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Class 8 The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society: cheat sheet
CBSE Social Science. What justice means, the Supreme Court and High Courts, Public Interest Litigation, tribunals, and other ways to settle disputes: Lok Adalats, Gram Nyayalayas, arbitration and mediation.
Key ideas
- Substantive justice is a fair outcome; procedural justice is a fair process where everyone is heard.
- The Supreme Court is the highest court, then the High Courts, then the subordinate (district) courts closest to the people.
- The judiciary must be independent so judges can decide without pressure from anyone powerful.
- A writ petition asks the Supreme Court or a High Court to enforce Fundamental Rights.
- A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a case filed on a matter of public concern.
- Tribunals decide particular kinds of disputes, such as the National Green Tribunal for the environment.
- In arbitration the arbitrator decides and both sides are bound; in mediation the mediator only helps them agree.
Remember
| Retirement age | Supreme Court 65, High Court 62 |
| Appoints Supreme Court judges | the President |
| Supreme Court began | 26 January 1950 |
| Supreme Court jurisdiction | original, appellate, advisory (also writs) |
| Lok Adalat | people’s court that settles disputes amicably |
| Gram Nyayalaya | mobile village court |
| Years left to serve | retirement age − present age |
Watch out
- Swapping the retirement ages: 65 for the Supreme Court, 62 for High Courts.
- Mixing up arbitration (a binding decision) and mediation (help to agree).
- Thinking only the person affected can file a PIL: anyone can, on a matter of public concern.
Worked example
Judge A joins the Supreme Court at 58; Judge B joins a High Court at 57. How many years can each serve before retiring (Supreme Court 65, High Court 62)?
Working: 65 − 58; 62 − 57
Answer: A: 7 years; B: 5 years
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