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Gurukul Education in Ancient India (800 BCE): Student Life, Values & Daily Routine

  Education in Ancient India – The Gurukul System Around 800 BCE Education in ancient India was not just about reading scriptures or learning discipline—it was a way of living . Around 800 BCE , the Gurukul system flourished across forests, small settlements, and hermitages, offering a rare blend of knowledge, spirituality, skills, and character-building . While modern education focuses on degrees, Gurukul focused on life , turning children into responsible, emotionally grounded, and wise adults. Let’s walk into a Gurukul and live one day as a student of 800 BCE… Living With the Guru — A Family Beyond Blood Students (called shishyas ) lived in the hermitage of their teacher, the Guru . There were no school buildings, benches, or classrooms. Instead, there were: mud huts open courtyards sacred fire altars (yajna kunda) libraries of palm-leaf manuscripts and forests filled with birds and the fragrance of sandalwood The Guru was not just a teacher—he was a p...
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Judiciary of India: Structure, Powers, and Role in Democracy


Introduction

After studying the legislature and the executive, the judiciary emerges as the third, independent, and impartial organ of the Indian government. India has a unified and hierarchical judicial system, structured like a pyramid — with the Supreme Court at the top, followed by High Courts at the state level, and district, taluka, and special courts at the lower levels.

The judiciary protects the rights of citizens, resolves Centre-State disputes, and ensures the supremacy of the Constitution.

Importance of Judiciary in India

  • Safeguards fundamental rights of citizens.

  • Maintains balance between the legislature and the executive.

  • Prevents misuse of power and upholds constitutional values.

  • Provides speedy, impartial, and equal justice.

  • Exercises judicial activism when required, especially against executive inaction or legislative overreach.

The Supreme Court of India

Composition

  • Headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

  • Maximum of 28 judges (Parliament may alter the number).

  • Judges are appointed by the President in consultation with senior judges.

Qualifications of a Supreme Court Judge

  1. Must be a citizen of India.

  2. At least 5 years as a High Court judge, or

  3. At least 10 years as an advocate in a High Court, or

  4. A distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President.

  5. Below the age of 65 years.

Term & Retirement

  • Retirement age: 65 years.

  • Cannot practice law after retirement (but may serve on commissions of inquiry).

  • Can resign or be removed for misconduct or incapacity through impeachment.

Jurisdiction and Powers of the Supreme Court

  1. Original Jurisdiction

    • Disputes between the Union and States.

    • Disputes between two or more States.

    • Constitutional validity of Union laws.

    • Protection of fundamental rights (power to issue writs).

  2. Appellate Jurisdiction

    • Hears appeals from High Courts in civil, criminal, and constitutional cases.

    • Can review its own judgments.

    • Hears cases of national importance.

  3. Advisory Jurisdiction

    • The President may seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on questions of law or matters of public interest.

    • Advice is not binding on the President.

  4. Other Powers

    • Reviews earlier judgments.

    • Punishes for contempt of court.

    • Decides disputes related to Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections.

    • Declares laws unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution.

High Courts of India

Role in the Judicial System

  • Each state (or group of states) has a High Court.

  • Functions as the link between the Supreme Court and lower courts.

Appointment of Judges

  • Chief Justice of High Court appointed by the President, after consultation with the CJI and state Governor.

  • Other judges appointed in consultation with the Chief Justice.

Term & Retirement

  • Retirement age: 62 years.

  • Can resign or be removed by the President through impeachment.

  • Judges may be transferred to other states.

Jurisdiction of High Courts

  1. Fundamental Jurisdiction

    • Protects fundamental rights by issuing writs (habeas corpus, mandamus, certiorari, etc.).

    • Hears cases related to companies, marriage, divorce, land revenue, and elections.

  2. Appellate Jurisdiction

    • Hears appeals against decisions of subordinate courts.

    • Reviews cases involving constitutional interpretation.

  3. Administrative Jurisdiction

    • Supervises and regulates lower courts and tribunals.

    • Can call for case records and issue general rules.

Conclusion

The Judiciary of India plays a central role in upholding democracy, ensuring justice, and protecting citizens’ rights. With the Supreme Court at the top and High Courts at the state level, the judiciary acts as the guardian of the Constitution and the watchdog of democracy.


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