GS Paper II · Executive & Judiciary
Separation of Powers Current Affairs for UPSC (GS Paper II)
From the syllabus: Separation of powers between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions; structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; pressure groups
Why it matters: Questions explore institutional overlaps and boundary maintenance between the legislature, executive, and judiciary to prevent overreach.
In the news
September 2026
24 Sep 2026
Justice Datta flags Minister on CEC selection panelIn a split verdict regarding the appointment process of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (EC), Supreme Court Justice Dipankar Datta observed that having a Cabinet Minister on the selection committee fails...
04 Sep 2026
Karnataka High Court Limits Police Powers on Externment OrdersThe Karnataka High Court struck down a state notification that empowered Superintendents of Police (SPs) to issue externment orders under the Police Act. The court clarified that the statute reserves this power strictly for Police...
August 2026
25 Aug 2026
Allahabad High Court Initiates Contempt Against Bureaucrat Over Judicial InterferenceThe Allahabad High Court took serious exception to a Divisional Commissioner's attempt to contact a civil judge regarding a pending judicial proceeding. The court referred the matter for criminal contempt proceedings, underscoring that...
16 Aug 2026
Tribunal Reforms Bill 2026 Sparks Constitutional DebateThe Tribunal Reforms Bill 2026 has drawn criticism from legal experts who argue that it grants excessive powers to the executive. Specifically, provisions allowing the government to remove tribunal members without robust judicial...
July 2026
22 Jul 2026
Allahabad High Court Delivers Split Verdict on Safeguards Against DemolitionsThe Allahabad High Court has delivered a split verdict regarding the institutional safeguards required against punitive executive demolitions, popularly known as "bulldozer justice". While one judge emphasized the absolute primacy of...
15 Jul 2026
Call Records Alone Not Substantiated Proof, Rules SCThe Supreme Court ruled that the mere production of telephone call records does not substitute for substantive proof of a criminal conspiracy or an illicit affair leading to a crime. In clearing a woman accused of her husband's murder,...
Practise Separation of Powers
3 of our latest questions on this topic.
Question 1 of 3
What is the primary constitutional principle reaffirmed when High Courts initiate criminal contempt proceedings against executive officers attempting to influence subordinate court proceedings?
Mains practice
The Tribunal Reforms Bill 2026 has raised concerns regarding the institutional autonomy of quasi-judicial bodies in India. Discuss how executive control over the appointment and removal of tribunal members challenges the principle of separation of powers, and suggest reforms to secure their independence.
15 marks
The practice of executive-led punitive demolitions, often colloquially termed 'bulldozer justice', challenges the foundational pillars of the Indian Constitution. In light of recent judicial developments, critically examine how such administrative actions affect the Rule of Law, Separation of Powers, and the Right to Property.
15 marks
Previous years' questions
Past exam questions sorted by topic are coming here. Until then, the full papers are in our previous papers library.