Class 11 Political Science NCERT QUESTION ANSWER Chapter 6 - Citizenship PREPARED BY SUMAN KUMAR JHA

Class 11 Political Science 

Chapter 6 - Citizenship

Question 1:

Citizenship as full and equal membership of a political community involves both rights and obligations. Which rights could citizens expect to enjoy in most democratic state today? What kind of obligation will they have to their state and fellow citizens?

Answer:

The rights that citizens are expected to enjoy most in democratic state are right to equality, right to vote in political elections, freedom of expression, right to have basic facilities, right to security and equal treatment by laws.

There are legal and moral obligations on citizens to participate in and contribute to the shared life of the community as well as the state. Citizens are also expected to preserve the culture and natural resources of their country.

Question 2:

All citizens may be granted equal rights but all may not be able to equally exercise them. Explain.

Answer:

All citizens may be granted equal rights but all may not be able to equally exercise them due to following factors:

Socio-economic inequality that prevents equality of opportunity

Lack of accessibility to legal remedies

Lack of awareness of rights

Corruption in the government apparatus that prevents the delivery of services covered under these rights.

The consequences of these factors can be seen in the following examples:

  Every child has right to education but some children are not sent to school due to gender bias and poverty and therefore are engaged in child labour.

  Many women are not aware that physical and mental torture by their husband comes under domestic violence. Therefore, they are not able to seek legal remedies.

Question 3:

Write a short note on any two struggles for full enjoyment of citizen rights which have taken place in India in recent years. Which rights were being claimed in each case?

Answer:

The movement in India regarding the rights of lesbians and gays to express and lead a normal life demanded the decriminalisation of homosexuality by the state that was considered to be a crime. Delhi high court has decriminalised homosexuality but still the movement is on as it has not yet gained the legal approval.

Narmada Bachao Andolan is an environmental as well as human rights movement. The movement is against increasing the height of the dam. The increase in the height of the dam will flood the area and residents will get displaced. The movement is to force the government to decrease the height of the dam and pay proper compensation to the people and assure rehabilitation for them.

Both the above mentioned movements are still going on for the human rights of people. The first movement was for freedom of expression, right to security and normal life as Indian citizens. The second movement focused on the right to shelter, food, employment and security of the people as citizens of India.

Question 4:

What are some of the problems faced by refugees? In what ways could the concept of global citizenship benefit them?

Answer:

Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, some sample pointers have been provided for your reference:

The following are some of the problems faced by refugees:

Refugees are not treated well by the local residents of the place.

They are considered as a burden on the local economy.

The local residents feel that refugees are snatching their job opportunities in that area.

The refugees are held responsible for spreading diseases, crime and polluting the area as they mostly live in slums and tents.

They are constrained to do useful and necessary work but at low wages.

Refugees face the problem of shelter, food and lack of employment.

Refugees are exempted from the rights that are given by the state to its people like enjoying the right of minimum standard of living and security.

  Thus, they are often exploited by the police and other local residents on grounds of the rights that they lack as a member of that state.

Global citizenship would be beneficial to refugees as it will be easier to deal with problems that extend across national boundaries and require cooperation of other states.

It would also help refugees and stateless people by providing them basic rights and solutions to their problems so that they can lead a normal life.

Question 5:

Migration of people to different regions within the country is often resisted by the local inhabitants.

What are some of the contributions that the migrants could make to the local economy?

Answer:

Migrants contribute greatly towards the economy of the state where they are working.

They perform useful work at lower wages and make up a large proportion of the service sector.

The goods and services provided by them are counted in the GDP.

Migrants bring new skills and techniques that can be adapted to suit local conditions.

Migrant workers also pay taxes and thus contribute to economic growth of their host region.

Question 6:

“Democratic citizenship is a project rather than an accomplished fact even in countries like India which grant equal citizenship”. Discuss some of the issues regarding citizenship being raised in India today.

Answer:

“Democratic citizenship is a project rather than an accomplished fact even in countries like India” as in democratic countries people are still far behind in fully enjoying the rights associated with democratic citizenship.

In the context of India, equality of rights is ensured for all citizens by the Constitution, but does not always translate on the ground.

Socio-economic inequality is a major factor preventing the access of all citizens to basic rights.

Citizens have the right to move and work freely anywhere within the territory, they have the right to enjoy basic facilities that are needed to survive and lead a healthy life but migrants are exempted from these rights as Indian citizens at some places.

  Besides migrants other citizens are not able to enjoy the rights fully. Girl children are not able to enjoy the basic right of education. Many poor children are forcefully engaged in child labour though these children have got certain fundamental rights in democratic India but they are not able to enjoy it.

  The issue of dual citizenship for people who reside outside the country is also a matter of debate and shows the dynamic nature of the concept of citizenship.

Therefore, it can be said that democratic citizenship is a project that has still to meet its goal rather than having accomplished it.

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 6 International Organizations Prepared by SUMAN KUMAR JHA

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 6 International Organisations

 TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED

1. Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements about the veto power:
(a) Only the permanent members of the Security Council possess the veto power.
(b) It’s a kind of negative power.
(c) The Secretary General uses this power when not satisfied with any decision.
(d) One veto can stall a Security Council resolution.
Answer: (a) Correct (b) Correct
(c) Wrong (d) Correct
(e) India (f) Maldives
(g) India (h) Nepal

2. Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements about the way the UN functions:
(a) All security and peace related issues are dealt within the Security Council.(b) Humanitarian policies are implemented by the main organs and specialised agencies spread across the globe.

(c) Having consensus among five permanent members on security issues is vital for its implementation.
(d) The members of the General Assembly are automatically the members of all other principal organs and specialised agencies of the UN.
Answer: (a) Correct (b) Wrong
(c) Correct (d) Wrong

3. Which among the following would give more weightage to India’s proposal for permanent membership in the Security Council?

(a) Nuclear capability(b) It has been a member of the UN since its inception.

(c) It is located in Asia.
(d) India’s growing economic power and stable political system.
Answer: (d) India’s growing economic power and stable political system.

 

4. The UN agency concerned with the safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology is:
(a) The UN Committee on Disarmament
(b) International Atomic Energy Agency
(c) UN International Safeguard Committee
(d) None of the above.
Answer: (b) International Atomic Energy Agency

5. WTO is serving as the successor to which of the following organisations:
(a) General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs
(b) General Arrangement on Trade and Tariffs
(c) World Health Organisation
(d) UN Development Programme
Answer: (a) General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs

6. Fill in the blanks:

(a) The prime objective of UN is
(b) The highest functionary of the UN is called
(c) The UN Security Council has permanent and non permanent members.
(d) is the present UN Secretary General.
Answer: (a) to maintain peace and security
(b) Secretariat
(c) 5, 10
(d) Ban-ki-Moon

7. Match the principal organs and agencies of the UN with their functions:

A. 1. Economic and Social Council
2. International Court of Justice
3. International Atomic Energy Agency
4. Security Council
5. UN High Commission for Refugees
6. World Trade Organisation
7. International Monetary Fund
8. General Assembly
9. World Health Organisation
10. Secretariat
B. (a) Oversees the global financial system.
(b) Reservation of international peace and security.
(c) Looks into the economic and social welfare of the member countries.
(d) Safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology.
(e) Resolves disputes between and among member countries.
(f) Provides shelter and medical help during emergencies.
(g) Debates and discusses global issues.
(h) Administration and coordination of UN affairs.
(i) Providing good health for all.
(j) Facilitates free trade among member countries.
Answer: 1. Economic and Social Council—
(c) Looks into the economic and social welfare of the member
countries.
2. International Court of Justice—
(e) Resolves disputes between and among member countries.
3. International Atomic Energy Agency—
(d) Safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology
4. Security Council—
(b) Reservation of international peace and security
5. UN High Commission for Refugees—
(f) Provides shelter and medical help during emergencies.
6. World Trade Organisations—
(j) Facilitates free trade among member countries.
7. International Monetary Fund—
(a) Overseas the global financial system.
8. General Assembly—
(g) Debates and discusses global issues.
9. World Health Organisation—
(j) Providing good health for all.
10. Secretariat—
(h) Administration and coordination of UN affairs.

8. What are the functions of Security Council?

Answer: Its main function is to maintain peace and security in the world and the other functions are as follows:
1. The Security Council recommends methods to adjust disputes among nations.
2. Security Council can take military action if required.
3. Security Council elects the judges of International Court of Justice and appoints the Secretary General by recommending to the General Assembly.
4. Security Council can apply economic sanction also to stop any aggression.
5. The Security Council can investigate the disputes in case a friction arises.

9. As a citizen of India, how would you support India’s candidature for the permanent membership of Security Council? Justify your proposal.
Answer: As a citizen of India, we may support India’s candidature for the permanent membership of Security Council in the following manner:
1. India is the most populous country in the world with one-fifth of world population.
2. India is world’s largest democracy.
3. India’s economic emergence on the World Stage.
4. India is a regular financial contributor to the UN.
5. India signifies a growing importance in world affairs in conduct of its foreign policy.
6. India participated in all the initiatives of the UN.

10. Critically evaluate the difficulties involved in implementing the suggested reforms to reconstruct the UN.

Answer: The following are the question marks in implementing the suggested reforms to reconstruct the UN:
1. How big an economic and military power may qualify to become UNSC membership?
2. What level of budget contribution should be enabled?
3. No guarantee to be effective as Council Member in respect for democracy and human rights.
4. Why should the issue of equitable representation decided by geography? Why not by levels of economic development?
5. Why not to give more seats to members of developing world?
All the above mentioned criteria which were adopted bud not universally accepted. Hence, the difficulties were involved.

11. Though the UN has failed in preventing wars and related miseries, nations prefer its continuation. What makes the UN an indispensable organisation?
Answer: 1. Interdependence and globalisation is not possible without the international organisations such as the UN.
2. To enforce cooperation on the issues of poverty, unemployment, environmental degradation, crime rate etc.
3. To provide financial assistance to developing countries to stabilise economy all over the world,, the UN and its specialised agencies are always required.
4. The UN works as a forum to solve any international dispute among nations and sort out the best possible way.
5. Hence, though the UN has failed in preventing related wars and miseries, despite the nations require its continuation due to above mentioned reasons to promote international peace and understanding.

12. “Reforming the UN means restructuring of the Security Council”. Do you agree with this statement? Give arguments for or against this position.
Answer: Yes, we agree with the statement because Security Council plays a crucial role in functioning of the UN. In today’s scenario power equations have been changed with the disintegration of USSR and many new countries are entering into the UN:
1. The UN charter has given a privileged position to permanent members to bring stability all over the world. This position remains the same and no one is allowed to enter.
2. Except permanent members enjoy veto power to be placed in a valuable position.
3. Permanent members category is from industrialised developed country which should be balanced by enhancing representation from developing countries to become either permanent or non-permanent members.
4. Hence, Security Council should reform and improve its working to make the UN more effective i.e., inclusion of member states should be judged on the basis of contribution to peace keeping initiatives.

MORE QUESTIONS

Very Short Answer Type Questions [1 Mark]
1. Who is present Secretary General of the United Nations?
Answer: Ban-Ki-Moon from South Korea.

2. Name any two member states of the European Union who are permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Answer: Britain and France

3. What is the main objective of the United Nations?
Answer: To prevent international conflict and to facilitate cooperation among states.

4. Mention any two agencies of the United Nations.
Answer: 1. International Monetary Fund.
2. World Health Organisation.
Ans. Amnesty International is an NGO, which was established to campaign for protection of human rights all over the world. Its objective is to promote respect for all the human beings and human rights in the universal declaration of Human Rights.

5. How many member countries have got veto power in the UN Security Council and why?
Answer: Five permanent member countries i.e France, Russia, UK, the US, China got veto power because they have been emerged as industrialised developed countries to stall any decision.

6. Mention any two advantages of having international organisation in the world?
Answer: 1. To help countries in the matters of conflicts and differences.
2. To make the countries cooperate and create better living conditions for humanity.

7. State any two objectives of the UN.
Answer: 1. To maintain international peace and security.
2. To facilitate cooperation among member countries by avoiding conflicts and war.

8. State any two objectives of Human Rights watch.
Answer: 1. To draw global media’s attention to human rights abuses.
2. To help in building international coalitions like the campaigns to ban land-mines, to stop the use of child soldier, and to establish international criminal court.

9. What reforms in the UN are required?
Answer: Following reforms are required in the UN:
1. Reform of the organisation’s structures and processes.
2. A review of the issues that fall within the jurisdiction of the organisation.
3. Reforms are required due to certain limitations to the UN i.e. only five members on permanent basis in the UN Security Council and their veto power, dominance of few powerful countries etc.

10. Discuss the resolution adopted by General Assembly in 1992 over the reform of the UN Security Council.
Answer: In 1992, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution, which reflected three main complaints:
1. The UN Security Council no longer represents contemporary political realities.
2. Its decisions reflect only western values and interests and are dominated by a few7 powers.
3. It lacks equitable representation. Considering above mentioned demands for restructuring of the UN on 01 January 1997, the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan initiated an enquiry into how the UN should be reformed.

11. What is the veto power? Should it be modified?
Answer: The veto power is a negative vote to stall any decision by five permanent members of UN Security Council. Sometimes the moves have been made to modify this but it is presumed to have a danger to lose interest by great powers, and without their support and involvement such organisation would become ineffective.

Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]
1. Critically evaluate the difficulties involved in implementing the suggested reforms to reconstruct the U.N.
Answer: In 1992, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution which reflected three main complaints—
• The Security Council no longer represents contemporary political realities.
• Its decisions reflect only Western values and interests and are dominated by a few powers.
• It lacks equitable representation. In view of these growing demands for the restructuring of the UN, on 1 January, 1997, the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan initiated an inquiry into how the UN should be reformed. How for instance, should new Security Council members be chosen?
1. India’s nuclear weapon capabilities
2. If India is included, some emerging powers (Brazil, Germany, Japan, South Africa) will also be accommodated.
3. France and the US advocate that Africa and South America must be represented for they do not have any representation in the present structure.

2. What steps should be taken to make the UN more relevant in the changing context?
Answer: (a) Creation of Peace Building Commission.
(b) Acceptance of responsibility of international community in case of failures of national governments to protect their own citizens from atrocities.
(c) Condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
(d) An agreement to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

Passage Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:
Countries have conflicteand differences with each other. That does not necessarily mean they must go to war to deal with their antagonisms. They can instead discuss contentious issues and find peaceful solutions, indeed, even though this is rarely noticed most conflicts and differences are resolved without going to war. The role of an international organisation is not a super-state with authority over its members. It is created by and responds to states. It comes into being when states agree to its creation. Once created, it can help member states resolve their problems peacefully.

Questions
1. Is this necessary to engage into wars during conflicts among countries?
2. Is an international organisation a super state?
3. What is the significance of international organisation?
Answer:
1. No, instead countries can discuss contentious issues to find peaceful solutions.
2. No, it is created by and responds to states and comes into being when study agrees to its creation.
3. To help member states to resolve problems peacefully without going to war.

2. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:
By 2006, the UN had 192 member states. These included almost all independent states. In the UN General Assembly, all members have one vote each. In the UN Security Council, there are five permanent members. These are the US, UK, Russia, France, China. These states were selected as permanent members as they were most powerful immediately after the Second World War and because they constituted the victors in the war.

Questions
1. How many member states were there in the UN 2006?
2. Name five permanent members of UN Security Council.
3. Why these states were selected as permanent?
Answer:
1. There were 192 member states in the UN by 2006.
2. The UK, US, China, Russia and France are the permanent members.
3. Because they were most powerful immediately after the Second World War and constituted the victors in the war.

Long Answer Type Questions [6 Marks]
1. Describe any six criteria for the new membership of Security Council as suggested after 1997.
Answer: A new member, as suggested after 1997, should be
(i ) A major economic power
(ii) A major military power.
(iii) A substantial contributor to the UN budget.
(iv) A big nation in terms of its populations.
(v) A nation that respects democracy and human rights
(vi) A country that would make the Council more representative of the world’s diversity in terms of geography, economic system, and culture.

2. Examine the role played by India in the implementation of UN policies and programmes.
Answer: 1. India believes that a strengthened and revitalised UN is desirable in the changing world.
2. India also supports an enhanced role for the UN in promoting development and cooperation among states.
3. India believes that the development
should be central to the UN’s agenda as it is a vital precondition for the maintenance of international peace and security.
4. India debates more representation in Security Council may enjoy greater support in world community.
5. India has major concern about restructuring of UN Security Council.
6. India supports the role of developing countries should be represented in Security Council in decision making.

3. How far did the UN perform its role successor fully in maintaining peace in the world? Explain.
Answer: 1. Interdependence and globalisation is not possible without the international organisations such as the UN.
2. To enhance cooperation on the issues of poverty, unemployment, environmental degradation, crime rate etc.
3. To provide financial assistance to developing countries to stabilise economy all over the world, the UN and its specialized agencies are always required.
4. The UN works as a forum to solve any international dispute among nations and sort out the best possible.
5. Hence, though the UN has failed in preventing any related wars and miseries, despite the nations require its continuation due to above mentioned reasons to promote international peace and understanding.

4. Suggest any six steps since 2005 to make the United Nations more relevant in the changing context.
Answer: In September 2005, the UN celebrated its 60th anniversary and leaders decided to make it more relevant in the changing context by following steps:
1. Creation of Peace Building Commission.
2. Acceptance of the responsibility of the international community in case of failures of national governments to protect their own citizens from atrocities.
3. Establishment of a Human Rights Council (Operational Since 19 June 2006).
4. Agreements to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
5. Condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
6. Creation of a Democracy Fund.
7. An agreement to wind up the Trusteeship Council.

5. Can the UN serve as a balance against the US dominance?
Answer: No, the UN can not serve against the US dominance in a comfort zone because:
1. The US has been the only superpower after 1991 and may ignore international organisations economically and militarily.
2. Its veto power can stop any move damaging its interests.
3. The US enjoys a considerable degree of say in the selection of the UN Secretary General.
Besides the above mentioned grounds, the UN is playing an effective role to argument against the US attitudes and policies and makes compromises and concessions even or the part of the US. The EU performs as an important bloc in International Economic Organisations such as WTO but SAARC has initiated SAFTA only to cooperate economically among its member states.

Picture/Map Based Questions[5 Marks]
A1. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. What does the cartoon represent?
2. Who is the person being commented in the cartoon?
3. What message does the cartoon convey?
Answer:
1. It represents role of the UN on attack on Lebanan by Israeli forces.
2. The UN Secretary General.
3. It conveys message on relevance of the UN as immediate follow-up was not there by Israeli forces despite passing a resolution from the UN.

2. Study the picture  given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. What does the cartoon represent?
2. What type of crisis does the cartoon show?
3. What message does the cartoon convey?
Answer:
1. A humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan.
2. Starvation, genocide, horror etc.
3. ‘A Big Helping of Words’ only because during these crises, the international organisations performed debates, speeches on these but no actual aid or support was reached to peoples.

B. On a political outline map of the world locate and label the following and symbolise them as indicated:

Questions
1. Five permanent members of UN Security Council and symbolise them as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
2. Locate and label peace keeping operations.
Answer:
1. 1. France 2. Russia
3. The UK
4. The US
5. China
2. (A) Cyprus 1964
(B) Lebanon 1978
(C) Israel 1974
(D) Sudan 2005
(E) East Timor 2006

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 

Political Science 

Chapter 6 

Judiciary 

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 NCERT Textbook Questions Solved Question 1. What are the different ways in which the independence of the judiciary is ensured? Choose the odd ones out. (i) Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is consulted in the appointment of other judges of Supreme Court. (ii) Judges are generally not removed before the age of retirement. (iii) Judge of a High Court cannot be transferred to another High Court. (iv) Parliament has no say in the appointment of judges. Answer: The different ways to ensure the independence of judiciary: (ii) The judges are generally not removed before the age of retirement. (iv) Parliament has no say in the appointment of judges. (i) and (iii) are the odd ones out. Question 2. Does independence of the judiciary mean that the judiciary is not accountable to any one? Write your answer in not more than 100 words. Answer: The independence of judiciary does not mean that judiciary is not accountable to any one. But it means: No other organ of the government would restrain the functioning of judiciary. The judges can perform their functions without any fear or favoritism. Judiciary is accountable to the constitution of India, to the people of India and to the democratic traditions. Question 3. What are the different provisions in the constitution in order to maintain the independence of judiciary? Answer: The independence of judiciary means that other organs of government should not interfere in the functioning and decisions of the judiciary and judiciary can perform its duties without any favour or f2ar. It enjoys various provisions in constitution to ensure independence of judiciary as follows: Parliament has no say in the appointment of judges to avoid politics. The judges enjoy a fixed tenure as they hold their office till the age of their retirement and the constitution prescribes very difficult procedure for exceptional cases if required. The action and decisions of the judges are immune from personal criticism. The salaries and allowances of the judges are not subjected to the approval of the legislature as per the constitution. The judiciary can penalise them who are found guilty of the contempt of court. The constitution specifically bars the Parliament from discussing the conduct of the judges except the impeachment proceedings. Question 4. Read the news report below and identify the following aspects: 1. What is the case about? 2. Who has been the beneficiary in the case? 3. Who is the petitioner in the case? 4. Visualize what would have been the different arguments put forward by the company. 5. What arguments would the farmers have put forward? Supreme Court orders REL to pay Rs 300 crore to Dahanu farmers: Our Corporate Bureau 24 March 2005: Mumbai: The Supreme Court has ordered Reliance Energy to pay Rs. 300 crores to farmers who grow the chikoo fruit in the Dahanu area outside Mumbai. The order comes after the chikoo growers petitioned the court against the pollution caused by Reliance’s thermal power plant. Dahanu, which is 150 km from Mumbai, was a self-sustaining agricultural and horticultural economy known for its fisheries and forests just over a decade ago, but was devastated in 1989 when a thermal power plant came into operation in the region. The next year, this fertile belt saw its first crop failure. Now, 70 per cent of the crop of what was once the fruit bowl of Maharashtra is gone. The fisheries have shut and the forest cover has thinned. Farmers and environmentalists say that fly ash from the power plant entered ground water and polluted the entire eco-system. The Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority ordered the thermal station to set up a pollution control unit to reduce sulphur emissions, and in spite of a Supreme Court order backing the order the pollution control plant was not set up even by 2002. In 2003, Reliance acquired the thermal station and re-submitted a schedule for installation process in 2004. As the pollution control plant is still not set up, the Dahanu Taluka Environmental Protection Authority asked Reliance for a bank guarantee of Rs. 300 crores. Answer: 1. A case of pollution by Reliance Thermal Power Plant. 2. The farmers have been beneficiary. 3. The chikoo growers of Dahanu. 4. The main contention of Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority and the Supreme Court was setting up of a pollution control plant. Reliance acquired the plant in 2003, so it pleaded for further extension of time limit for setting up of pollution control plant.’ The pollution was not wholly of its making as it had acquired the plant in 2003. Accordingly, it had argued for the reduction of penalty. 5. The farmers might have argued that since Reliance had failed in its commitment to install the pollution control unit in 2004, it did not have intentions to do it, so it must be penalized to some greater extent. Question 5. Read the following news report and, 1. Identify the governments at different levels 2. Identify the role of Supreme Court 3. What elements of the working of judiciary and executive can you identify in it? 4. Identify the policy issues, matters related to legislation, implementation and interpretation of the law involved in this case. Centre, Delhi join hands on CNG issue: By Our Staff Reporter, The Hindu 23 September 2001: NEW DELHI, SEPT. 22. The Centre and the Delhi Government today agreed to jointly approach the Supreme Court this coming week… for phasing out of all non-CNG commercial vehicles in the Capital. They also decided to seek a dual fuel policy for the city instead of putting the entire transportation system on the single-fuel mode “which was full of dangers and would result in disaster.” It was also decided to discourage the use of CNG by private vehicle owners in the Capital. Both governments would press for allowing the use of 0.05 per cent low sulphur diesel for running of buses in the Capital. In addition, it would be pleaded before the Court that all commercial vehicles, which fulfil the Euro-II standards, should be allowed to ply in the city. Though both the Centre and the State would file separate affidavits, these would contain common points. The Centre would also go out and support the Delhi Government’s stand on the issues concerning CNG. These decisions were taken at a meeting between the Delhi Chief Minister, Ms. Sheila Dikshit, and the Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Mr. Ram Naik. Ms. Dikshit said the Central Government would request the court that in view of the high powered Committee appointed under Dr. R.A. Mashelkar to suggest an “Auto Fuel Policy’” for the entire country, it would be appropriate to extend the deadline as it was not possible to convert the entire 10,000-odd bus fleet into CNG during the prescribed time frame. The Mashelkar Committee is expected to submit its report within a period of six months. The Chief Minister said time was required to implement the court directives. Referring to the coordinated approach on the issue, Ms. Dikshit said this would take into account the details about the number of vehicles to be run on CNG, eliminating long queues outside CNG filling stations, the CNG fuel requirements of Delhi and the ways and means to implement the directive of the court. The Supreme Court had …refused to relax the only CNG norm for the city’s buses but said it had never insisted on CNG for taxis and auto rickshaws. Mr. Naik said the Centre would insist on allowing use of low sulphur diesel for buses in Delhi as putting the entire transportation system dependent on CNG could prove to be disastrous. The Capital relied on pipeline supply for CNG and any disruption would throw the public transport system out of gear. Answer: The central government and the Delhi Government. The role of the Supreme Court is to see that the government policies and actions at central and states levels should be in tune with the parameters of the pollution control regimes. If not, it has to see that governments should comply with these parameters. Example- the Supreme Court had asked for phasing out all non-CNG vehicles on 22 September 2001 within a week. But some difficulties arose in its implementation, hence the Supreme Court later breathed to the government that it had never insisted on CNG for taxis and auto rickshaws but it refused to relax the only CNG norm for city’s buses. The Supreme Court was concerned about the environmental degradation in the city and to stop delaying to the cities of Delhi Government, it had come heavily and had directed for phasing out of all non CNG commercial vehicles in a week. It is the duty of the government to ensure a pollution free environment on the basis of check and balance approach between the executive and judiciary. The judiciary has to see that the government does not bypass its commitments. The contempt of court may follow if the government does not comply with the direction of the Supreme Court. Question 6. The following is a statement about Ecuador. What similarities or differences do you find between this example and the judicial system in India? “It would be helpful if a body of common law, or judicial precedent, existed that could clarify a journalist’s rights. Unfortunately, Ecuador’s courts don’t work that way. Judges are not forced to respect the rulings of higher courts in previous cases. Unlike the US, an appellate judge in Ecuador (or elsewhere in South America, for that matter) need not provide a written decision explaining the legal basis of a ruling. A judge may rule one way today and the opposite way, in a similar case, tomorrow, without explaining why.” Answer: No similarity is found in this example between Ecuador and India because: In India, judicial decisions play an important role in the form of sources of law-making. The judges give their own interpretations to decide the cases to expand or modify laws. The rulings of the Supreme Court and high courts are often quoted by lawyers with effect and authority. In the example given above, it would be helpful if a body of common or judicial precedent existed to clarify a journalist’s right. In Ecuador, the judiciary does not work in the same manner, hence judicial decisions do not become the precedents and the judge may rule one way today and the other way tomorrow without explaining why. Question 7. Read the following statements. Match them with the different jurisdictions the Supreme Court can exercise – Original, Appellate, and Advisory. 1. The government wanted to know if it can pass a law about the citizenship status of residents of Pakistan-occupied areas of Jammu and Kashmir. 2. In order to resolve the dispute about river Cauvery the government of Tamil Nadu wants to approach the court. 3. Court rejected the appeal by people against the eviction from the dam site. Answer: Original Jurisdiction: The cases which can be directly considered by the Supreme Court without going to the lower courts earlier. Appellate Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal against the decisions of the high courts but it should be certified that the case is fit for appeal. Advisory Jurisdiction: The President can refer any matter which is of public interest but is not binding on the President to accept the advice’s as it is. The government wanted to know if it can pass a law about the citizenship status of residents of Pakistan-occupied areas of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an Advisory Jurisdiction. In order to resolve the dispute about river Cauvery the government of Tamil Nadu wants to approach the court.It is an Original jurisdiction. Court rejected the appeal by people against the eviction from the dam site. It is an Appellate Jurisdiction. Question 8. In what way can public interest litigation help the poor? Answer: Since 1979, the court has changed the trend for the poor in the situation or case, if the case was filed by others on behalf of aggrieved persons. This case involved an important issue of public interest which involved the betterment of life conditions of the poor. Even the voluntary organisations sought judicial intervention for protection of existing rights of the poor. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a tool. For judicial activism which include protection of environment, prohibition of trafficking especially of women, bonded labour, grievances of weaker sections and relief for under trial prisoners in jail, etc. Example: Hussainara Khatoon vs. Bihar case, a petition was filed by an advocate in favour of many prisoners in Bihar who spent long years in jail and released after the Supreme Court heard the case. The problems of the poor are of different kinds which can be solved by the intervention of Supreme Court after filing Public Interest Litigation (PIL). Question 9. Do you think that judicial activism can lead to a conflict between the judiciary and the executive? Why? Answer: Yes, the judicial activism can lead to a conflict between the judiciary and the executive because judicial activism has a great impact on the political system. Judicial activism make the electoral system much more easy by making it free and fair. The courts guided the candidates to file an affidavit which gives details of their assets and income alongwith educational qualification to let the voters know about them and to make executive much more accountable. This gives a dissatisfaction to the candidates and judicial activism has blurred the line of distinction between the executive and legislature on the one hand and the judiciary on the other. The court has been involved in resolving issues which belong to the executive. Reducing air or sound pollution or investigating cases of corruption or bringing about electoral reform is not the duty of judiciary, these are the duties to be performed by the executive. Hence, sometimes judicial activism can lead to a conflict between the judiciary and executive. Question 10. How is judicial activism related to the protection of fundamental rights? Has it helped in expanding the scope of fundamental rights? Answer: The constitution of India grants the following Fundamental Rights to its citizens: Right to Equality Right to Freedom Right against Exploitation Right to Freedom of Religion Cultural and Educational Rights Right to Constitutional Remedies All the said fundamental rights are protected under the ‘Right to constitutional Remedies’ (Article 32 and 226) by providing the writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, quo-warranto, prohibition and certiorari. The Supreme Court can declare the concerned law as unconstitutional and therefore non-operational. (Article 13). The power of judicial review of the Supreme Court on the ground that they violate the fundamental rights. Hence, judiciary is enabled to protect the constitution effectively and the rights of citizens as well. The practice of entertaining the Public Interest Litigation has also further added to the power of the judiciary in protecting the rights of citizens. Various writs under Right to Constitutional Remedies: Habeas Corpus: If somebody is taken into custody against the spirit of laws. The detainer is ordered to produce the detainee before the court. Mandamus: Issued by Supreme Court to the lower court, official, etc. To protect the right of petitioner and to get duties done by authority against whom writ is issued. Quo warranto: Issued to individual who has usurped a public office. Through the writ, the person is asked to hold the said office. Prohibition: Issued by a higher court to a lower court. It is issued when either the lower court exercises the powers beyond its limitations. Certiorari: Issued alongwith the writ of prohibition. A higher court orders a lower court to send the records concerned with a care therewith to the former. Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 NCERT Extra Questions Solved Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 NCERT Very Short Answer Type Questions Question 1. What do you mean by judiciary? Answer: Judiciary is an important organ of the government to punish those who violate the laws passed by legislature. Question 2. Name the highest judicial authority in India. Answer: The Supreme Court of India in Delhi. Question 3. Mention the age of retirement of a judge of high court. Answer: The age of retirement of a judge is 62 years or he can resign also before completion of his retirement age. Question 4. In how many categories, can the court cases be divided? Answer: Civil cases, i.e. matters related to money, property, inheritance, marriage disputes, etc. Criminal cases, i.e. theft, robbery, murder, etc. Question 5. Mention the qualifications of a high court judge. Answer: He should be a citizen of India. He must have been an advocate in any high court of India. He must have worked for at least 10 years on judicial post. Question 6. Mention the jurisdiction of powers of the Supreme Court. Answer: Original, Appellate and Advisory jurisdiction. Question 7. What do you mean by Lok Adalats? Answer: Lok Adalats are popular courts which decide cases at a much quicker speed. Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 NCERT Short Answer Type Questions Question 1. Write down the composition of the Supreme Court of India. Answer 1. Supreme Court of India consists of a Chief Justice and 25 other judges. The judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President in the consultation with such judge to whom he feels appropriate for the same? In appointing other judges, the President will consult with the Chief Justice of India. A judge of Supreme Court holds office till the age of 65 years. Question 2. How can a judge of Supreme Court be removed from his office? Answer: A judge of the Supreme Court can be removed from his office before his term expires on the ground of incapacity or misbehavior if Parliament approves it by a majority of two-third members of the Parliament (Both the houses) present and voting. Finally, the President exercises the right to remove a judge if impeachment is proved. Question 3. What is the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court? Answer: The Supreme Court enjoys the original jurisdiction in the following: A case where jurisdiction can be initiated at first instance. Between the union of India and any state or states and one or more states on the either side. Between the union and one or more states. Between two or more states. Question 4. What are the Advisory Powers of the Supreme Court of India? Answer: The Supreme Court advises the President on matters of public importance and law after full consideration of the subject concerned. It is upto the President only either he accepts the advice or not. Question 5. What is the composition of a high court in a state? Answer: The number of judges in the high court is not fixed. It is fixed by the President only. Every high court has a Chief Justice and other judges to be fixed by the President. On the appointment of Chief Justice, the President consults the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the state concerned. While other members’ appointment is consulted with the Governor of state and Chief Justice of high court. Question 6. What is judicial review exercised by the high court? Answer: High court can strike down any order or law of the state of the executive if it violates the provision of the constitution or takes away the fundamental rights of people. Question 7. What are the powers of the high court? The matters concerning the fundamental rights, will and contempt filed directly in the high court. A high court controls the working of the lower courts as it lays down rules and regulation for their working. It entertains the appeals against lower courts in civil or criminal cases to be decided by session judge or district judge. Question 8. How can a judge of the high court be removed from the office? Answer: Under Article 124, the President will make order to remove a judge only after an address of each house of Parliament to be supported by two-third majority of members present and voting. Question 9. What are the powers of the District Court? Answer: Deals with the cases arising in a district. Considers appeals on decisions of lower courts. Decides cases of serious criminal offences Question 10. Give some suggestions to ensure speedy and inexpensive justice in India. Answer: The instruments of judicial activism should be availed, i.e. Public Interest Litigation which has expanded the idea of rights and duties even to those, who cannot approach the courts easily. The pendency of cases should be expediated and decided at the earliest possible. Some new courts should be established as well as the fees of courts and advocates should be controlled upto minimum extent. Lok Adalats should be established more and these should be publicised also, so that maximum people could get justice in a speedy manner. Question 11. What is the jurisdiction of the high courts? Answer: The high courts are empowered to issue orders, directions and writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights and for any other purpose also. The high courts of Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata exercises original jurisdiction as they had before the enforcement of the new constitution on the cases involving hearing of Christians Parsis. The above-mentioned high courts also exercise the original jurisdiction when the amount involved is more than ? 2,000 and in criminal cases, it extends to cases committed to them by presidency Magistrates. The jurisdiction of the high courts also extends to the matters of administration, matrimonial, contempt of court and cases transferred from a lower court. Question 3. What are Lok Adalats? Explain. Answer: Lok Adalats resolve disputes on the basis of discussion, counselling to provide speedy and Chief Justice alongwith the mutual and free consultation of the parties concerned. Lok Adalats reduce time and expenditure also. These were established to eliminate delay in imparting justice and to speed up clearance of pending cases earliest possible. In 1985, in Delhi, the first Lok Adalat was held and 150 cases were decided within a single day. Question 4. What is Public Interest Litigation? Explain. Answer: The Public Interest Litigation was initiated by some judges of the Supreme Court. PIL can register a complaint through an application or mentioned on postcartd. PIL has been used to provide reliefs for undertrial prisoners in jails, acquisitions of cycle, rickshaws by licensed rickshaw pullers, prohibition of human trafficking, etc. Due importance is given to the weaker sections, bonded labour, women and children. The PIL acquired new dimensions under the leadership of former Chief Justice P.N. Bhagwati. Question 5. What is the importance of judiciary in a democratic country like India? Answer: Judiciary plays an important role in imparting justice to people due to complex nature of society. Hence, it performs the following functions: The judiciary acts as a custodian of the constitution by interpreting it in a proper manner as it can declare any law passed by legislature ultra vires and unconstitutional if it is against the spirit of constitution. The judiciary performs the legislative functions by way of giving judge made laws to fill up the gap between the legislature and society. The judiciary performs some administrative functions by keeping a check on the smooth functioning of each court. The judiciary advice’s the head of the state on the validity of particular law so that it can not be declared unconstitutional after it is passed. It is the duty of the judiciary to see whether the people could enjoy their fundamental rights without any contradiction. The judiciary look after minors, issues licenses, grant probates, bails and administer oath of office, etc. Question 6. Mention those factors which ensure the independence of the judiciary in India. Answer: Judges of Supreme Court and high court are appointed by the President of India on the consultation of Chief Justice and governor of the state in the case of high court. Hence, appointment of judges make it independent, free from any pressure of political parties. The judges of India are supposed to be highly qualified because a highly qualified person can judge the cases in an independent manner as’ well as they are expertise of law on the basis of experience of five or ten years as an advocate. The method to remove judges in India, is very difficult because no judge can be removed from the post before he attains the age of retirement. A judge enjoys a fixed tenure of his service till the age of retirement and avails more experience and delivers justice on honest and sincere basis. To make judges impartial they are provided with the handsome salaries so that they could not accept bribe or run after money. Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 NCERT Passage Based Questions Passage 1. Read the passage (NCERT Textbook, page 141) given below carefully and answer the questions that follow: The Indian Constitution is based on a delicate principle of limited separation of powers and checks and balances. This means that each organ of the government has a clear area of functioning. Thus, the Parliament is supreme in making laws and amending the Constitution, the executive is supreme in implementing them while the judiciary is supreme in settling disputes and deciding whether the laws that have been made are in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. Despite such clear cut division of power the conflict between the Parliament and judiciary, and executive and the judiciary has remained a recurrent theme in Indian politics. Questions: 1. What is the base of Indian constitution? 2. What are the main functions of Parliament and executive? 3. Mention one important function of judiciary. Answers: 1. The Indian constitution is based on a delicate principle of limited separation of powers and checks and balances mean each organ of government has clear area of functioning 2. The Parliament is supreme in law making and amending the constitution while the executive implements them. 3. The judiciary is supreme in settling disputes and deciding whether the laws have been made according to the provisions of constitution. Passage 2. Read the passage (NCERT Textbook, page 139) given below carefully and answer the questions that follow: Besides, as we saw in the section on jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, in the case of federal relations too, the Supreme Court can use the review powers if a law is inconsistent with the distribution of powers laid down by the Constitution. Suppose, the central government makes a law, which according to some States, concerns a subject from the State list. Then the States can go to the Supreme Court and if the court agrees with them, it would declare that the law is unconstitutional. In this sense, the review power of the Supreme Court includes power to review legislations on the ground that they violate fundamental rights or on the ground that they violate the federal distribution of powers. The review power extends to the laws passed by State legislatures also. Questions: 1. What is judicial review by the Supreme Court? 2. What does judicial review consist of? 3. How does judicial review extend in the federal distribution of power? Answers: 1. The judicial review is the power of the Supreme Court to examine the constitutionality of any law. 2. It consists that the Supreme Court can strike down a law that goes against fundamental rights. 3. Suppose, the central government makes a law concerning some subjects from state list. Then the state can go to the Supreme Court and if court agrees with them, can declare it unconstitutional. Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 NCERT Long Answer Type Questions Question 1. Explain the composition, original and appellate jurisdiction of Supreme Court of India. Answer: Composition: As per Article 124 (1) of the constitution provides that Parliament does not make provisions for the appointment of judges through a law as the Supreme Court shall have a Chief Justice and seven other judges. But this number has been increased several times by Parliament. Hence, at present there is a Chief Justice and 25 other judges. Appointment and Tenure: The Chief Justice is appointed by the President of India and other judges are also appointed by the President on consultation with the Chief Justice. The judges hold their office till the age of retirement till they complete 65 years of age. Original Jurisdiction: As per Article 32, the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court extends, to issue various writs to enforce Fundamental Rights of the people and the high court enjoys concurrent jurisdiction over them. The following cases of center and states directly come under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court: The dispute between the central government and state government. The central government and one or more states on the one hand and one or more states on the other or Two or more states are involved in the disputes. But no such case will come under its jurisdiction (original) which is concerned with a treaty of contract to be negotiated before the enforcement of the constitution or a contract in which it is given specifically that the contract will not be taken to the Supreme Court. Appellate Jurisdiction: The Appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is classified into three types as constitutional, criminal and civil: 1. Constitutional Appeals: An appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision of high court for the interpretation of the constitution. Such appeal can be brought to the Supreme Court if high court certifies to require an interpretation in that particular case. If the Supreme Court grants a special leave of appeal. 2. Criminal Appeals: If high court certifies that a case is fit to take to the Supreme Court for an appeal. If a criminal acquitted by a lower court and is sentenced to death by high court. If a high court awards death sentence in a case which it had taken from a lower court undecided. 3. Civil Cases’ Appeals: The 30th amendment in 1972 brought some significant changes in civil proceedings against a judgement of high court required that the amount involved in subject matter of dispute should not be less than ? 20,000 for invoking the Appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. Question 2. Explain the composition and jurisdiction of the subordinate courts at the district level in India. Answer: The jurisdiction of the subordinate courts at the district level is classified into: (a) The Criminal Courts (b) The Civil Courts (c) The Revenue Courts (а) The criminal courts: The highest court in a district is the District and session judges’ court to be empowered to hear both the civil and criminal cases. The District and Session judges, both are the same person’ in case of hearing of civil cases, the same judge is known as session judge. He is appointed by the Governor of the state in the consultation with the Chief Justice of the high court under whose jurisdiction the state falls. Some other session judges can also be appointed if required. He hears appeals from subordinate courts in the matters of serious crimes, i.e. murder, dacoities, etc. He is empowered to award the sentence to death but this should be confirmed by the high court. The lowest criminal court in the district is third class Magistrate to hear small cases of beating and quarreling and is empowered to sentence one month’s imprisonment and fine of up to ? 50 only. The second class magistrate comes next to the above mentioned to hear the cases of some more graver nature and is empowered to sentence for six months’ imprisonment and fine up to ? 200 only. Then, comes first class Magistrate above them to enjoy appellate and original jurisdiction both in the cases involving a sentence of imprisonment up to two years and a fine up to ? 1,000. Against the first class Magistrate’s courts, the appeals can be filed in the district and session courts. (b) The Civil Courts: The district judge is the highest civil court in a district. There are many sub-judges under him under various courts, to be divided into several ranks. These sub-judges can hear the cases involving an amount of? 5,000 only, who possess original jurisdiction and hear the appeals against MursiPs court also. The Munsif court is competent to hear the cases involving an amount of ? 2,000 only. Some courts competent to hear small cases involving an amount of? 1,000 have also been established and against the decision of this court, no appeal can be made because very experienced persons are appointed as judges here. There are also some senior civil judges to help the district judges who generally possess the powers of a district judges. (c) Revenue courts: Revenue courts hear the appeals relating to revenue of the district. The lowest Revenue court is the court of Naib Tehsildar and above him, the court of Tehsildar to hear the revenue cases. The highest revenue court in the district is the court of Collector (Deputy Commissioner). Appeals against Deputy Commissioner’s court can be made in the court of commissioner. The appeals against commissioner’s court can be made in Board of Revenue and above it to the high court if required. Question 3. What is the importance of the judicial review of the Supreme Court of India? Answer: Judicial review is an examination by the courts in the cases of legislative status and executive and administrative acts to determine either they are prohibited by a written constitution or it is deemed to be in conflict with the basic law of constitution. The Supreme Court acts as the guardian and finds interpreter of the constitution: Under Article 32(2) of the constitution, the Supreme Court will decide whether a law in connection with the enforcement of the Fundamental Rights is void or not in its review, or issue the writs if required. Under Article 24, court can review the extent of law made by legislatures of states. Under Article 246(3), the legislatures of any state has exclusive powers to make law on the subject in state list. Under Article 254, the Supreme Court can also decide any inconsistency between the law made by legislatures of the state. Importance To interpret properly to the written constitution, the judicial review is necessary. To secure the public interests and safety of the states, the judicial review is necessary to protect the civil liberties. To understand some technical words and language in the constitution, the judicial review is must. Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 NCERT Picture-Based Questions 1. Read the cartoon (NCERT Textbook, page 135) given below and answer the questions that follow: NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 Judiciary Picture Based Questions Q1 Questions: 1. What is the cartoon about? 2. What message is being conveyed through the cartoon? 3. What are the instruments of Judicial Activism? Answers: 1. The cartoon is about Judicial Activism. 2. The cartoon conveys that the judiciary has ruled that bandhs and hartals are illegal. 3. Public Interest Litigation or Social Action Litigation to file complaints of those who cannot reach the court and initiated by others for their grievances. Political Science Class 11 NCERT Solution