Explanation
- A
the power of the Judiciary to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders.
Judicial review in India is the power of constitutional courts to strike down laws and executive acts that violate the Constitution. Constitutionality, not legislative wisdom, is the test. That is the official key.
- B
the power of the Judiciary to question the wisdom of the laws enacted by the Legislatures.
Courts do not sit in appeal over whether a policy is wise if it is otherwise constitutional. Questioning wisdom is the political process. This option is not the key.
- C
the power of the Judiciary to review all the legislative enactments before they are assented to by the President.
There is no routine pre-enactment judicial clearance of every Bill before the President’s assent. Review is ordinarily after a law exists and is challenged. This option is therefore wrong.
- D
the power of the Judiciary to review its own judgements given earlier in similar or different cases.
A court revisiting its own earlier rulings is prospective overruling or a larger bench, not the definition of judicial review of legislation. This option is not the key.
Summary. Official key is (a) the power of the Judiciary to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders. Indian judicial review rests on a written Constitution, fundamental rights and Articles 13, 32 and 226. Wisdom of policy, prior assent-vetting of all Bills, and intra-court overruling are different ideas. Only (a) is judicial review as asked.
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
-
2025 · Q86 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements with regard to pardoning power of the President of India : I. The exercise of this power by the President can be subjected to limited judicial review. II. The President can exercise this power without the advice of the Central Government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? -
2023 · Q34 · General Studies · 2 marks
In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental Rights? -
2020 · Q13 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of India defines its structure in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy. 2. The Constitution of India provides for 'Judicial review' to safeguard the citizens' liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based. Which of the statements given above is are correct? -
2019 · Q45 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. The 44th Amendment to the Constitution of India introduced an Article placing the election of the Prime Minister beyond judicial review. 2. The Supreme Court of India struck down the 99th Amendment to the Constitution of India as being violative of the independence of judiciary. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?