MCQs
- What is the fundamental principle regarding access to courts in India? a) Only the wealthy can access courts
b) All citizens have the right to access courts
c) Only government officials can access courts
d) Courts are only available for criminal cases
Answer: b) All citizens have the right to access courts
Explanation: The Indian Constitution provides every citizen the right to seek justice through courts. However, practical barriers often prevent access for the poor. - What is a major obstacle preventing poor people from accessing courts?
a) Lack of lawyers
b) Expensive legal procedures
c) Government restrictions
d) Absence of judges
Answer: b) Expensive legal procedures
Explanation: Legal procedures involve high costs, paperwork, and time, which can discourage poor individuals from approaching courts. - What was introduced in the 1980s to increase access to justice for the underprivileged?
a) Fast-track courts
b) Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
c) Lok Sabha interventions
d) Special Supreme Court benches
Answer: b) Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Explanation: The Supreme Court introduced PIL to allow any individual or organization to file a case on behalf of those whose rights were violated. - How did the Supreme Court simplify PIL procedures?
a) Allowed verbal complaints
b) Allowed letters or telegrams to be treated as PILs
c) Removed all court fees
d) Appointed special judges
Answer: b) Allowed letters or telegrams to be treated as PILs
Explanation: The Supreme Court made the legal process more accessible by treating letters and telegrams as PILs, helping the marginalized seek justice. - Which of the following is an example of a PIL leading to social justice?
a) A law preventing political protests
b) Establishment of fast-track courts
c) The introduction of mid-day meals in schools
d) The removal of certain judges
Answer: c) The introduction of mid-day meals in schools
Explanation: A PIL filed by the People’s Union of Civil Liberties (PUCL) led the Supreme Court to direct the government to provide mid-day meals in schools. - Why do many poor individuals avoid going to court?
a) They lack faith in the judiciary
b) Court hearings are always in English
c) They depend on daily wages and can’t afford time off
d) Judges do not entertain their cases
Answer: c) They depend on daily wages and can’t afford time off
Explanation: Many poor people cannot afford to miss work for legal proceedings, making court cases a difficult option. - What does the term justice delayed is justice denied refer to?
a) Courts often favor the rich
b) Cases take too long to resolve, making justice ineffective
c) Courts do not entertain poor individuals
d) Lawyers charge high fees
Answer: b) Cases take too long to resolve, making justice ineffective
Explanation: Delays in court proceedings can result in injustice, as people wait for years to get their rights upheld. - Which article of the Constitution ensures the Right to Life, which has been linked to access to justice?
a) Article 14
b) Article 21
c) Article 32
d) Article 19
Answer: b) Article 21
Explanation: The Supreme Court has interpreted Article 21 to include the Right to Livelihood and access to justice. - In the PIL filed by PUCL, what constitutional right did they argue was being violated?
a) Right to Education
b) Right to Life
c) Right to Equality
d) Right to Vote
Answer: b) Right to Life
Explanation: The PUCL argued that the Right to Life under Article 21 included the Right to Food, leading to the introduction of government food schemes. - What role does the judiciary play in ensuring access to courts?
a) It prevents legal disputes from arising
b) It ensures all citizens have equal access to justice
c) It only hears high-profile cases
d) It only works for the government
Answer: b) It ensures all citizens have equal access to justice
Explanation: The judiciary safeguards fundamental rights and ensures justice is available to all, though practical challenges remain.
