MCQ Questions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 5: The Judiciary

MCQ Questions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 5 – The Judiciary help students understand one of the most important pillars of democracy — the Judiciary. This chapter explains how the judiciary ensures justice, equality, and the rule of law in India. Through these multiple-choice questions, you will learn about the role of the judiciary, the importance of an independent judiciary, and the hierarchical structure of courts in India.

The judiciary is one of the three key organs of the government, alongside the legislature and the executive. It plays a vital role in upholding the law, resolving disputes, and protecting the Fundamental Rights of citizens. These MCQs are designed to strengthen your conceptual clarity and prepare you for school exams and quick revision.

MCQ Questions for Class 8 Civics: Ch 5 Judiciary

Practising MCQ Questions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 5 – The Judiciary helps you: Revise the key terms and concepts quickly. Strengthen your understanding of how the judicial system works in India. Prepare effectively for CBSE Class 8 Civics exams and social science quizzes. Build confidence in explaining the role, independence, and structure of the Indian judiciary. Each question is aligned with the NCERT Class 8 Social Science syllabus to ensure complete coverage of the chapter.

MCQs on the Role and Structure of the Judiciary

Q1. What is the primary role of the judiciary?

(a) To make laws

(b) To enforce laws

(c) To interpret and apply laws

(d) To implement government schemes

Answer: (c) To interpret and apply laws

Explanation: The judiciary’s main role is to interpret and apply laws in individual cases to ensure justice. It checks that laws are followed correctly and that citizens’ Fundamental Rights are protected.

Options (a) and (b) are performed by the legislature and executive, not the judiciary.

Q2. What is meant by an “independent judiciary”?

(a) A judiciary that reports to the Parliament

(b) A judiciary free from the control of the legislature and executive

(c) A judiciary under the Prime Minister’s supervision

(d) A judiciary that enforces political opinions

Answer: (b) A judiciary free from the control of the legislature and executive

Explanation: An independent judiciary means courts make decisions without pressure or interference from other branches of government. This independence allows judges to deliver fair and impartial judgments, maintaining the rule of law and public trust.

Q3. Who appoints the judges of the Supreme Court of India?

(a) Prime Minister of India

(b) President of India

(c) Chief Justice of India alone

(d) Lok Sabha Speaker

Answer: (b) President of India

Explanation: The President of India appoints Supreme Court judges in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and other senior judges. This process ensures both executive involvement and judicial recommendation, maintaining balance and independence.

Q4. What is the process for removing a judge of the Supreme Court?

(a) Dismissal by the President

(b) Retirement at the age of 60

(c) Impeachment by Parliament for proven misconduct or incapacity

(d) Recommendation by the Chief Justice

Answer: (c) Impeachment by Parliament for proven misconduct or incapacity

Explanation: A Supreme Court judge can be removed only through impeachment by both Houses of Parliament with a two-thirds majority. This rare and strict procedure safeguards judicial independence, ensuring judges cannot be removed arbitrarily.

Q5. What is the highest court of appeal in India?

(a) High Court

(b) District Court

(c) Supreme Court

(d) Lok Adalat

Answer: (c) Supreme Court

Explanation: The Supreme Court of India is the apex court and the final authority in all legal matters. It hears appeals from lower courts and can overturn or uphold their judgments.

Q6. What is the structure of courts in India called?

(a) Federal judicial system

(b) Dual judicial system

(c) Unified and hierarchical judicial system

(d) Independent and elective judicial system

Answer: (c) Unified and hierarchical judicial system

Explanation:

India has a unified judicial structure, meaning the same laws are applicable throughout the country. The hierarchy moves upward from District Courts to High Courts and finally to the Supreme Court.

Q7. Where is the Supreme Court of India located?

(a) Mumbai

(b) New Delhi

(c) Chennai

(d) Kolkata

Answer: (b) New Delhi

Explanation:

The Supreme Court of India, established in 1950, is located in New Delhi, the national capital. It is the highest judicial authority and the guardian of the Constitution of India.

Q8. What is meant by a “dispute resolution” mechanism?

(a) A method used by the executive to pass laws

(b) A legal process to resolve conflicts between individuals or groups

(c) A legislative procedure for debate

(d) A political negotiation system

Answer: (b) A legal process to resolve conflicts between individuals or groups

Explanation:

Dispute resolution refers to the judiciary’s role in settling conflicts through legal procedures and judgments. It ensures justice is delivered based on evidence and law, maintaining peace and order in society.

Q9. What does “judicial review” mean?

(a) Reviewing administrative budgets

(b) The power of courts to review laws and executive actions

(c) Revising judgments of High Courts

(d) Appointment of judges by review committee

Answer: (b) The power of courts to review laws and executive actions

Explanation:

Judicial review is the power of courts to examine whether laws or government actions violate the Constitution. If found unconstitutional, the court can strike them down, protecting the supremacy of the Constitution.

Q10. Which court has the power to interpret the Constitution?

(a) High Court

(b) District Court

(c) Supreme Court of India

(d) Lok Adalat

Answer: (c) Supreme Court of India

Explanation:

The Supreme Court has the final authority to interpret the Constitution and resolve constitutional disputes. Its interpretations become binding precedents for all other courts in India.

Class 8 Judiciary MCQs: Legal Branches (Civil Law vs. Criminal Law)

Q1. Which of the following is an example of a civil law case?

(a) Theft

(b) Divorce dispute

(c) Murder

(d) Kidnapping

Answer: (b) Divorce dispute

Explanation: A civil law case deals with disputes between individuals or organizations — such as property division, marriage, rent, or divorce. Criminal cases (like theft or murder) involve offenses against the state or society.

Q2. Which of these is an example of a criminal law case?

(a) Property dispute

(b) Rent disagreement

(c) Murder case

(d) Breach of contract

Answer: (c) Murder case

Explanation:vA criminal law case deals with acts that violate laws and harm society. Crimes like murder, theft, and kidnapping are punishable offenses against the state.

Q3. What does FIR stand for?

(a) First Investigation Report

(b) Final Information Record

(c) First Information Report

(d) Federal Inquiry Record

Answer: (c) First Information Report

Explanation: FIR (First Information Report) is the written record prepared by the police when a crime is first reported. It officially begins the criminal investigation process.

Q4. In a criminal case, the legal process usually begins with…

(a) A civil complaint

(b) An FIR lodged at a police station

(c) A petition in the High Court

(d) A witness statement

Answer: (b) An FIR lodged at a police station

Explanation: In criminal cases, proceedings start after someone files an FIR with the police. It allows investigation to begin against the accused.

Q5. A dispute between a landlord and a tenant falls under which type of law?

(a) Civil law

(b) Criminal law

(c) Constitutional law

(d) Public law

Answer: (a) Civil law

Explanation: A landlord-tenant conflict involves private disagreement over rent, property, or agreements — all of which come under civil law.

Q6. Who represents the state in a criminal case?

(a) Advocate General

(b) Public Prosecutor

(c) Defense Lawyer

(d) Magistrate

Answer: (b) Public Prosecutor

Explanation: The Public Prosecutor represents the state (government) in criminal trials and ensures justice by presenting evidence against the accused.

Q7. In a civil case, the person filing the complaint is called…

(a) Accused

(b) Defendant

(c) Petitioner or Plaintiff

(d) Prosecutor

Answer: (c) Petitioner or Plaintiff

Explanation: In civil law, the person who brings the case to court is known as the plaintiff or petitioner, while the person defending it is the defendant.

Q8. In a criminal case, the person accused of a crime is called…

(a) Complainant

(b) Petitioner

(c) Accused

(d) Plaintiff

Answer: (c) Accused

Explanation: The accused is the individual charged with committing a criminal offense. They are tried in court and are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Q9. What is the main purpose of civil law?

(a) To punish criminals

(b) To protect national security

(c) To settle private disputes and provide compensation

(d) To enforce political orders

Answer: (c) To settle private disputes and provide compensation

Explanation: Civil law aims to resolve disputes between individuals and ensure fair compensation, not punishment. It maintains social harmony by protecting personal rights.

Q10. What is the main purpose of criminal law?

(a) To settle property disputes

(b) To provide monetary compensation

(c) To punish offenders and maintain public order

(d) To handle divorce petitions

Answer: (c) To punish offenders and maintain public order

Explanation: Criminal law focuses on punishing lawbreakers and protecting society by deterring future crimes.

Q11. Which of the following is true about a criminal case?

(a) It is between two private parties

(b) It always involves money disputes

(c) It is between the state and the accused person

(d) It is settled by a Lok Adalat

Answer: (c) It is between the state and the accused person

Explanation: In criminal law, the state prosecutes the offender because a crime is considered an offense against society, not just an individual.

Q12. Which of the following statements is true for civil law cases?

(a) The case is filed by the government

(b) It usually results in imprisonment

(c) The case is filed by an individual or organization

(d) It always involves theft or fraud

Answer: (c) The case is filed by an individual or organization

Explanation: Civil cases are initiated by private individuals or groups seeking resolution or compensation, not punishment.

Q13. If a person commits theft, under which law will the case be registered?

(a) Civil law

(b) Criminal law

(c) Constitutional law

(d) Administrative law

Answer: (b) Criminal law

Explanation: Theft is a punishable crime and falls under criminal law, which protects public order by punishing offenders.

Q14. What happens if someone loses a civil case?

(a) They are sent to jail

(b) They must pay compensation or follow court orders

(c) Their property is seized by the police

(d) They lose voting rights

Answer: (b) They must pay compensation or follow court orders

Explanation: In civil law, the punishment is usually compensation, injunction, or restoration, not imprisonment. It aims to resolve the dispute fairly, not punish the party.

Q15. Which of the following correctly differentiates civil law and criminal law?

(a) Civil law deals with crimes; criminal law deals with disputes

(b) Civil law is filed by the state; criminal law by individuals

(c) Civil law settles personal disputes; criminal law punishes offenders

(d) Civil law leads to imprisonment; criminal law leads to compensation

Answer: (c) Civil law settles personal disputes; criminal law punishes offenders

Explanation: Civil law manages private conflicts (like rent, property, contracts), while criminal law deals with offenses against society (like theft or murder). This distinction is key to understanding how different branches of law function in India.

MCQs Class 8 Civics Chapter 5 – The Judiciary: Access to Courts & Key Terms 

The judiciary ensures that every citizen has access to justice, regardless of wealth, class, or status. This section of MCQs on Access to Courts & Key Terms focuses on important legal concepts such as Public Interest Litigation (PIL), fundamental rights enforcement, and levels of courts in India — helping students understand how justice reaches even the most marginalized people.

Q1. What is the full form of PIL?

(a) People’s Interest Law

(b) Public Involvement Law

(c) Public Interest Litigation

(d) Public Investigation Law

Answer: (c) Public Interest Litigation

Explanation: PIL stands for Public Interest Litigation. It allows any individual or group to approach the court on behalf of those who cannot afford to do so, ensuring access to justice for all.

Q2. Why was PIL introduced in India?

(a) To help government officers appeal easily

(b) To help the rich defend their property

(c) To allow the poor and marginalized to access justice

(d) To reduce pending court cases

Answer: (c) To allow the poor and marginalized to access justice

Explanation: PIL was introduced to make justice affordable and accessible to every citizen, especially the poor, by relaxing legal procedures.

Q3. Who is given the right to access the courts in India?

(a) Only government officials

(b) Only lawyers and judges

(c) All citizens of India

(d) Only taxpayers

Answer: (c) All citizens of India

Explanation: Under the Constitution of India, every citizen has the right to access the courts for protection of their rights and resolution of disputes.

Q4. Which article of the Constitution ensures the right to constitutional remedies?

(a) Article 14

(b) Article 19

(c) Article 32

(d) Article 370

Answer: (c) Article 32

Explanation: Article 32, called the “Heart and Soul of the Constitution,” gives citizens the right to move the Supreme Court if their Fundamental Rights are violated.

Q5. The landmark case of Olga Tellis vs. Bombay Municipal Corporation was related to…

(a) Freedom of speech

(b) Right to equality

(c) Right to livelihood (Right to life)

(d) Right to property

Answer: (c) Right to livelihood (Right to life)

Explanation: In Olga Tellis vs. BMC (1985), the Supreme Court held that the right to livelihood is part of the right to life under Article 21.

Q6. What are Subordinate Courts also known as?

(a) Panchayat Courts

(b) District Courts

(c) State Courts

(d) Federal Courts

Answer: (b) District Courts

Explanation: Subordinate Courts function at the district or tehsil level and handle civil and criminal cases under the supervision of High Courts.

Q7. Who can file a PIL?

(a) Only the affected person

(b) Any citizen of India

(c) Only government officers

(d) Only NGOs

Answer: (b) Any citizen of India

Explanation: Anyone — individual, group, or NGO — can file a PIL if it is in the public interest, even if they are not personally affected.

Q8. What does “Access to Courts” mean?

(a) Only lawyers can visit the court

(b) Citizens can approach courts to seek justice

(c) The right of police to enter courtrooms

(d) The right of the President to control courts

Answer: (b) Citizens can approach courts to seek justice

Explanation: “Access to courts” means the right of all citizens to approach the judiciary for redressal of grievances and enforcement of their rights.

Q9. Which court has the power to issue writs for enforcement of Fundamental Rights?

(a) District Court

(b) High Court and Supreme Court

(c) Lok Adalat

(d) Gram Sabha

Answer: (b) High Court and Supreme Court

Explanation: Both the Supreme Court (Article 32) and High Courts (Article 226) can issue writs to enforce Fundamental Rights.

Q10. What does the term “Legal Aid” refer to?

(a) Free education

(b) Free medical treatment

(c) Free legal assistance to those who cannot afford lawyers

(d) A new branch of law

Answer: (c) Free legal assistance to those who cannot afford lawyers

Explanation: Legal Aid ensures equal access to justice by providing free lawyers or counseling to the poor and disadvantaged sections of society.

Q11. Which body provides free legal services in India?

(a) NITI Aayog

(b) Lok Sabha

(c) National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)

(d) Law Commission

Answer: (c) National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)

Explanation: NALSA, established in 1995, coordinates and monitors free legal services and organizes Lok Adalats across India.

Q12. What does Article 21 of the Constitution guarantee?

(a) Right to Property

(b) Right to Life and Personal Liberty

(c) Right to Vote

(d) Right to Equality

Answer: (b) Right to Life and Personal Liberty

Explanation: Article 21 ensures that no person shall be deprived of life or liberty except by due process of law — forming the basis of PIL and human rights cases.

Q13. What is meant by Lok Adalat?

(a) People’s Court for quick and fair settlement of cases

(b) Parliament session

(c) High Court bench

(d) Private tribunal

Answer: (a) People’s Court for quick and fair settlement of cases

Explanation: Lok Adalat literally means “People’s Court.” It provides a speedy, low-cost way to resolve minor disputes without lengthy legal procedures.

Q14. Which of the following best defines Public Interest Litigation (PIL)?

(a) A case filed by the government only

(b) A case filed in the interest of the general public

(c) A private case between two individuals

(d) A criminal trial for theft or murder

Answer: (b) A case filed in the interest of the general public

Explanation: A PIL is filed when an issue affects public welfare or Fundamental Rights of a large group — such as environment, health, or education.

Q15. What is the main objective of the judiciary in providing “Access to Courts”?

(a) To control the government

(b) To make laws for the people

(c) To ensure every citizen can seek justice easily

(d) To reduce the number of lawyers

Answer: (c) To ensure every citizen can seek justice easily

Explanation: The judiciary’s goal is to make the justice system inclusive, ensuring no one is denied justice due to poverty or lack of resources.

Q16. Which of the following is NOT a feature of a fair trial?

(a) Equal opportunity to both sides

(b) Trial in public view

(c) Decision based on evidence

(d) Decision influenced by media reports

Answer: (d) Decision influenced by media reports

Explanation: A fair trial means justice is delivered based on facts and evidence only, free from public or political pressure.

Q17. Under which law can a person file a case if denied access to courts?

(a) Civil Procedure Code

(b) Fundamental Rights under Article 32

(c) Directive Principles

(d) Panchayati Raj Act

Answer: (b) Fundamental Rights under Article 32

Explanation: Citizens can approach the Supreme Court under Article 32 for enforcement of Fundamental Rights, including access to justice.

Q18. What is meant by “Right to be Heard”?

(a) Right to remain silent

(b) Right to present one’s case before the court

(c) Right to record statements privately

(d) Right to attend parliamentary sessions

Answer: (b) Right to present one’s case before the court

Explanation: The Right to be Heard is a principle of natural justice — every person should have an opportunity to explain or defend their case before a decision is made.

Q19. Which of these helps in quick disposal of minor disputes?

(a) Lok Adalat

(b) High Court

(c) Supreme Court

(d) Parliament

Answer: (a) Lok Adalat

Explanation: Lok Adalats offer speedy and low-cost justice, especially for small disputes like property or accident compensation.

Q20. Which term best describes the judiciary’s role in ensuring justice for all?

(a) Rule by law

(b) Access to justice

(c) Judicial dominance

(d) Political equality

Answer: (b) Access to justice

Explanation: Access to justice ensures that everyone — rich or poor — can seek legal protection and that the courts remain open to all citizens equally.