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 among the following can recommend the dissolution of the Lok Sabha?

राज्यों के बीच शक्तियों का संतुलन किस सिद्धांत पर आधारित है?

Who among the following was the first woman Governor of an Indian state?

संविधान संशोधन की प्रक्रिया किस अनुच्छेद द्वारा नियंत्रित होती है?

Which of the following is a feature of the Indian Parliament?

Who is the first citizen of India?

कार्यपालिका के प्रमुख की नियुक्ति में किसका निर्णय अंतिम होता है?

राष्ट्रपति के लिए योग्यता मानदंड किस अनुच्छेद में वर्णित हैं?

निर्वाचन आयोग के अध्यक्ष का कार्यकाल कितना होता है?

The Parliament of India consists of which of the following?