Theme T85 · Constitution & Polity

Judicial appointments & independence: collegium, NJAC

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What UPSC asks

Questions ask about the collegium vs NJAC, judicial independence, and comparison of SC appointments with the US.

Prepare these

• Three Judges cases, NJAC judgment
• Merits and demerits of collegium
• US appointment process

Answer writing

• Comparative table where asked

Directive words in these PYQs: Examine (2), Critically (2), Discuss (1), Comment (1).

Linked themes

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Later themes that take this one further.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L6 — Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

All 3 PYQs, newest first

1. GS2202515 marks · 250 wordsGS2-POL-12-M2025-Q13

   Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.

   Also needs: T97 Comparative constitutions: UK, USA, FranceCopyReport a typo
2. GS2202310 marks · 150 wordsGS2-POL-12-M2023-Q01

   “Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy”. Comment.

   CopyReport a typo
3. GS22017GS2-POL-12-M2017-S01

   Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India.

   CopyReport a typo