SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
JUNIOR COURT ASSISTANT EXAMINATION 2024
DESCRIPTIVE TEST - QUESTION PAPER 3
Exam Duration: 2 Hours
Total Marks: 100
Note: Please read the instruction carefully given on the cover of the Answer Booklet which is
provided separately
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Question Paper Specific Instructions
Please read the following instructions carefully before attempting the questions:
All questions are to be attempted.
The maximum marks assigned to a question part indicate against it.
Answers must be written in ENGLISH only. If any other language is used, the paper shall not
be evaluated.
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1. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
The Indian Judicial System and Constitutional Framework
1. The Indian judicial system stands as one of the pillars of the country's democratic
framework, serving as the guardian of the Constitution and protector of citizens' rights.
Established under the Constitution of India, the judiciary operates independently from the
executive and legislative branches, ensuring a system of checks and balances essential for
democratic governance. This independence is crucial for maintaining the rule of law and
protecting constitutional values.
2. The hierarchical structure of Indian courts consists of the Supreme Court at the apex, High
Courts at the state level, and subordinate courts at the district and local levels. The
Supreme Court serves as the final court of appeal and has the power of judicial review,
enabling it to examine the constitutionality of laws and government actions. High Courts
exercise jurisdiction over their respective states and territories, while subordinate courts
handle cases at the grassroots level, ensuring access to justice for all citizens.
3. One of the most significant powers of the Indian judiciary is judicial review, which allows
courts to strike down laws and executive actions that violate constitutional provisions. This
power, though not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, has been established through
landmark judgments and is considered part of the Constitution's basic structure. Judicial
review serves as a safeguard against the arbitrary exercise of power by other branches of
government.
4. The Indian judiciary has played a transformative role in social reform and rights protection
through public interest litigation (PIL) and judicial activism. Courts have intervened in
matters of environmental protection, human rights violations, and social justice, often filling
gaps left by legislative and executive inaction. However, this activist approach has also
sparked debates about the separation of powers and the appropriate role of the judiciary in
a democracy.
5. Despite its achievements, the Indian judicial system faces several challenges including
pendency of cases, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for procedural reforms. The
backlog of cases across all levels of courts has led to delayed justice, undermining the
principle that "justice delayed is justice denied." Efforts are being made to address these
issues through technology adoption, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and
administrative reforms.
(472 words)
Questions:
(1.1) What role does judicial independence play in India's democratic framework? (5 marks)
(1.2) Describe the hierarchical structure of the Indian court system. (5 marks)
(1.3) Explain the concept and significance of judicial review in the Indian context. (5 marks)
(1.4) How has judicial activism contributed to social reform in India? (5 marks)
(1.5) What are the main challenges facing the Indian judicial system today? (5 marks)
(1.6) Identify from the passage the word which means the same as the following words: (1×5
marks)
(a) protector (select the answer from para 1)
(b) highest (select the answer from para 2)
(c) important (select the answer from para 3)
(d) changing (select the answer from para 4)
(e) delay (select the answer from para 5)
2. Make a précis of the following passage. (Answer should not exceed 140
words). (30 Marks)
Digital transformation has become a defining feature of modern India, fundamentally altering
how citizens interact with government services and participate in the economy. The Digital India
initiative, launched in 2015, represents the government's comprehensive vision to transform the
country into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. This ambitious program
encompasses three core components: digital infrastructure development, digital service delivery,
and digital literacy promotion.
The initiative has achieved remarkable success in several areas. The creation of India Stack, a
unique digital identity infrastructure, has enabled the delivery of services to millions of previously
excluded citizens. Aadhaar, the world's largest biometric identification system, now covers over
1.3 billion Indians and serves as the foundation for direct benefit transfers, reducing leakages
and ensuring that welfare benefits reach intended beneficiaries.
Digital payment systems have revolutionized financial inclusion in India. The Unified Payments
Interface (UPI) has made digital transactions accessible to people across all economic strata,
significantly reducing dependence on cash. During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital platforms
proved crucial for maintaining economic activity and delivering essential services while ensuring
social distancing.
However, the digital divide remains a significant challenge. Rural areas often lack adequate
internet connectivity and digital infrastructure. Many citizens, particularly elderly people and
those from disadvantaged backgrounds, struggle with digital literacy and face barriers in
accessing online services. Cybersecurity concerns and data privacy issues have also emerged
as important considerations in the digital age.
The success of Digital India requires continued investment in infrastructure, capacity building,
and inclusive policy design. Bridging the digital divide through targeted interventions in rural and
marginalized communities is essential. Additionally, robust data protection frameworks and
cybersecurity measures must be developed to ensure that digital transformation benefits all
citizens while protecting their rights and privacy.
3. Write an essay on any one of the following topics in about 600 words: (40
marks)
(a) The Role of Media in a Democratic Society
(b) India's Demographic Dividend: Challenges and Opportunities
(c) Corruption and Good Governance in Public Administration
(d) Sustainable Transportation and Urban Planning
(e) Mental Health Awareness and Social Stigma
JCA-DT (F1) - Paper 3
