UPSC 2005 Polity Questions with Answers

Explanation

The Constituent Assembly of India, tasked with drafting the Constitution, formed several committees to address specific aspects of the Constitution. One of these was the Union Constitution Committee, which focused on defining the federal structure and relationship between the union and the states. Jawaharlal Nehru was appointed as the Chairman of the Union Constitution Committee. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, which was responsible for the final wording of the Constitution. J. B. Kripalani and Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar were also influential members of the Constituent Assembly but did not chair this committee.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Constitution of India originally had 22 parts, though with amendments, it now has 25 parts. Thus, the statement that the Constitution has 20 parts is incorrect.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: Originally, the Constitution had 395 Articles, but due to amendments, the number of Articles has increased to 448.

Statement 3 is correct:

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Article 301 pertains to the freedom of trade, commerce, and intercourse throughout India, not the Right to Property. Currently, The Right to Property is covered under Article 300A of the Indian Constitution.

Statement 2 is Correct: The Right to Property, initially a Fundamental Right under Article 31, was made a legal right through the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1978 and placed under Article 300A.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: Article 300A was indeed inserted by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1978, but not by the Congress government. The 44th Amendment removed the Right to Property from the list of Fundamental Rights and made it a legal right under Article 300A. This change was made during the Janata Party government, not the Congress Party government.

Explanation

The 98th Constitutional Amendment Bill was introduced in India to reform the judicial appointment process by establishing a National Judicial Commission (NJC). The NJC was proposed to replace the existing collegium system, which had been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability in selecting judges. The Commission would have included the Chief Justice of India, senior judges, and members from the executive, ensuring a more inclusive and structured process for judicial appointments. However, the proposed amendment did not come into effect, as it was struck down by the Supreme Court, which upheld the collegium system in its 2015 judgment. Probably UPSC has mistakenly used word ‘Act instead of bill’.

Explanation

The Indian Constitution provides for High Courts for each state (Article 214) but Article 231 also enables the Parliament to establish common HC for multiple states and UTs. The number of High Courts went from 24 to 25 after establishment of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in Amaravati in 2019.

Statement 1 is incorrect: In 2005 there were only 24 HCs.

Statement 2 is correct: Punjab, Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh share the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which is located in Chandigarh.

Statement 3 is correct: The National Capital Territory of Delhi is served by its own High Court, the Delhi High Court, which has jurisdiction exclusively over Delhi.

Explanation

The Supreme Court of India, established under Article 124 of the Constitution, came into existence on January 26, 1950. It initially operated from the old Parliament House.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Article 138 of the Indian Constitution provides that Parliament may, by law, extend the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

Statement 2 is correct: According to Article 146 for the Supreme Court and Article 229 for High Courts of the Constitution, the Chief Justice of India and Chief Justice of that high Court respectively, Chief Justice has the power to appoint officers and servants of the court. Their administrative expenses of the supreme court are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.

Explanation

Lok Adalats. established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, are a key mechanism for resolving disputes through amicable settlements. They address a broad spectrum of cases, including consumer disputes, such as those with mobile cellular companies, which are commonly resolved due to their potential for quick compromise. Additionally, Lok Adalats frequently handle motor accident compensation claims under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, as they involve monetary settlements that can be resolved without prolonged litigation. Pension-related disputes, often involving retired government employees, are also taken up to ensure timely resolution and delivery of justice to senior citizens. These cases, being non-complex in nature and suitable for settlement, are ideally suited for Lok Adalats, which aim to reduce the burden on regular courts while providing cost-effective and speedy justice to litigants.

Explanation

Statement (1) is correct: Part IX for Panchayats, Part IXA for Municipalities, and provisions under the 74th Amendment Act, 1992. Part IX of the Constitution, introduced by the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, contains provisions for Panchayats, detailing their composition, powers, and functioning under Articles 243 to 243O.

Statement (2) is incorrect: Part IXA of the Constitution, introduced by the 74th Amendment Act, 1992, governs Municipalities. However, Article 243Q does not envisage just two types of municipalities. It provides for three types:

Municipal Corporations for larger urban areas.

Municipal Councils for smaller urban areas.

Nagar Panchayats for areas transitioning from rural to urban.

Explanation

Articles 371A to 371I were added through various amendments to preserve the cultural, social, and economic interests of specific regions, addressing their unique needs.

Statement 1 is correct: Articles 371A to 371I were added to meet regional demands of states like Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Goa.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Although both constitutions allow a dual system of governance, the United States permits dual citizenship, while India adheres to single citizenship.

Statement 3 is also incorrect: In India, a naturalized citizen can lose citizenship if acquired through fraud or disloyalty to the Constitution.

Explanation

The Food and Nutrition Board is primarily responsible for implementing various programs related to nutrition, food security, and the health of children and mothers. Currently. It works under the Ministry of Women and Child Development in the Government of India. However, in the year the question was asked, the body was under the purview of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.