Judiciary chapter

The NCERT Class 11 Political Science chapter "Judiciary" from the book "Indian Constitution at Work" explains the role of the judiciary as an essential organ of government responsible for protecting the Constitution, safeguarding fundamental rights, and ensuring the rule of law. The chapter highlights why an independent judiciary is necessary in a democracy and discusses the constitutional provisions that guarantee judicial independence, including security of tenure, difficult removal procedures, and protection from political interference.
 

The chapter examines the structure and jurisdiction of the Indian judicial system, which consists of the Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts, and Subordinate Courts. It explains the various powers of the Supreme Court, including original, appellate, advisory, and writ jurisdiction. Special attention is given to judicial review, through which courts can declare laws unconstitutional if they violate constitutional provisions. The chapter also discusses how courts interpret laws and resolve disputes between individuals, states, and governments.
 

Another major theme of the chapter is Judicial Activism and Public Interest Litigation (PIL), which expanded access to justice for disadvantaged groups and strengthened the protection of citizens’ rights. The chapter explores landmark developments such as PILs, the Basic Structure Doctrine established in the Kesavananda Bharati case, and the evolving relationship between the Judiciary and Parliament. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance among the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary to ensure the effective functioning of Indian democracy and constitutional governance.