NCERT Class 8 Social Science Social And Political Life: Chapter 4 — The Judiciary
This chapter introduces students to the judiciary, a crucial component of the Indian government, and its role in upholding the rule of law. It explains the importance of an independent judiciary for fair functioning, using familiar examples to convey complex ideas. The chapter illustrates the judicial structure through a case study and encourages discussion on other cases to deepen understanding of the judicial process. It also highlights the concept of 'access to justice,' focusing on Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and the issue of delays in justice delivery. The content aims to reinforce students' knowledge of Fundamental Rights and the judiciary's significant role in constitutional principles.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Social And Political Life |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — The Judiciary |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 252 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the role and importance of the judiciary in a democracy.
- Explain the concept of an independent judiciary and why it is essential.
- Describe the basic structure and functioning of the judicial system.
- Recognize the significance of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in ensuring access to justice.
- Discuss the challenges related to delays in the judicial process.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Judiciary | The system of courts of justice of a country or region. |
| Rule of Law | The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced. |
| Independent Judiciary | A judiciary that is free from interference from the executive and legislative branches of government. |
| Criminal Justice System | The system of practices and institutions of governments directed at upholding social control, deterring and mitigating crime, or suffering societal reaction to the criminal law. |
| Public Interest Litigation (PIL) | Litigation filed in a court of law for the protection of 'Public Interest'. |
| Access to Justice | The ability of people to seek and obtain remedies through formal or informal justice systems, as well as other mechanisms which enforce their rights. |
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Practice questions
- What is the primary role of the judiciary in a country? Answer: The judiciary upholds the rule of law, interprets laws, and resolves disputes.
- Why is an independent judiciary considered important? Answer: An independent judiciary ensures fair judgments without external pressure or influence.
- What is Public Interest Litigation (PIL)? Answer: PIL is a legal action taken to protect the public interest, often filed by citizens or groups.
- What is one challenge faced by the judicial system mentioned in the chapter? Answer: A significant challenge is the delay in providing justice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main subject of NCERT Class 8 Social Science Chapter 4?
Chapter 4, 'The Judiciary,' discusses the role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice.
Why is the independence of the judiciary important?
The independence of the judiciary is key to its functioning as it allows judges to make decisions impartially, without fear or favour.
What is Public Interest Litigation (PIL)?
PIL is a mechanism that allows citizens or groups to approach the courts for the protection of public interest or fundamental rights.
What does 'access to justice' mean in the context of the chapter?
Access to justice means that all citizens should be able to approach the courts and obtain remedies for their grievances.
What are some challenges related to the judicial system discussed in the chapter?
The chapter touches upon the issue of delays in providing justice as a challenge.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Social Science — Social And Political Life — Chapter 4 — The Judiciary. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.