Maharashtra Board Class 8 Civics Chapter 4 – The Indian Judicial System Solutions

📘 1. Choose the Correct Option and Complete the Statements

(1) Laws are made by __________.

  • (a) Legislature
  • (b) Council of Ministers
  • (c) Judiciary
  • (d) Executive

Answer: ✅ Option (a) – Legislature

(2) The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is appointed by __________.

  • (a) The Prime Minister
  • (b) The President
  • (c) The Home Minister
  • (d) The Chief Justice

Answer: ✅ Option (b) – The President

📘 2. Explain the Concepts

(1) Judicial Review

  1. The Constitution is the fundamental law of the nation, and protecting it is the prime responsibility of the Supreme Court.
  2. Parliament cannot pass any law that violates the Constitution.
  3. Every act or policy made by the Executive must be consistent with the Constitution.
  4. If any law passed by the Legislature or any act of the Executive violates the Constitution, it is declared illegal.
  5. Such a law or act is struck down by the Supreme Court.
  6. This power of the Supreme Court is known as Judicial Review.

(2) Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

  1. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) refers to litigation filed on issues of public importance and welfare.
  2. It can be filed by individuals, social organisations, or NGOs on behalf of the public.
  3. Issues such as rehabilitation of displaced people, environmental protection, and protection of weaker sections are addressed through PIL.
  4. PIL is an effective and inexpensive method to ensure quick justice.

📘 3. Write Short Notes

(1) Civil and Criminal Law

(a) Civil Law

  1. Civil law is one of the two main branches of law.
  2. It deals with disputes related to the rights of individuals.
  3. Matters such as property disputes, rent agreements, divorce, and contracts fall under civil law.
  4. The court gives its decision after a petition is filed.

(b) Criminal Law

  1. Criminal law deals with serious crimes.
  2. Crimes such as theft, robbery, dowry harassment, and murder fall under criminal law.
  3. The first step is filing a First Information Report (FIR) with the police.
  4. After investigation, the case is presented before the court.
  5. If found guilty, the accused receives punishment according to the law.

(2) Judicial Activism

  1. Traditionally, courts settled disputes when approached.
  2. In recent decades, courts have become more active in ensuring justice.
  3. Judicial activism aims to fulfill constitutional goals of justice and equality.
  4. Courts have protected the rights of women, tribal communities, workers, farmers, and children.
  5. Public Interest Litigation has played an important role in promoting judicial activism.

📘 4. Answer in Brief

(1) Why are laws necessary in society?

  1. Differences in opinions, cultures, and perspectives may lead to conflicts, which are resolved by the judiciary.
  2. Laws help establish social justice and equality.
  3. They protect weaker sections such as women, children, differently-abled individuals, and transgender people.
  4. Laws ensure freedom, equality, and democracy.
  5. They protect the fundamental rights of citizens.
  6. Laws prevent the rise of authoritarian and oppressive forces.

Therefore, laws are necessary in society.

(2) Enumerate the functions of the Supreme Court.

  1. It acts as a federal court to settle disputes between the Centre and the States.
  2. It protects the fundamental rights of citizens.
  3. It reviews decisions of lower courts and even its own judgments.
  4. It provides legal advice to the President on matters of public importance.

(3) Provisions that Preserve the Independence of the Judiciary

  1. Judges are appointed by the President to avoid political pressure.
  2. Judges have security of tenure and cannot be removed easily.
  3. Their salaries are paid from the Consolidated Fund of India.
  4. Personal criticism of judges for their decisions is considered contempt of court.
  5. Parliament cannot discuss the decisions of judges.

📘 5. Complete the Table

Answer

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