Judiciary is a system of courts that explains, defends, and applies the law in legal matters. It is an important chapter in the syllabus of social science as it familiarizes students with how the judiciary functions in India, about its roles in the legal system and the structure. The judiciary is a part of the government and plays a crucial role in the functioning of India’s democracy. The work of the judiciary can be divided into the following:

• Dispute Resolution: The judicial system provides a mechanism for solving disputes between citizens, and the government, between two state governments and between the centre and state governments.

• Judicial Review: The judiciary has the power to strike down particular laws passed by the Parliament if it believes that these are a violation of the basic structure of the Constitution. This is called judicial review.

• Upholding the Law and Enforcing Fundamental Rights: Every citizen of India can approach the Supreme Court or the High Court if they believe that their Fundamental Rights have been violated.

One aspect of the independence of the judiciary is the separation of powers. The other branches of the State like the legislature and the executive cannot interfere in the work of the judiciary. The courts are not under the government and do not act on their behalf. The independence of the judiciary is necessary to carry out its important function of upholding the law and enforcing Fundamental Rights.