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Article 43B, added by the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, directs the State to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, and professional management of co-operative societies.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 43B was inserted by the 97th Amendment (2011) to strengthen the co-operative movement. However, the Supreme Court in 2021 struck down parts of this amendment relating to State co-operative societies, upholding it only for Union Territories and multi-State co-operative societies.
Article 50 of the Constitution directs the State to take steps to separate the ______ from the executive in public services.
- legislature
- judiciary
- police
- revenue department
Answer: judiciary
Article 50 directs separation of judiciary from executive to ensure independence of judiciary and fair administration of justice. This has been largely implemented through judicial reforms, though complete separation remains a work in progress in some states.
Which Article directs the State to organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines?
- Article 46
- Article 47
- Article 48
- Article 49
Answer: Article 48
Article 48 directs the State to: (a) organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines, (b) preserve and improve breeds of cattle, and (c) prohibit slaughter of cows, calves, and other milch and draught cattle. It reflects Gandhian and economic planning principles.
The provision for free legal aid to ensure justice is not denied due to economic disabilities is a Directive Principle under Article 39A.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 39A was added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) to provide free legal aid to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities. This led to the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, establishing Lok Adalats and NALSA.
Which Article of the Constitution contains the Directive Principle for securing a Uniform Civil Code for citizens?
- Article 43
- Article 44
- Article 45
- Article 46
Answer: Article 44
Article 44 states: 'The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.' It aims to replace personal laws based on religion with a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, etc. It remains unimplemented due to political and social sensitivities.
Article 39 of the Constitution directs the State to secure equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 39(d) is a socialist principle directing the State to secure 'equal pay for equal work for both men and women'. This has been reinforced by judicial decisions (Randhir Singh case, 1982) and statutory provisions like the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.
Which of the following is NOT a Gandhian principle included in DPSP?
- Organisation of village panchayats
- Promotion of cottage industries
- Uniform civil code
- Prohibition of intoxicating drinks
Answer: Uniform civil code
Gandhian principles in DPSP include: village panchayats (Article 40), cottage industries (Article 43), prohibition of intoxicants (Article 47), and protection of cows (Article 48). Uniform Civil Code (Article 44) is a liberal-intellectual principle, not specifically Gandhian.
The concept of Directive Principles was borrowed from the Constitution of ______.
- USA
- UK
- Ireland
- Canada
Answer: Ireland
DPSP were inspired by the Irish Constitution (1937), which itself borrowed from the Spanish Constitution. The Irish concept of 'Directive Principles of Social Policy' aimed to guide the State in achieving socio-economic goals. India adapted this to its own developmental needs.
Which writ is issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal to transfer a pending case to itself or quash its order?
- Habeas Corpus
- Mandamus
- Certiorari
- Prohibition
Answer: Certiorari
Certiorari ('to be certified') is issued by a higher court to a lower court/tribunal to quash its order when it exceeds jurisdiction or violates principles of natural justice. Prohibition is preventive (issued before order), while Certiorari is curative (issued after order). Both available under Articles 32 & 226.
Which Article protects the interests of minorities by allowing them to conserve their distinct language, script, or culture?
- Article 28
- Article 29
- Article 30
- Article 31
Answer: Article 29
Article 29(1) protects the right of any section of citizens (not just minorities) residing in India having a distinct language, script, or culture to conserve the same. Article 29(2) prohibits denial of admission to State-funded educational institutions on grounds of religion, race, caste, language, or any of them.
Article 28 prohibits religious instruction in educational institutions wholly maintained out of ______ funds.
- private
- State
- foreign
- trust
Answer: State
Article 28 has three clauses: (1) No religious instruction in State-funded educational institutions, (2) Institutions established under endowment/trust may impart religious instruction, (3) No person attending State-recognized or State-aided institutions shall be required to attend religious instruction without consent (if minor, guardian's consent).
Article 27 prohibits the State from compelling any person to pay taxes for promotion of any particular religion.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 27 states: 'No person shall be compelled to pay any taxes, the proceeds of which are specifically appropriated in payment of expenses for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion or religious denomination.' However, fees for religious services or voluntary contributions are not prohibited.
Article 25 guarantees freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion, subject to public order, morality, and ______.
- health
- education
- economic policy
- national security
Answer: health
Article 25(1) guarantees religious freedom to all persons (citizens and foreigners) subject to public order, morality, and health. Article 25(2) allows the State to regulate secular activities associated with religious practice and provide for social welfare and reform (e.g., opening Hindu temples to all classes).
Article 22 of the Constitution provides safeguards against arrest and detention, except in cases of ______ detention.
- criminal
- civil
- preventive
- judicial
Answer: preventive
Article 22 provides two sets of safeguards: (1) For persons arrested under ordinary law (right to be informed, consult lawyer, produced before magistrate within 24 hours), and (2) For preventive detention cases, which have separate safeguards. Preventive detention is detention without trial to prevent future offences.
The Right to Free and Compulsory Education for children aged 6-14 years is a Fundamental Right under Article 21A.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Article 21A was inserted by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, making education a Fundamental Right for children aged 6-14 years. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 operationalizes this right. It is enforceable against the State.
Which of the following is NOT a reasonable restriction on freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(2)?
- Defamation
- Contempt of court
- Economic policy of the government
- Incitement to an offence
Answer: Economic policy of the government
Article 19(2) permits reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech on eight grounds: sovereignty & integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, contempt of court, defamation, and incitement to an offence. Criticism of economic policy is generally protected speech.
Article 18 of the Indian Constitution abolishes titles except military and ______ distinctions.
- academic
- civilian
- sports
- cultural
Answer: academic
Article 18 abolishes titles but makes two exceptions: (1) Military and academic distinctions may be conferred by the State, and (2) Citizens of India cannot accept titles from foreign states without Presidential consent. Awards like Bharat Ratna, Padma awards are not titles as per Supreme Court (Balaji Raghavan case, 1996).
Which Article of the Constitution provides for equality of opportunity in matters of public employment?
- Article 14
- Article 15
- Article 16
- Article 17
Answer: Article 16
Article 16 guarantees equality of opportunity in matters of public employment. It prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, or residence. Exceptions include residence-based reservations for certain states (Article 16(3)) and reservations for backward classes (Article 16(4)).
Which Article of the Indian Constitution defines the term 'State' for the purpose of enforcement of Fundamental Rights?
- Article 12
- Article 13
- Article 14
- Article 15
Answer: Article 12
Article 12 defines 'State' to include Government of India, Parliament, State Governments, State Legislatures, and all local or other authorities within India or under the control of Government of India. This definition is crucial for determining against whom Fundamental Rights can be enforced.
Article 13 declares that laws inconsistent with or in derogation of Fundamental Rights shall be void, establishing the Supreme Court's power of ______ to examine constitutionality of legislation and executive action.
- legislative review
- judicial review
- executive oversight
- parliamentary scrutiny
Answer: judicial review
Judicial review foundation: (a) Article 13(2): State shall not make any law that takes away or abridges Fundamental Rights; any law made in contravention shall be void, (b) Judicial review power: Courts examine whether legislation/executive action violates FRs; if yes, declare it void/inoperative, (c) Evolution: (i) Early cases: Narrow review of legislative competence, (ii) Post-Maneka Gandhi: Expanded to procedural fairness, proportionality, (iii) Basic structure doctrine (Kesavananda): Review of constitutional amendments themselves, (d) Balance: Courts don't substitute policy wisdom; check for constitutional compliance, rationality, non-arbitrariness. Illustrates constitutional supremacy: Fundamental Rights protected against legislative/executive excess through independent judicial review. Foundation of rights enforcement architecture.