UPSC 2002 Polity Questions with Answers

Explanation

A is matched with 2: Article 16 (2) states that no citizen can be discriminated against or be ineligible for any employment or office under the State on grounds of only religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth or residence. B is matched with 4: Article 29 (2) ensures that no citizen shall be denied admission to any state-maintained or state-aided educational institution on grounds of religion, race, caste, language, or any of them. C is matched with 3: Article 30 (1) grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. D is matched with 1: Article 31 (1) refers to the protection of property rights and ensures no person shall be deprived of their property except by the authority of law.

Explanation

The Right to Equality, enshrined as Fundamental Rights in Articles 14 to 18 of the Indian Constitution, ensures that all citizens are treated equally before the law and have access to the same legal protection. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth or any of them. Article 16 states that no citizen can be discriminated against or be ineligible for any employment or office under the State on grounds of only religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth or residence. Article 17 abolishes untouchability, outlawing its practice. Article 18 prohibits the conferment of hereditary titles, maintaining equality by ensuring no citizen is bestowed with aristocratic privileges (except for military and academic distinctions).

Explanation

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar regarded the Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32) as the "heart and soul of the Constitution" because it provides the means to enforce all other Fundamental Rights. Article 32 empowers individuals to directly approach the Supreme Court in case of violation of their Fundamental Rights, ensuring their protection and justiciability.

Explanation

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) aim to establish social and economic democracy in India. These principles serve as guidelines for the state to promote the welfare of the people and create a just society. DPSPs are enshrined in Part IV of the Indian Constitution, spanning from Articles 36 to 51. Unlike Fundamental Rights, DPSPs are non-enforceable by courts. However, they act as instruments of instruction for governments, guiding them to undertake positive actions towards achieving social and economic equity.

Explanation

The Indian Constitution’s Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) include Article 51, which underscores the nation’s commitment to promoting global peace and security. Key provisions of Article 51 covers:

Maintenance of Just and Honorable Relations: Advocates fair and respectful international relations. Respect for International Law: Upholds adherence to global legal principles. Peaceful Resolution of Disputes: Supports resolving conflicts through diplomacy and negotiation

Explanation

Option (a) is incorrect: The 39th Amendment Act primarily dealt with matters related to the elections of the President, Vice President, and disputes concerning the Prime Minister’s election.

Option (b) is incorrect: The 40th Amendment Act expanded the central government’s authority over certain properties and lands, exempting them from state legislative jurisdiction.

Option (c) is incorrect: 42nd Amendment Act also known as the "Mini Constitution introduced significant changes, including emphasizing India’s status as a socialist secular republic.

Option (d) is correct: The 44th Amendment, enacted in 1978 during the Janata Party government, granted the President the authority to return any matter for reconsideration by the Council of Ministers. This amendment significantly reinforced the checks and balances within India’s parliamentary system.

Explanation

The 93rd Constitutional Amendment Bill (2002) was enacted to introduce free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years as a fundamental right.This amendment inserted Article 21A into the Indian Constitution, mandating the state to provide free and compulsory education in this age group.It also made changes to Article 45 and Article 51A(k) to align with the newly introduced right.

Explanation

In 2002, the amount of security deposited for general category and SC/ST category candidates were 10,000 and 5,000 respectively for Lok Sabha elections. However, after some amendments in RPA Act 1951, Security Deposit Amounts (as of 2024) is:

1. Lok Sabha Elections (Lower House of Parliament):

General Category Candidates: 25,000 SC/ST Candidates: 12,500

2. State Legislative Assembly Elections:

General Category Candidates: 10,000 SC/ST Candidates: 5,000 A candidate’s security deposit is forfeited if they fail to secure more than one-sixth (16.67%) of the valid votes polled in their constituency.

Explanation

Under Article 83(2) of the Indian Constitution, the term of the Lok Sabha is normally five years. Under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, the President of India can proclaim an emergency on the grounds of war, external aggression and armed rebellion, external aggression, armed rebellion, or internal disturbance. During such a proclamation, the term of the Lok Sabha can be extended by one year at a time through a resolution passed in both Houses of Parliament with a special majority, which requires the support of at least two-thirds of the members present and voting in both Houses. This extension is valid only as long as the emergency remains in force and cannot continue beyond six months after the emergency ends.

Explanation

The parliament of India, while exercising the power under article 221, has made provision that the salary and Allowances of a HC judge be charged upon the Consolidated fund of State while Pension upon the Consolidated Fund of India. Consolidated Fund of India (Article 266) covers central government expenses, including Supreme Court judges’ salaries. Consolidated Fund of the State (Article 266), includes all state revenues and loans and covers state expenses. The Contingency Fund of India [ Article 267(1)] of the Indian Constitution is a reserve fund for meeting unforeseen and urgent expenditures, placed at the disposal of the President of India. The Contingency Fund of the State [Article 267(2)] of the Indian Constitution, is a reserve for unforeseen and urgent expenditures, available to the Governor of the state.