Fundamental Rights: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Polity)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Fundamental Rights (Polity). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2024Polity · Fundamental Rights
Q1. A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to:
Explanation
A Writ of Prohibition is a judicial order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to a lower court or tribunal, directing it to stop continuing proceedings in a case that exceeds its jurisdiction or is legally improper. It is issued before a lower court delivers its judgment. It is a preventive writ, stopping a court from acting beyond its powers. The Supreme Court can issue it under Article 32, and the High Courts can issue it under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.
Additional insight:
Habeas Corpus, a Latin term meaning "to produce the body," is a court order requiring that a detained individual be brought before the court within 24 hours to assess the legality of their detention. If detention is found illegal, the person is released; otherwise, they remain in custody. Mandamus, a Latin term meaning "command," is a writ issued by higher courts to ensure public officials fulfil their duties. It cannot be granted against private individuals or companies but is directed at public authorities, companies, tribunals, or lower courts, compelling them to perform their obligations or refrain from specific actions. Quo Warranto means "by what authority." This writ allows anyone, not just the aggrieved party, to challenge a person’s legal right to hold a public office. It cannot be issued against ministerial offices. Certiorari, meaning "certified," is a writ issued by the High Court or Supreme Court to a lower court or tribunal to transfer a case for review or appeal.
UPSC 2024Polity · Fundamental Rights
Q2. Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy?
Explanation
The Constitution of India does not specifically guarantee a right to privacy. However, through various judgments over the years, the Courts of the country have interpreted the other rights in the Constitution to give rise to a (limited) right to privacy--primarily through Article 21--the right to life and liberty. In Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2017), the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that privacy is a fundamental right protected under Article 21 and Part III of the Constitution, affirming its intrinsic link to life, personal liberty, and fundamental freedoms. The Bench also ruled that the right to privacy is not absolute but is subject to reasonable restrictions (as is every other fundamental right).
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2024
(c) the lower court prohibiting the continuation of proceedings in a case.
2
2024
(d) Article 21
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Fundamental Rights?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Fundamental Rights (Polity), asked from 1996 to 2024. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Fundamental Rights?
Questions on Fundamental Rights (Polity) are available for 14 years, from 1996 to 2024. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
