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Generate QuizTrue/False – GK Questions
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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.
In the Kesavananda Bharati case, the Supreme Court held that Fundamental Rights can be amended by Parliament but not if it violates the 'basic structure' of the Constitution.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) judgment established the 'Basic Structure Doctrine'. While Parliament can amend Fundamental Rights under Article 368, it cannot destroy or alter the Constitution's basic structure (e.g., supremacy of Constitution, secularism, federalism, judicial review, free and fair elections). This doctrine has been used to strike down several amendments.
English is the official language of India as per the Constitution.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Article 343(1) declares Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union. English is an 'associate official language' for specific purposes under the Official Languages Act, 1963. The Constitution originally envisaged phasing out English by 1965, but parliamentary legislation extended its use indefinitely for certain official purposes.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
The forms of oaths or affirmations for various constitutional functionaries are prescribed in the Third Schedule of the Constitution.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Third Schedule: Contains forms of oaths/affirmations for: (a) Union/State Ministers, (b) Parliament/State Legislature members, (c) Judges of SC/HCs, (d) CAG, (e) Election Commissioners. Oath includes: bear true faith to Constitution, uphold sovereignty/integrity of India, faithfully discharge duties. Formalizes constitutional commitment and ethical obligations of public office holders.
The 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011 added Article 43B for promotion of co-operative societies and Part IXB for their regulation, but the Supreme Court struck down Part IXB as it related to State co-operative societies.
- True
- False
Answer: True
97th Amendment (2011): (a) Added Article 43B (DPSP) for voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control of co-operative societies, (b) Added Part IXB for constitutional framework for co-operatives. Supreme Court in Union of India v. Rajendra N. Shah (2021) struck down Part IXB as it related to State co-operatives (required State ratification under Article 368), upheld only for UTs and multi-State co-operatives. Illustrates federal amendment procedure constraints.
Under Article 350B, inserted by 7th Constitutional Amendment, 1956, a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities is appointed by the President to investigate matters relating to safeguards for linguistic minorities.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 350B: (1) Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities appointed by President, (2) Duty to investigate matters relating to safeguards for linguistic minorities under Constitution, (3) Report to President annually or as directed, (4) President lays reports before Parliament/State Legislatures. Currently, Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities functions under Ministry of Minority Affairs. Protects linguistic diversity post-State reorganisation.
Under Article 323A, Parliament can establish Administrative Tribunals for adjudication of disputes relating to recruitment and conditions of service of public servants, and such tribunals can exclude jurisdiction of all courts except Supreme Court under Article 136.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 323A (inserted by 42nd Amendment, 1976): Parliament may by law establish Administrative Tribunals for Union/State public service disputes. Such law can exclude jurisdiction of all courts except Supreme Court's special leave petition power under Article 136. Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 established CAT, SATs. L. Chandra Kumar case (1997) held tribunal decisions subject to HC/SC judicial review to protect basic structure.
India's Constitution incorporates asymmetric federalism by granting special provisions to certain States under Articles 370 (now abrogated) and 371 series, recognizing their unique historical, cultural, or tribal characteristics.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Asymmetric federalism: Different States have different powers/autonomy based on historical/cultural/tribal needs. Examples: (a) Article 370 (J&K, abrogated 2019), (b) Article 371 series (11 States), (c) Fifth/Sixth Schedules (tribal areas), (d) Special category status (fiscal). Enables flexible unity: accommodates diversity while maintaining constitutional framework. Unique Indian model of federalism.
September 14 is celebrated as Hindi Diwas in India because on this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly adopted Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union.
- True
- False
Answer: True
September 14, 1949: Constituent Assembly adopted Hindi in Devanagari script as official language (later incorporated as Article 343). Celebrated as Hindi Diwas to promote Hindi while respecting linguistic diversity. Government organizes events, awards for Hindi promotion. Reflects constitutional commitment to Hindi development alongside multilingualism.
Under Articles 371C (Manipur) and 371G (Mizoram), the Governor has special responsibility to ensure proper functioning of Hill Areas Committee/Tribal Council, and can act in discretion in matters relating to tribal areas.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 371C (Manipur): Governor has special responsibility to ensure proper functioning of Hill Areas Committee; may act in discretion. Article 371G (Mizoram): Similar protection for tribal customary law, land, social practices. Governor's discretionary power balances State executive authority with tribal autonomy; subject to President's directions. Unique federal flexibility for tribal regions.
Under Article 348, authoritative texts of all Bills, Acts, ordinances, orders, rules, regulations, and bye-laws at Union level shall be in English.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 348(1)(b): Authoritative texts of Union legislation/subordinate legislation shall be in English. Article 348(3): President may authorize authoritative Hindi translation of Acts, etc., but English text remains authoritative until Parliament otherwise provides. Ensures legal certainty and uniformity in interpretation while allowing progressive use of Hindi.
The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution contains provisions for administration and control of scheduled areas and scheduled tribes in States other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Fifth Schedule: Administration of scheduled areas/tribes in States except Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram (covered by Sixth Schedule). Provides for: (a) Tribal Advisory Councils, (b) Governor's special powers, (c) Restrictions on land transfer, (d) Customary law protection. PESA Act, 1996 extends Panchayati Raj to Fifth Schedule areas with tribal self-governance modifications.
Article 371 contains special provisions for certain States like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and Karnataka.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 371 (and clauses 371A-J): Special provisions for 11 States addressing: (a) Regional development (Maharashtra, Gujarat), (b) Tribal protection (Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh), (c) Cultural autonomy (Manipur, Sikkim), (d) Administrative flexibility (Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa). Reflects Constitution's flexibility to accommodate regional diversity within unified framework.
Article 348 mandates that all proceedings in Supreme Court and High Courts shall be in English until Parliament otherwise provides by law.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 348(1)(a): Proceedings in SC and HCs shall be in English. Article 348(2): Governor may authorize use of Hindi/State language in HC proceedings with President's consent, but judgments/decrees/orders must be in English. Some States (e.g., UP, MP, Bihar) have authorized Hindi in subordinate courts. Balances access to justice with legal precision.