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Bipul GuptaAIR 103· 2025

Question 1DiscussGS2GS2

"Extraordinary powers must be exercised with extraordinary care." Discuss in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution. (10 marks, 150 words)

Open scan (p.3)

Introduction

Article 142 gives extraordinary power to SC to do 'complete justice' on an issue.

14 words

Main Body

Art 142 provides: extraordinary power to do justice; force of law (in the absence of parliamentary legislation); discretionary for SC.

It has been used positively in case of:-

1Filling legislative gaps

eg: Vishakha guidelines: Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan

2Correcting previous judgements

eg: Delhi airport line case

3Broadening scope of justice

eg: TN Godavarman case (environmental justice)

4Fill institutional gaps

eg: Collegium appointment of CEC -> Anoop Baranwal case

However, improper/excessive use may:-

1Judicial overreach

eg: State of TN v. Governor of TN directives to president

2Erosion of moral value of judgement
3Set wrong precedent for future
4Executive-judiciary tussle (violate Article 50)
110 words3 paragraphs

Conclusion

Judicial restraint must be exercised as mentioned in Balwant Singh Chaupal case.

12 words

Diagram

A small box diagram showing 'Art 142' branching into three points: extraordinary power to do justice, force of law (in the absence of parliamentary legislation), discretionary for SC.

Topper

Bipul Gupta

AIR 1032025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Executive, Judiciary, Ministries and Pressure Groups

Judiciary

Article 142 - Complete Justice

Writing Stats

136

Total words

3

Paragraphs

structured, point-wise with case examples

Tone