Fundamental Rights: RAS Prelims MCQs
96 RAS Prelims MCQs on the Fundamental Rights in Part III test article numbers, exceptions and the limits on each right. Equality under Articles 14 to 18, the six freedoms of Article 19, the protections in Articles 20 to 22, religious and cultural rights and the doctrine of eclipse are asked as facts, statements and sequences.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 71–80 of 96 questions
Statement I: The State can regulate or restrict any economic, financial, political, or other secular activity associated with religious practice under Article 25.
Statement II: The right to freedom of religion under Article 25 is absolute and immune from State intervention to ensure public morality.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
Under Article 25 the State can regulate economic, financial, political or other secular activity linked to religious practice, so Statement I is correct. The right is subject to public order, morality and health, so it is not absolute and Statement II is incorrect.List II and select the correct answer using the options given below:
List I: (Fundamental Right Heading)
A. Right to Equality
B. Right to Freedom
C. Right against Exploitation
D. Cultural and Educational Rights
List II: (Articles)
i. Articles 23 and 24
ii. Articles 14 to 18
iii. Articles 29 and 30
iv. Articles 19 to 22
Explanation
This match organizes the Fundamental Rights categories: Right to Equality spans Articles 14-18. Right to Freedom includes Articles 19-22. Right against Exploitation consists of Articles 23 and 24. Cultural and Educational Rights are covered in Articles 29 and 30. This structural division helps in understanding the different dimensions of civil liberties and social protections provided by the Indian Constitution for all citizens.Explanation
Article 23 is a broad provision that prohibits human trafficking, begar, and all other forms of forced labor. In contrast, Article 24 focuses specifically on protecting children, prohibiting the employment of those under 14 in factories, mines, and other hazardous occupations. Both articles are part of the Right against Exploitation, aiming to protect vulnerable individuals from coercive and exploitative practices.I. They are absolute and not subject to any restrictions.
II. Some of them are negative in character, placing limitations on the authority of the State.
III. They are justiciable, allowing persons to move the courts for their enforcement.
IV. They are permanent and cannot be amended or repealed by the Parliament.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Fundamental Rights are not absolute but qualified, as the State can impose reasonable restrictions. They are not permanent and can be amended by Parliament. However, they are negative in character as they limit State power, and they are justiciable, meaning they can be enforced through courts, making the two specified statements about their character and enforceability correctly defined.Explanation
Quo Warranto literally means by what authority or warrant. It is issued by the court to enquire into the legality of the claim which a person asserts to a public office. If it is found that the person is not entitled to the office, the court can prevent them from acting in that capacity and declare the office vacant.Explanation
The 86th Amendment Act of 2002 was a landmark in the field of education. It inserted Article 21A into Part III of the Constitution, making free and compulsory education for children between 6 and 14 years a fundamental right. It also amended Article 45 and added a new fundamental duty under Article 51A, creating a comprehensive framework for education.| Writ | Literal Meaning |
|---|---|
| A. Habeas Corpus | i. To be certified |
| B. Mandamus | ii. By what authority or warrant |
| C. Quo Warranto | iii. We command |
| D. Certiorari | iv. To have the body of |
Explanation
These writs have distinct literal meanings in Latin. Habeas Corpus means to have the body of. Mandamus translates to we command. Quo Warranto means by what authority or warrant. Certiorari means to be certified or informed. Understanding these meanings is crucial as they reflect the nature and purpose of each writ in the judicial enforcement of fundamental rights.Explanation
The Right to Property was removed from the list of Fundamental Rights by the 44th Amendment Act in 1978. However, it was not completely abolished. It remains a constitutional and legal right under Article 300A, which states that no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law. Thus, while it is no longer a fundamental right, it is recognized.I. Defamation
II. Contempt of court
III. Friendly relations with foreign states
IV. Public health
V. Security of the State On which of the above grounds can reasonable restrictions be imposed on the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(2)?
Explanation
Under Article 19(2), speech can be restricted on grounds of defamation, contempt of court, friendly relations with foreign states, and security of the State, along with public order, decency, morality, and sovereignty. Public health is a ground for restricting movement and residence under Article 19(5), but it is not listed as a ground for restricting freedom of speech and expression.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 71 | (d) Transfer a case pending with them or squash their order |
| 72 | (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect |
| 73 | (a) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii |
| 74 | (d) Article 23 bans forced labor, while Article 24 bans child labor. |
| 75 | (b) II and III only |
| 76 | (b) Quo Warranto |
| 77 | (b) Provision of free and compulsory education for ages 6 to 14. |
| 78 | (a) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i |
| 79 | (c) It is currently completely unrecognized by the Indian Constitution. |
| 80 | (c) I, II, III, and V only |
Key facts from Fundamental Rights
- Part III of the Constitution deals with Fundamental Rights, and the concept was inspired by the United States.
- Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth; Article 17 abolishes untouchability.
- Article 20 gives protection against ex post facto laws, double jeopardy and self-incrimination, in that order.
- Article 22 requires production before a magistrate within 24 hours, but not for enemy aliens or preventive detention.
- Article 23 prohibits human trafficking and forced labour; Article 30 protects the right of minorities to run educational institutions.
- The doctrine of eclipse is linked with Article 13.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Fundamental Rights?
This page has 96 practice MCQs on Fundamental Rights (Indian Polity and Governance). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which Article prohibits human trafficking and forced labour?
Article 23. It prohibits traffic in human beings, begar and other forced labour, and makes any contravention an offence punishable by law, while allowing the State to impose compulsory service for public purposes.
What does Article 20 protect against?
Three things: conviction under an ex post facto law (clause 1), double jeopardy (clause 2) and compulsion to be a witness against oneself (clause 3). The right against self-incrimination applies to criminal proceedings only.
Who is not covered by the 24-hour rule of Article 22?
Enemy aliens and persons arrested under preventive detention laws. Article 22 requires an arrested person to be produced before the nearest magistrate within 24 hours, but these two groups are excluded from that safeguard.