The Indian Judiciary is an integrated and independent constitutional system headed by the Supreme Court that interprets laws, enforces fundamental rights, and maintains constitutional supremacy.
UPSC routinely examines the judiciary through the lens of constitutional balance, focusing on judicial review, judicial activism versus judicial overreach, and the friction between executive discretion and judicial oversight. Questions frequently ask candidates to critically analyze structural challenges such as case pendency, judicial appointments, and accountability mechanisms like the collegium system. Answers require a balanced, constitutional assessment emphasizing systemic reforms, legal access, and institutional efficiency.