Q1. Which of the following is NOT under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?
- Dispute between the Centre and one or more states
- Inter-state water disputes
- Dispute between two or more states
- Dispute regarding the recovery of damages by a state against the Centre
Correct Option: 2. Inter-state water disputes.
Explanation: The original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court includes disputes between the Centre and one or more states, or between states. However, inter-state water disputes are not part of the original jurisdiction. These are addressed by a separate mechanism, like tribunals established under specific laws (e.g., the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956).
Q2. The writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is exclusive in which of the following cases?
- Matters relating to the Finance Commission
- Enforcement of fundamental rights
- Commercial disputes
- Federal disputes
Correct Option: 4. Federal disputes.
Explanation: The Supreme Court has exclusive original jurisdiction in federal disputes, i.e., disputes between the Centre and the states, or between different states. This jurisdiction is exclusive, meaning only the Supreme Court can hear such disputes, and it is original, meaning it hears them first without any appeal process. However, in the case of fundamental rights enforcement, both the Supreme Court and High Courts have concurrent jurisdiction.
Q3. Which of the following writs can be issued by the Supreme Court?
- Habeas corpus
- Mandamus
- Certiorari
- All of the above
Correct Option: 4. All of the above
Explanation: The Supreme Court can issue five types of writs for enforcing fundamental rights: habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari. These writs are used to provide remedies for violations of fundamental rights. Habeas corpus addresses unlawful detention, mandamus commands public authorities to perform their duties, prohibition prevents inferior courts from exceeding their jurisdiction, quo warranto challenges the legality of someone’s position, and certiorari quashes lower court orders.
Q4. Which of the following is a condition for filing an appeal in constitutional matters to the Supreme Court?
- The appeal must involve a substantial question of law requiring the interpretation of the Constitution.
- The appeal must involve a substantial question of fact.
- The appeal must involve a commercial dispute.
- The appeal must be against a criminal judgment.
Correct Option: 1. The appeal must involve a substantial question of law requiring the interpretation of the Constitution.
Explanation: For constitutional matters, an appeal can be made to the Supreme Court if the High Court certifies that the case involves a substantial question of law that requires interpretation of the Constitution. This means that the Supreme Court’s intervention is required to clarify constitutional provisions in the case.
Q5. Which type of appeal is granted by the Supreme Court in its discretion?
- Appeal against high court judgments
- Appeal in civil matters
- Appeal by special leave
- Criminal appeal
Correct Option: 3. Appeal by special leave
Explanation: The Supreme Court has the discretion to grant special leave to appeal against judgments passed by any court or tribunal in the country, except military courts. This is not an automatic right but a discretionary power, and the court is expected to exercise it sparingly, in exceptional cases. This provision allows the Supreme Court to hear cases that may not fall under the typical appellate jurisdiction.