UPSC IAS / IPS - MCQ Practice Questions

Article 32 empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs including Habeas Corpus, which is specifically used to secure the release of a person illegally detained or imprisoned.

This is a Fundamental Right available to any citizen.

Habeas Corpus means 'you shall have the body' and ensures personal liberty.

Article 61 deals with the impeachment of the President.

The President can be removed on grounds of violation of the Constitution.

The process requires a written charge signed by at least $\frac{1}{4}$th of Members of either House, and removal requires a $\frac{2}{3}$rd majority in both Houses.

Article 56 covers resignation of the President.

Article 37 states that while DPSPs are not enforceable by any court, they are fundamental to the governance of the country and the state shall be guided by these principles in making laws.

Articles 36-51 comprise the entire DPSP chapter. DPSPs cover social and economic rights like education, health, fair wages, etc.

The 73rd Amendment (1992) did NOT change the term of Gram Panchayats.

The term was already 5 years and remains 5 years.

However, it did make 3-tier structure mandatory, reserved $\frac{1}{3}$rd seats for women, added Part IXA (Articles 243-243O), and created constitutional status for Panchayats.

The 74th Amendment similarly applies to Urban Local Bodies.

Article 358 and 359 deal with suspension of Fundamental Rights during emergency.

Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) cannot be suspended even during National Emergency.

Article 32 (Right to Constitutional Remedies) can be suspended.

Articles 14-16 (equality rights) generally cannot be suspended.

The President has power to suspend rights but Article 21 is protected.

The Indian Constitution follows the Westminster model.

The President is the nominal/constitutional head of state (Articles 52-78), while the Prime Minister is the real executive head who holds actual administrative powers (Articles 74-78).

The President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by PM.

India is a Parliamentary democracy, not a Presidential one.

During National Emergency declared under Article 352, Articles 20 and 21 cannot be suspended (Article 358).

Article 20 protects against ex post facto laws and double jeopardy.

Article 21 protects life and personal liberty.

Article 19 (freedoms) can be suspended during emergency.

Article 14 (equality) is generally protected but Article 358 specifically carves out Articles 20-21.

The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, passed during the Emergency period, added three words to the Preamble: 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity'.

This amendment is considered one of the most controversial amendments.

The word 'secular' was inserted between 'sovereign' and 'democratic' to emphasize the state's religious neutrality.

Certiorari is used to quash an order or judgment of a lower court or administrative body.

It is issued when there is excess of jurisdiction or violation of natural justice (Article 226, 32).

Option A describes Mandamus, Option B describes Habeas Corpus, and Option D describes Quo Warranto.

Each writ has specific applicability and scope.

Article 15(3) allows the State to make special provisions for women and children.

Additionally, certain personal law matters related to adoption and guardianship are excluded from Article 15's purview.

Option B is covered by Article 15(4) for backward classes, Option C is not permitted, and Option D is covered by Article 16(3) regarding employment.

Article 51 of the Constitution specifically deals with the promotion of international peace and security.

It requires the State to endeavor to promote international peace and security, foster respect for international law, and maintain just and honorable relations between nations.

Article 81 of the Constitution specifies that the Lok Sabha shall consist of not more than 550 members.

Currently, the Lok Sabha has 543 elected members plus 2 nominated members from the Anglo-Indian community (as per Article 331), totaling 545.

Article 85(2)(b) empowers the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha.

The President exercises this power on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Article 84 deals with qualifications for the President, Article 75 with the PM and Council of Ministers, and Article 52 with the President's existence.

All three statements are correct.

The 73rd Amendment Act (1992) introduced the Constitutional framework for Panchayati Raj.

It provides for a three-tier system in states with population above 20 lakhs (Article 243C).

It mandates regular elections every five years (Article 243E) and reserves seats for SCs and STs proportionate to their population (Article 243D).

The 44th Amendment Act (1978) limited the duration of National Emergency. A proclamation of National Emergency can be revoked and re-declared, but theoretically, there is no absolute constitutional limit on total duration if it is continuously approved by Parliament.

Option A is correct per the 44th Amendment (written advice required).

Option B is correct per Article 352(4).

Option C is correct per Article 353.

Option D is the incorrect statement as there is no such three-period limit mentioned in the Constitution.

Article 356 deals with the proclamation of President's Rule when the President is satisfied that the machinery of government in a state cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution.

Under this article, the President can recommend the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly.

Article 357 deals with the effects of proclamation, Article 358 with suspension of fundamental rights during National Emergency, and Article 359 with suspension of the enforcement of rights.

The 42nd Amendment (1976) made several significant changes including adding 'Secular' and 'Socialist' to the Preamble, expanded DPSP, and made other changes.

However, the anti-defection law was introduced through the 52nd Amendment Act (1985), not the 42nd Amendment.

The voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 years through the 61st Amendment (1989).

Article 312 empowers Parliament to create new All-India Services by a two-thirds majority resolution in the Rajya Sabha during a National Emergency or with the consent of states in normal circumstances.

This allows flexibility in creating services like IAS, IPS without constitutional amendment.

Article 245 deals with territorial extent of laws, Article 309 with service conditions, and Article 320 with the Union Public Service Commission.

Article 32 provides for writs of Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Certiorari, Prohibition, and Quo Warranto.

Specific Performance is an equitable remedy available under civil law but not as a constitutional writ remedy under Article 32.

Article 50 of the Constitution states that 'The State shall take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State.' This is a non-justiciable directive principle emphasizing the independence of judiciary.