E. Answer the following questions.
1. Briefly describe any five powers and functions of the Supreme Court of India. 234
2. Explain the main powers and functions of the High Courts. 237
3. State the significance of Public Interest Litigation in the Indian judicial system.
4. Explain the concept of Lok Adalats? Why are they called People's Courts?
5. Describe the composition of the High Court. Explain the qualifications, tenure and the method of
removal of the High Court judges.
Answers
Answer:
1.The Five 'powers and functions' of the 'Supreme court' of India are: 1) The power to 'punish people' for contempt of court by imprisonment or paying a fine. 2) The main deciding authority for the election of President and Vice President. 3) To ensure judicial review of 'legislative enactments' and executive orders.
2.It has the power to control over all the courts and tribunals within its jurisdiction except in the matters of Armed Forces under Article 227. It has the power to withdraw a case pending before any subordinate court it involves the substantial question of law.
3.Not only does it promote equality, but it also ensures right to life and personality. Part III of the Constitution of India guarantees right to quality, life, and personality. PIL is solely responsible for providing relief and remedies of the writ jurisdiction.
4.Lok Adalat (translation "People's Court") is a formal Indian judicial alternative dispute resolution forum that serves to settle cases pending findings of a panchayat (an elected village council) or at the pre-litigation stage in a court of law. ... It accepts cases pending in regular courts under their jurisdiction.
5.
Qualifications are : must be citizen of India, 10 years experienced as an advocate . The judges of high court can serve till the age of 62. Judge of a high court can be removed by President on grounds of misuse of his/her powers by a process called impeachment.