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Generate QuizPolity – Medium Level – GK Questions
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The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was given statutory status by which Act?
- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
- Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003
- Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
- Right to Information Act, 2005
Answer: Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003
CVC was set up by executive resolution in 1964 based on Santhanam Committee recommendations. Given statutory status by Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003. CVC is an apex body for vigilance administration, independent of executive control. Consists of Central Vigilance Commissioner (Chairperson) + up to 2 Vigilance Commissioners. Appointed by President on recommendation of committee: PM, Home Minister, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.
In Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity v. State of West Bengal (1996), the Supreme Court held that failure of government hospital to provide timely medical treatment violates right to life under Article 21.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Paschim Banga (1996): SC held: (a) Right to health is integral to right to life under Article 21, (b) Government has constitutional obligation to provide adequate medical facilities, (c) Failure of government hospital to provide timely treatment violates Article 21, (d) State liable to pay compensation for negligence. Foundation for right to health jurisprudence; led to improvements in public health infrastructure.
In Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar (1991), the Supreme Court held that right to pollution-free water and air is part of right to life under Article 21.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Subhash Kumar (1991): SC held: (a) Right to life under Article 21 includes right to enjoyment of pollution-free water and air, (b) Citizens can approach courts under Article 32/226 for enforcement of environmental rights, (c) PIL mechanism enables public-spirited persons to seek environmental protection. Foundation for environmental jurisprudence; led to closure of polluting industries, protection of forests, rivers.
In Shayara Bano v. Union of India (2017), the Supreme Court declared the practice of instant triple talaq (talaq-e-biddat) unconstitutional as violating Article ______ (right to equality).
- 14
- 15
- 19
- 21
Answer: 14
Shayara Bano (2017): 3:2 majority held instant triple talaq (pronouncing talaq thrice in one sitting) unconstitutional: (a) Violates Article 14 (arbitrary, manifestly unreasonable), (b) Not protected under Article 25 (not essential practice of Islam), (c) Parliament later enacted Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 criminalizing instant triple talaq. Landmark gender justice judgment.
In Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India (2002), the Supreme Court directed candidates to disclose which information while filing nomination?
- Only educational qualification
- Criminal antecedents, assets, liabilities, educational qualification
- Only party affiliation
- Only election expenses
Answer: Criminal antecedents, assets, liabilities, educational qualification
ADR Case (2002): SC directed ECI to require candidates to disclose: (a) Criminal cases pending, (b) Assets/liabilities of candidate and spouse, (c) Educational qualification. Rationale: Voters' right to know (implicit in Article 19(1)(a)) essential for informed choice in democracy. Led to ECI forms requiring these disclosures; foundation for electoral transparency reforms.
In Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court struck down Section 377 of IPC to the extent it criminalized consensual homosexual acts between adults, holding it violated Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Navtej Singh Johar (2018): 5-judge bench unanimously struck down Section 377 IPC to extent it criminalized consensual same-sex relations between adults. Held: (a) Violates Article 14 (arbitrary classification), Article 15 (discrimination based on sexual orientation), Article 19 (expression of identity), Article 21 (privacy, dignity, autonomy), (b) Sexual orientation intrinsic to personality; discrimination unconstitutional. Landmark LGBTQ+ rights judgment.
In Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985), the Supreme Court held that right to livelihood is part of right to life under Article 21, and eviction of pavement dwellers without alternative arrangement violates this right.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Olga Tellis (Pavement Dwellers Case, 1985): SC held: (a) Right to livelihood is integral to right to life under Article 21 (no person can live without means of living), (b) Eviction of pavement dwellers without alternative arrangement violates Article 21, (c) However, State can evict for public purpose with due procedure and rehabilitation. Expanded scope of Article 21 beyond physical existence to dignified life.
In M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Oleum Gas Leak case, 1987), the Supreme Court evolved the principle of ______ liability for enterprises engaged in hazardous activities, making them absolutely liable for harm caused.
- vicarious
- strict
- absolute
- contributory
Answer: absolute
M.C. Mehta (Oleum Gas Leak, 1987): SC evolved 'absolute liability' principle: enterprises engaged in hazardous/inherently dangerous activities are absolutely liable for harm caused, without exceptions available under strict liability (Rylands v. Fletcher). No defense of act of God, third party, etc. Foundation for environmental jurisprudence; led to compensation for Bhopal victims, pollution control measures.
In Unnikrishnan v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1993), the Supreme Court held that right to education up to age 14 is a fundamental right flowing from Article 21, which later led to the 86th Amendment inserting Article 21A.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Unnikrishnan (1993): SC held right to education up to age 14 is fundamental right implicit in Article 21 (life with dignity). Directed State to provide free education within economic capacity. Led to 86th Amendment (2002) inserting Article 21A making education for 6-14 years a Fundamental Right, operationalized by RTE Act, 2009. Illustrates judicial legislation prompting constitutional amendment.
In Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1979), the Supreme Court recognized right to speedy trial as part of right to life and personal liberty under Article 21.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Hussainara Khatoon (1979): SC held right to speedy trial is implicit in Article 21 (life and personal liberty). Case involved undertrial prisoners detained for periods longer than maximum sentence for alleged offences. Led to release of thousands of undertrials; established procedural due process as part of Article 21. Foundation for subsequent PILs on prison reforms, legal aid, human rights.
The Governor of a State is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and ______.
- Seal of the State
- Seal of the Union
- Signature of the Prime Minister
- Advice of the Council of Ministers
Answer: Seal of the Union
Article 155 states: 'The Governor of a State shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.' The 'seal' refers to the Seal of the Union (not State), emphasizing that the Governor is a Union appointee representing the Centre in the State. This reflects the federal balance in India's quasi-federal structure.
The Committee on Public Undertakings examines the reports of the ______ and has ______ members (15 from Lok Sabha + 7 from Rajya Sabha).
Answer: Comptroller and Auditor General, 22
The Committee on Public Undertakings (CPU) has 22 members (15 LS + 7 RS) and examines reports of the CAG on public sector undertakings. It assesses efficiency, financial performance, and autonomy of PSUs. Like PAC, its Chairman is traditionally from the Opposition, ensuring non-partisan scrutiny of government enterprises.
The Tenth Schedule was added by the ______ Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985.
Answer: 52nd
The 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985 added the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law) to curb political defections motivated by lure of office or similar considerations. It was a response to the 'Aya Ram, Gaya Ram' phenomenon of the 1960s-70s. The law was later strengthened by the 91st Amendment (2003) removing the 'split' exception.
The Constitution mandates that the Prime Minister must communicate all decisions of the Council of Ministers to the President in Hindi.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Article 78(a) requires the Prime Minister to communicate all Council of Ministers' decisions to the President, but does not specify language. Article 346 allows communication between States and with the Union in Hindi or English. In practice, English remains dominant in high-level executive communication due to administrative continuity and linguistic diversity.
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.