UPSC Prelims 2008 Q67: Indian Polity – Judiciary
Consider the following statements:
1. Justice
V. R. Krishna Iyer was the Chief Justice of India.
2. Justice
V. R. Krishna Iyer is considered as one of the progenitors of public interest litigation (PIL) in the
Indian judicial system.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Checking two claims about Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer
This celebrated judge is remembered for specific, distinct contributions to Indian jurisprudence.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Justice Krishna Iyer was Chief Justice of India | Incorrect | He served as a Supreme Court judge, but was never Chief Justice of India |
| 2. He is considered a progenitor of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) | Correct | Justice Krishna Iyer is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of PIL in the Indian judicial system, through his progressive, socially conscious judgments |
Correcting the first claim:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Krishna Iyer's position | Supreme Court judge, NOT Chief Justice of India |
| PIL legacy | A genuine pioneer of PIL in India |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Justice Krishna Iyer was never Chief Justice of India, so statement 1 is false.
- (b) CORRECT. His status as a PIL pioneer is accurately described.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is accurate, so 'neither' is wrong.
Key point
Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer was a Supreme Court judge (NOT Chief Justice of India) and is genuinely regarded as a pioneer of Public Interest Litigation in India.
Remember
Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer was never Chief Justice of India, but is considered a pioneer of Public Interest Litigation.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Justice Krishna Iyer's Supreme Court judgeship with the separate, higher office of Chief Justice of India.
- Not knowing his specific PIL pioneer legacy.
- Assuming every prominent Supreme Court judge must have eventually become Chief Justice.
Exam tip
Justice Krishna Iyer: Supreme Court judge (never CJI), but a genuine PIL pioneer. Keep judicial rank separate from judicial legacy.
Sources
- Supreme Court of India — Former Judges: V. R. Krishna Iyer (1973–80)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — V. R. Krishna Iyer