Topic Details (Notes format)

Judicial Restraint vs. Judicial Activism

Subject: Polity

Book: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

Debates the extent courts should intervene in policy. Judicial restraint advocates minimal interference, respecting the legislature’s and executive’s domain. Judicial activism supports proactive stances to fill legislative gaps or protect rights. While activism has led to progressive decisions on environmental issues, women’s rights, and corruption, excessive activism risks overshadowing elected bodies. Restraint ensures stability and democratic respect. Balancing both is key—courts must uphold constitutional principles yet avoid legislative or policy-making roles. Understanding this spectrum helps contextualize judgments that shape the interplay of law, politics, and social reforms in India’s constitutional democracy.

Practice Questions

Who is the first woman President of India?

Who is responsible for the appointment of the members of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)?

What is the term of office for the President of India?

What is the minimum age for a person to become the Chief Minister of a state in India?

संसदीय प्रश्न सत्र के दौरान प्रश्नों के उत्तर कौन देता है?

Which article of the Indian Constitution allows the President to declare a National Emergency?

नागरिकता की अवधारणा किस अनुच्छेद से शुरू होती है?

Who has the power to remove a Governor from office in India?

राष्ट्रपति के लिए योग्यता मानदंड किस अनुच्छेद में वर्णित हैं?

संसद सदस्यों का वेतन का निर्धारण किसकी स्वीकृति से होता है?