Which branch of government has the power of judicial review in India?

• A. The Legislature
• B. The Executive
• C. The Judiciary (Supreme Court and High Courts)
• D. The President

Answer: (C)

Judicial review is the power to examine laws and government actions to see if they conform to the Constitution. In India, this authority rests with the judiciary—the Supreme Court and the High Courts. They can strike down laws or invalidate executive actions that violate constitutional provisions, safeguarding fundamental rights and keeping the other branches within their constitutional limits. The legislature makes laws and the executive enforces them, but neither can unilaterally declare a law unconstitutional; that check and balance lies with the courts. The President does not exercise judicial review; his role centers on assent, proclamation, and other duties, not on ruling on constitutionality.