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The National Commission for Women is a constitutional body established under Article 338A of the Constitution.
- True
- False
Answer: False
The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body, not constitutional. It was established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. Constitutional bodies are those explicitly mentioned in the Constitution (e.g., Election Commission, UPSC, Finance Commission). Article 338A actually establishes the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), which was made constitutional by the 102nd Amendment Act, 2018.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India was pioneered by which Supreme Court judge?
- Justice H.R. Khanna
- Justice P.N. Bhagwati
- Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer
- Both B and C
Answer: Both B and C
PIL was pioneered in India by Justices P.N. Bhagwati and V.R. Krishna Iyer in the late 1970s-early 1980s. They relaxed the traditional rule of 'locus standi', allowing any public-spirited citizen to file petitions for enforcement of rights of disadvantaged groups. Landmark cases: Hussainara Khatoon (1979), S.P. Gupta (1981).
In which situation can the Governor of a State exercise discretionary powers?
- Appointing the Chief Minister when no party has clear majority
- Dissolving the State Assembly on advice of Council of Ministers
- Assenting to a Bill passed by State Legislature
- All of the above
Answer: Appointing the Chief Minister when no party has clear majority
The Governor's discretionary powers (not bound by Council of Ministers' advice) include: (1) Appointing CM when no party has clear majority, (2) Dismissing a ministry that loses majority but refuses to resign, (3) Dissolving Assembly if ministry loses majority, (4) Reserving a Bill for President's consideration. Options B and C are normally done on ministerial advice.
The 'Guillotine' in Parliament refers to the closure of discussion on demands for grants and putting them to vote after the allotted time, as per Rule ______ of Lok Sabha Rules.
Answer: 173
Rule 173 of Lok Sabha Rules provides for the 'Guillotine' procedure. When time allocated for discussing Demands for Grants expires, the Speaker puts all pending demands to vote immediately without further discussion. This ensures the Budget is passed before the financial year ends (March 31).
In the Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India case (1978), the Supreme Court expanded the scope of Article 21 to include the 'right to live with human dignity'.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The landmark Maneka Gandhi case (1978) revolutionized Article 21 interpretation. The Supreme Court held that 'personal liberty' under Article 21 includes a wide range of rights making life meaningful, not just physical restraint. It established that any law depriving liberty must be 'fair, just, and reasonable', not merely procedurally valid.
The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 limits the size of the Council of Ministers to what percentage of the total strength of the Lok Sabha/State Assembly?
- 10%
- 15%
- 20%
- 25%
Answer: 15%
The 91st Amendment Act, 2003 added Article 164(1A) and amended Article 75(1A) to cap the Council of Ministers at 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly. It also barred defectors from holding public office until re-elected or until the term ends.
Which statement best describes the purpose of miscellaneous constitutional provisions (Articles 312, 323A/B, 330-342, 361-367, etc.)?
- Create permanent exceptions to constitutional principles
- Provide detailed procedural mechanisms, safeguards, and transitional arrangements to operationalize constitutional values
- Delegate legislative power to executive without oversight
- Limit judicial review of constitutional matters
Answer: Provide detailed procedural mechanisms, safeguards, and transitional arrangements to operationalize constitutional values
Miscellaneous provisions serve critical functions: (a) Operationalize core principles (e.g., Article 330-342 for political representation of SC/ST), (b) Create institutional mechanisms (e.g., Article 312 for AIS, Article 323A for tribunals), (c) Provide safeguards (e.g., Article 361 for immunities, Article 350B for linguistic minorities), (d) Enable transition (e.g., Article 392-395). These 'technical' provisions are essential for making constitutional ideals practically enforceable while maintaining flexibility for evolving governance needs.
Articles 379-392 contained temporary and transitional provisions for the first Parliament, provisional President, etc., and most of these provisions ceased to have effect after the first general elections in ______.
- 1950
- 1951-52
- 1957
- 1962
Answer: 1951-52
Articles 379-392 (Part XXI, Temporary Provisions): Enabled transitional arrangements: provisional Parliament (constituent assembly members), provisional President (Rajendra Prasad), adaptation of laws, etc. Most provisions ceased after first general elections (1951-52) and first Parliament constituted (1952). Illustrates Constitution's pragmatic approach: temporary mechanisms to ensure smooth transition to full constitutional democracy.
Under Article 368, a Constitutional Amendment Bill must be passed by each House by special majority and, if affecting federal provisions, ratified by half of State Legislatures, but the President cannot return the Bill for reconsideration.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 368(2): Constitutional Amendment Bill passed by each House by special majority (majority of total membership + 2/3 present and voting). If affecting federal provisions, ratified by half of State Legislatures. President 'shall give assent' - no discretionary power to withhold assent or return for reconsideration. Ensures that once constitutional amendment procedure completed, it becomes law without executive veto, preserving parliamentary sovereignty in constitutional matters.
Article 371-I, inserted by 56th Constitutional Amendment, 1987, provides special provisions for Goa including protection of existing laws and administrative arrangements. Which unique feature does it contain?
- Reservation in jobs for locals
- Autonomous district council
- Special status for Konkani language
- Provision for size of Legislative Assembly
Answer: Provision for size of Legislative Assembly
Article 371-I (Goa): (a) Protection of existing laws, (b) Administrative arrangements for Goa's integration, (c) Unique provision: Legislative Assembly shall consist of not less than 30 members (smaller than typical State minimum of 60 under Article 170). Recognizes Goa's small size/population while ensuring democratic representation. Illustrates Constitution's flexibility to accommodate diverse State characteristics.
Under Article 338, a National Commission for Scheduled Castes is constituted to investigate and monitor safeguards for SCs, and its report is laid before ______.
- President only
- Parliament only
- President and Parliament
- State Legislatures only
Answer: President and Parliament
Article 338 (inserted by 65th Amendment, 1990; restructured by 89th Amendment, 2003): National Commission for SCs investigates/monitors safeguards, inquires into complaints, advises on planning, reports to President annually/specially. President lays reports before Parliament with action-taken memorandum. Similar provision for STs under Article 338A. Ensures institutional mechanism for marginalized communities' rights protection.
Article 371J, providing special provisions for Hyderabad-Karnataka region of Karnataka, was inserted by a constitutional amendment that received ratification from State Legislatures.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Article 371J was proposed via Constitution (118th Amendment) Bill, 2012 for Hyderabad-Karnataka region. However, Bill lapsed; provisions implemented via Presidential Order under existing Article 371(1) (not constitutional amendment). Since Article 371(1) doesn't affect federal structure, State ratification not required. Illustrates flexibility in addressing regional imbalances: constitutional amendment vs executive order based on subject matter.
Under Article 116, Lok Sabha can authorize withdrawal from Consolidated Fund of India for expenditure pending completion of parliamentary procedure through which mechanism?
- Supplementary Grant
- Vote on Account
- Excess Grant
- Token Grant
Answer: Vote on Account
Article 116(1)(a): Vote on Account - Lok Sabha may make grant for estimated expenditure for part of financial year pending completion of budget process. Typically for 2 months (extended to election year). Enables government functioning during transitional period without violating 'no taxation without representation' principle. Distinct from Supplementary Grant (unforeseen expenditure) and Excess Grant (post-facto approval).
Under Article 393, the Union of India succeeds to all property, assets, rights, liabilities, and obligations of the ______ immediately before the commencement of the Constitution.
- British Crown
- Dominion of India
- Provincial Governments
- Princely States
Answer: Dominion of India
Article 393: Union succeeds to property, assets, rights, liabilities, obligations of Dominion of India (and each Province/Corresponding Indian State) as they existed immediately before Constitution commencement. Ensures legal continuity: contracts, debts, property titles, international obligations continue uninterrupted despite constitutional transformation. Foundation for state succession principles in Indian constitutional law.
Orders made by President under Article 392 to remove difficulties in implementing the Constitution could not be challenged in any court of law.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Article 392(2): Orders made by President under this Article shall have effect subject to provisions of Constitution and can be altered/amended by competent legislature/authority. Though Article 392 was temporary (3 years), such orders were subject to judicial review if violating constitutional provisions. Ensures executive power to remove difficulties doesn't override constitutional supremacy or fundamental rights.
Under Article 394, which Articles of the Constitution came into force immediately on 26th November 1949 (date of adoption)?
- All Articles
- Articles relating to Citizenship, Elections, Preliminary provisions
- Only Fundamental Rights
- Only Directive Principles
Answer: Articles relating to Citizenship, Elections, Preliminary provisions
Article 394: Certain Articles came into force on 26.11.1949 (adoption date): Articles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 60, 324, 366, 367, 379-392, 393-395. Remaining Articles (including FRs, DPSP, federal structure) came into force on 26.01.1950 (commencement date). Enabled preparatory actions (citizenship determination, election arrangements) before full constitutional implementation.
Article 395 repeals the ______ and the Indian Independence Act, 1947, marking the complete transition to constitutional sovereignty.
- Government of India Act, 1919
- Government of India Act, 1935
- Indian Councils Act, 1909
- Regulating Act, 1773
Answer: Government of India Act, 1935
Article 395: Repeals Government of India Act, 1935 and Indian Independence Act, 1947. Subject to Articles 392 (transitional provisions) and 393-394 (succession to rights/liabilities). Marks legal break from colonial framework; Constitution becomes supreme law. However, many administrative structures, legal principles from 1935 Act continue by adoption, ensuring continuity amid constitutional transformation.
Article 366 contains definitions of key terms used in the Constitution, such as 'Anglo-Indian', 'Article', 'Borrow', 'Clause', 'Federal Court', 'Goods and Services Tax', etc.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 366: Interpretation clause defining 31 terms used in Constitution: Anglo-Indian, Article, Borrow, Clause, Federal Court, Goods and Services Tax, Goods and Services Tax Council, India, Existing law, etc. Ensures uniform interpretation of constitutional provisions. Definitions can be amended by Parliament via ordinary law (not constitutional amendment) unless context otherwise requires.
Under Article 392, the President could make provisions to remove difficulties in giving effect to the Constitution during the transitional period. This power was available for how many years from commencement of Constitution?
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 3 years
- 5 years
Answer: 3 years
Article 392 (Temporary provisions): President could make orders to remove difficulties in giving effect to Constitution during transitional period. Power available for 3 years from Constitution commencement (26.01.1950 to 25.01.1953). Enabled smooth transition from Government of India Act, 1935 to new constitutional framework. Illustrates Constitution's pragmatic approach to implementation challenges.
Article 371D empowers the ______ to issue orders for equitable opportunities for people of different regions of Andhra Pradesh in public employment and education.
- Supreme Court
- President
- Governor
- Parliament
Answer: President
Article 371D (inserted by 32nd Amendment, 1973): President may by order provide for equitable opportunities/facilities for people of different regions of Andhra Pradesh in public employment/education. Implemented via Presidential Orders (1975) creating local cadres, reservation for locals. Continues to apply to Telangana post-bifurcation (2014). Addresses regional imbalances within States through constitutional mechanism.