A decade of POCSO cases in Telangana: Over half remain pending trial as judicial backlog delays justice

With reference to Indian Judiciary, consider the following statements:

1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with prior permission of the President of India.
2. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 Only
2. B. 2 Only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements:

1. The Constitution of India defines its ‘basic 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?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2 only
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements :
1. The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
2. The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court and no judgement can be made on it.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental Rights?

1. A. 1st Amendment
2. B. 42nd Amendment
3. C. 44th Amendment
4. D. 86thAmendment

The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in

1. A. the President of India
2. B. the Parliament
3. C. the Chief Justice of India
4. D. the Law Commission

With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements:

1. No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to be constitutionally invalid.
2. An amendment to the Constitution of India cannot be called into question by the Supreme Court of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. None of the above

With reference to the Constitution of India, prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142. It could mean which one of the following?

1. A. The decisions taken by the Election Commission of India while discharging its duties cannot be challenged in any court of law.
2. B. The Supreme Court of India is not constrained in the exercise of its powers by laws made by the Parliament.
3. C. In the event of grave financial crisis in the country, the President of India can declare Financial Emergency without the counsel from the Cabinet.
4. D. State legislatures cannot make laws on certain matters without the concurrence of Union Legislature.

A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to :

1. A. a government officer prohibiting him from taking a particular action.
2. B. the Parliament/Legislative Assembly to pass a law on Prohibition.
3. C. the lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case.
4. D. the Government prohibiting it from following an unconstitutional policy.

Consider the following statements:
1. If the election of the President of India is declared void by the Supreme Court of India, all acts done by him/her in the performance of duties of his/her office of President before the date of decision become invalid.
2. Election for the post of the President of India can be postponed on the ground that some Legislative Assemblies have been dissolved and elections are yet to take place.
3. When a Bill is presented to the President of India, the Constitution prescribes time limits within which he/she has to declare his/her assent.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. A. Only one
2. B. Only two
3. C. All three
4. D. None

In India, Judicial Review implies -

1. A. The power of the Judiciary to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders.
2. B. The power of the Judiciary to question the wisdom of the laws enacted by the Legislatures.
3. C. The power of the Judiciary to review all the legislative enactments before they are assented to by the President.
4. D. The power of the Judiciary to review its own judgements given earlier in similar or different cases.

Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.

Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.

How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue.

Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources.

How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning?

According to the article, which of the following provisions is mandated by the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012?

1. A. Establishment of a minimum conviction rate of 10% in all cases.
2. B. Introduction of a 'Romeo and Juliet' clause for adolescent consensual relationships.
3. C. Establishment of Special Courts to ensure speedy trials in cases involving child sexual abuse.
4. D. Mandatory closure of cases by police within 90 days if evidence is insufficient.

The article highlights several factors contributing to the significant judicial backlog and low conviction rates in POCSO cases. Which of the following is NOT identified as a contributing factor?

1. A. Lack of dedicated judicial officers and exclusive POCSO courts.
2. B. Insufficient evidence and hostile witnesses.
3. C. Delays in investigation and procedural lapses.
4. D. Over-reliance on digital evidence without physical corroboration.

The Supreme Court recently urged the Union Government to consider introducing a 'Romeo and Juliet' clause. What is the primary objective of this proposed clause as discussed in the article?

1. A. To increase the punishment for predatory sexual offences against children.
2. B. To provide legal immunity to all individuals involved in consensual relationships, regardless of age.
3. C. To exempt genuine consensual relationships between adolescents close in age from criminal prosecution.
4. D. To mandate compulsory sex education in schools to prevent child sexual abuse.

Despite the statutory provisions for speedy trials under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the establishment of Fast Track Special Courts, the criminal justice system continues to grapple with significant backlogs and low conviction rates in POCSO cases. Critically analyze the multifaceted reasons behind these challenges and suggest comprehensive measures to ensure timely justice for child survivors.

Introduce the problem of backlog and low conviction rates in POCSO cases. Elaborate on judicial, investigative, and societal factors contributing to these challenges. Conclude by proposing comprehensive reforms including judicial, police, and legislative measures to improve the justice delivery system for child survivors.

The Supreme Court's suggestion for a 'Romeo and Juliet' clause to exempt genuine consensual relationships between adolescents from criminal prosecution is aimed at reducing the burden on the justice system. Examine the potential benefits and challenges of introducing such a clause, considering its implications for both the efficiency of the courts and the protection of children.

Explain the concept and objective of the proposed 'Romeo and Juliet' clause. Discuss its potential benefits, such as reducing judicial burden and allowing focus on genuine abuse cases. Subsequently, outline the challenges and concerns, including potential legal complexities, misuse, and the impact on child protection, presenting a balanced perspective.