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The Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is appointed by the ______ and can be removed by the ______ on grounds of misbehaviour.
Answer: President, President
Article 316 states that UPSC Chairman and members are appointed by the President. For removal, Article 317 requires: (1) Presidential reference to Supreme Court for inquiry, (2) Supreme Court report confirming misbehaviour/incapacity, (3) Presidential order of removal. This ensures independence while maintaining accountability for constitutional office-holders.
The Supreme Court can award compensation in PIL cases for violation of Fundamental Rights.
- True
- False
Answer: True
In Rudul Sah v. State of Bihar (1983) and subsequent cases, the Supreme Court held that it can award monetary compensation in PIL/writ petitions for violation of Fundamental Rights, especially under Article 32. This 'constitutional tort' remedy provides immediate relief to victims when ordinary civil remedies are inadequate, enhancing access to justice.
A 'No-Confidence Motion' can be introduced only in the ______ and requires the support of at least ______ members for admission.
Answer: Lok Sabha, 50
Rule 198 of Lok Sabha Rules allows a No-Confidence Motion against the Council of Ministers only in Lok Sabha (not Rajya Sabha), as the government is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha (Article 75(3)). It requires support of at least 50 members for admission. If passed, the government must resign. This is a key tool of parliamentary accountability.
The Right to Speedy Trial is part of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21.
- True
- False
Answer: True
In Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1979) and Kadra Pahadiya v. State of Bihar (1983), the Supreme Court held that 'speedy trial' is an essential component of 'reasonable, fair, and just procedure' under Article 21. Delayed justice violates personal liberty, especially for undertrial prisoners. This has driven reforms in criminal justice administration.
The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011 related to:
- Cooperative Societies
- Goods and Services Tax
- National Judicial Appointments Commission
- Right to Education
Answer: Cooperative Societies
The 97th Amendment Act, 2011 added Part IXB to the Constitution for regulation of Cooperative Societies. It mandated democratic elections, fixed terms, and audit requirements for cooperatives. However, in 2021, the Supreme Court struck down parts related to State cooperatives (violating federalism), upholding only provisions for multi-State cooperatives.
The Official Languages Act, 1963 allows English to continue for official purposes of the Union indefinitely.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Official Languages Act, 1963 (amended in 1967) allows English to continue indefinitely for: (1) Official purposes of the Union, (2) Parliamentary proceedings, (3) Central-State and inter-State communication, (4) Competitive exams. This was a pragmatic solution to linguistic diversity, balancing Hindi promotion with administrative continuity.
Article 371F provides special provisions for which State?
- Sikkim
- Mizoram
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Goa
Answer: Sikkim
Article 371F, added by the 36th Amendment Act, 1975, provides special provisions for Sikkim's integration into India. It protects Sikkim's existing laws, land ownership patterns, and reservation policies. It also allows the Parliament to determine the number of seats for Sikkim in Lok Sabha and State Assembly, ensuring representation while preserving local identity.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is a constitutional body established under Article 338.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 338 establishes the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) as a constitutional body. The 89th Amendment Act, 2003 bifurcated the earlier combined commission into separate NCSC (Article 338) and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST, Article 338A). Both have powers of a civil court for investigating safeguards implementation.
The Governor can promulgate Ordinances under which Article when the State Legislature is not in session?
- Article 123
- Article 213
- Article 214
- Article 215
Answer: Article 213
Article 213 empowers the Governor to promulgate Ordinances when the State Legislature is not in session, if satisfied that circumstances require immediate action. Ordinances have the same force as Acts but must be approved by the Legislature within 6 weeks of reassembly, or they lapse. The Governor's satisfaction is subject to judicial review for mala fides.
The Estimates Committee, the largest parliamentary committee, has ______ members, all from the ______.
Answer: 30, Lok Sabha
The Estimates Committee has 30 members, all elected from Lok Sabha by proportional representation. It examines estimates included in the Budget and suggests economies, improvements, and administrative reforms. Unlike PAC, it cannot question policy, only examine expenditure efficiency. Its reports are advisory but carry significant weight.
The Tenth Schedule does not apply to a merger if at least ______ of the members of a legislature party agree to merge with another party.
Answer: two-thirds
Paragraph 4 of the Tenth Schedule provides an exception to disqualification: if 2/3rd of a legislature party's members merge with another party, neither the merging members nor those who remain face disqualification. This provision balances party discipline with democratic realignment, though the 91st Amendment (2003) removed the 'split' exception (1/3rd members).
States in India can adopt their own official language(s) for state-level administration.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 345 empowers State Legislatures to adopt any language(s) in use in the State or Hindi as the official language for state-level administration. For example, Tamil Nadu uses Tamil, Kerala uses Malayalam, while some states like Karnataka use both Kannada and English. However, communication with the Union must be in Hindi or English (Article 346).
The Election Commission of India is a ______ member body as per the Constitution, though currently it functions with ______ members.
Answer: multi, three
Article 324 originally envisaged a multi-member Election Commission, but for decades it functioned as a single-member body (Chief Election Commissioner). After the 1993 amendment to the Election Commission Act, it became a three-member body (1 CEC + 2 ECs). Decisions are taken by majority vote, with the CEC having casting vote in case of tie.
Epistolary jurisdiction allows the Supreme Court to treat letters as writ petitions in PIL cases.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Epistolary jurisdiction is a unique feature of Indian PIL where the Supreme Court/High Courts can treat letters, postcards, or newspaper reports as writ petitions if they reveal violations of fundamental rights of disadvantaged groups. This relaxes procedural formalities to enhance access to justice, pioneered in cases like Bandhua Mukti Morcha (1984).
The Right to Free Legal Aid is a Fundamental Right under Article 21 as interpreted by the Supreme Court.
- True
- False
Answer: True
In Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1979) and subsequent cases, the Supreme Court held that free legal aid to indigent accused is part of 'reasonable, fair, and just procedure' under Article 21. This was later codified in Article 39A (Directive Principle) and the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, establishing free legal aid infrastructure.
The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 introduced:
- Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
- GST implementation
- National Judicial Appointments Commission
- Right to Education as Fundamental Right
Answer: Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
The 103rd Amendment Act, 2019 added Articles 15(6) and 16(6) to provide 10% reservation in education and government jobs for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) among citizens not covered under existing reservations (SC/ST/OBC). It amended the definition of 'backward classes' to exclude EWS, sparking debates on equality and reservation policy.
The Eighth Schedule originally contained 14 languages and now has 22 languages.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Eighth Schedule originally listed 14 languages in 1950. Through amendments: 71st (1992) added Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali; 92nd (2003) added Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali; 96th (2011) replaced 'Oriya' with 'Odia'. Total now: 22 scheduled languages. These languages can be used in official communications and for competitive exams.
Article 371A provides special provisions for which State?
- Nagaland
- Mizoram
- Sikkim
- Assam
Answer: Nagaland
Article 371A grants special provisions to Nagaland: (1) No Act of Parliament on Naga religious/social practices, customary law, civil/criminal justice involving customary law, or land ownership/transfer applies unless the Nagaland Legislative Assembly so decides. This protects Naga tribal identity and autonomy within the Indian Union.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a constitutional body established under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- True
- False
Answer: False
The NHRC is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, not a constitutional body. Constitutional bodies are explicitly created by the Constitution (e.g., Election Commission under Article 324). The NHRC investigates human rights violations but its recommendations are not binding, though they carry moral and political weight.
The Governor of a State holds office during the pleasure of:
- Chief Minister of the State
- President of India
- Prime Minister of India
- State Legislature
Answer: President of India
Article 156 states that the Governor holds office 'during the pleasure of the President'. This means the President can remove the Governor at any time without assigning reasons. However, conventions suggest removal should not be arbitrary. The Governor's term is normally 5 years, but they can resign or be removed earlier.