned
The chapter mentions the Kesavananda Bharati case, which discussed Parliament’s power and fundamental rights, and the Justice K. S. Puttaswamy case, in which the Supreme Court held that the right to privacy is a fundamental right under the Constitution.
Quick Revision
- Highest court in India: Supreme Court
- High Court of Gujarat: Ahmedabad
- Supreme Court: Delhi
- District Judge in criminal cases: Sessions Judge
- PIL: Public Interest Litigation
- FIR: First Information Report
- Lok Adalat: People’s Court; aims for quick, low-cost settlement
- Lady Justice: balance and sword