Fundamental Rights, Duties & Directive Principles: NBSE Class 11

Leave a Comment

Here, you will find summaries, questions, answers, textbook solutions, pdf, extras etc. of (Nagaland Board) NBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 11: Fundamental Rights, Duties and Directive Principles of State Policy. These solutions, however, should be only treated as references and can be modified/changed.

Introduction

The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of fundamental rights, duties, and directive principles of state policy. It delves into the meaning and significance of rights, highlighting the evolution of these rights over time, from the French Revolution to the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN General Assembly in 1948.

It discusses the various rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution, including the Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and Right to Constitutional Remedies. It emphasizes the importance of equality of opportunity in matters of public employment, prohibiting discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, or residence.

The chapter also addresses the issue of reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in higher educational institutions, noting the Supreme Court’s ruling that excludes the “creamy layer” from reservation seats and mandates a review every five years.

Furthermore, it explores the Directive Principles of State Policy, emphasizing the state’s responsibility to ensure adequate means of livelihood, fair distribution of wealth, and equal pay for equal work for both men and women. It also discusses the Fundamental Duties and the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.

It underscores the importance of the Right to Constitutional Remedies, which Dr. Ambedkar regarded as “the very Soul of the Constitution and the very heart of it”. This right guarantees the ability to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

Textual questions and answers

A. Long answer questions

1. Discuss the significance of the Fundamental Rights given in our Constitution in the light of the following statements:

(a) Rights protect civil liberties (freedom of speech and expression, etc.) of an individual

Answer: Democracy is of no avail if civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion and freedom from arbitrary arrest, are not recognised and protected by the State. Democracy is essentially government by opinion or persuasion. Therefore, the means for formulating public opinion should be secured to the citizens. The Constitution of India guarantees to the citizens freedom of speech and expression and freedom of assembly. 

(b) Rights are a check on arbitrary powers of the Government.

Answer:  The Fundamental Rights can be altered or curtailed only by an amendment of the Constitution. The inclusion of Fundamental Rights in the Constitution, as we have already seen, is a check not only on the Executive (the President, the Prime Minister, Ministers and government officials), but also on Parliament and other legislative bodies.

(c) Rights are protected by the Constitution, since they are enforceable by the Courts.

Answer: All persons, irrespective of race, religion, caste or sex, have the right to move the Supreme Court or the High Court for the enforcement of the rights conferred by the Constitution. It is not always necessary that the person who has instituted the legal proceedings should have a right of his own which he seeks to defend. The poverty ridden and oppressed people of India do not possess the means to seek relief. In the public interest anyone can commence litigation in the Court. This is known as ‘Public Interest Litigation’. High Court judges have even acted on their own on the basis of newspaper’s reports.

(d) Rights preserve and protect interests of Minorities.

Answer: The Constitution prohibits any discrimination based on religion, race or language. All citizens have the right to conserve their language, script and culture. All Minorities, whether based on religion or language, have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

2. Examine the significance of the ‘Right to Equality’ in the light of the following provisions of the Constitution of India:

(a) Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste and sex

Answer:  Article 15 prohibits the State to “discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.” No citizen shall be denied access to shops, public restaurants, hotels and places of public entertainment. Neither shall any one be denied the use of wells, tanks, bathing ghats and roads maintained wholly or partly out of the State funds. 

(b) Equality of Opportunity in matters of Public Employment

Answer: The ‘Right to Equality’ is a fundamental right enshrined in the Indian Constitution that ensures that all citizens are treated equally and without discrimination (Article 16). There shall be no discrimination against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, residence or any of them in respect of any employment under the State.

(c) Abolition of Untouchability

Answer: Some rights are enforceable against persons or private organisations also. For example, Constitution abolished untouchability. Therefore, persons practising untouchability shall be punished in accordance with law. Article 17 of the constitution declares that “untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden”. In many schools the Dalit children cannot take drinking water from the same water pump as was used by the so-called highborn children. That shows untouchability, while banned under the Constitution, is continuing to exist.

3. Examine the major provisions of Article 19 of the Constitution, which deals with Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Assembly, etc.

Answer: The major provisions of Article 19 of the Constitution, which deals with Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Assembly, etc., are as follows:

Article 19 is a part of the ‘Right to Freedom’ enshrined in the Indian Constitution. This article guarantees certain freedoms to the citizens of India, subject to certain restrictions. A Proclamation of Emergency shall have an adverse effect on Fundamental Rights. Firstly, the rights conferred by Article 19 (freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of movement, etc.) remain suspended. In other words, the legislature may make laws or the executive may commit acts which go against the rights conferred.”

The freedoms guaranteed under Article 19 include the freedom of speech and expression, the freedom to assemble peaceably without arms, the freedom to form associations or unions, the freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India, the freedom to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India, and the freedom to practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.

These freedoms are essential for the functioning of a democratic society as they allow citizens to express their opinions, protest against injustices, form associations or unions, and move, reside and settle freely within the country. They also allow citizens to choose and practice their profession, trade or business.

However, these freedoms are not absolute and are subject to certain restrictions in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.

4. Right to Freedom of Religion seeks to establish a Secular polity in India. Mention the following provisions of this right:

(a) Freedom of Conscience and the Right to practise Religion

Answer: The Preamble to the Constitution secures to all citizens liberty of belief, faith and worship. This objective is realised by the following provisions of the Constitution.

• Freedom of Conscience and Free Profession and Propagation of Religion (Article 25): The Constitution guarantees to every person freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise and propagate religion. This provision ensures that every individual has the freedom to follow their conscience and practise their religion without any interference.
• Freedom to manage Religious Affairs (Article 26): Constitution guarantees the right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes. Every religious sect has the right to own and acquire movable and immovable property. This provision ensures that religious groups have the freedom to manage their religious affairs and institutions.

(b) No religious instruction in an institution wholly maintained out of State Funds.

Answer: The Indian Constitution, while guaranteeing the right to freedom of religion, also ensures that the state maintains a position of neutrality in matters of religion. However, the Constitution secures that no religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of State funds. This means that in schools and colleges that are funded by the state, no religious instruction is to be provided. This provision ensures that the state does not promote any particular religion in its educational institutions, thereby maintaining its secular character.

5. Examine the following provisions of the Constitution in the context of the rights given to the Linguistic and Religious Minorities in India:

(a) Minorities have a right to conserve their distinct language and culture

Answer: The constitution gives to minorities a right to conserve their distinct language, script or culture. Such minorities shall not be denied admission into educational institutions maintained or aided by the State on grounds only of religion, race or language. The Constitution prohibits any discrimination based on religion, race or language. All citizens have the right to conserve their language, script and culture, and • All Minorities, whether based on religion or language, have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

(b) They have a right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice

Answer: Minorities have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. In granting aid to institutions, the State shall not discriminate against any institution on the ground that it is under the management of a minority. But the Supreme Court held that “State can certainly take regulatory measures to promote Educational Rights 120 the efficiency and excellence of educational standards.” It can also “issue guidelines for ensuring the security of the services of the teachers or other employees of the institution.”

6. Which of the Fundamental Rights is the most important right about which Dr. Ambedkar remarked, “it is the very soul of the Constitution and the very heart of it.” Explain the Writs of Habeas Corpus, Mandamus and Quo Warranto which the Supreme Court and High Courts may issue for the protection of Fundamental Rights. (Or) How does the Judiciary protect the Fundamental Rights in India?

Answer: The most important right about which Dr. Ambedkar remarked, “it is the very soul of the Constitution and the very heart of it” is the Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32). This right guarantees the right to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. The High Courts may also issue writs or orders for the enforcement of any of the rights.

The Supreme Court and the High Courts may issue the following orders or writs:

Writ of Habeas Corpus: ‘Habeas Corpus’ is a Latin term which means “you may have the body”. It provides a remedy for a person wrongly detained or restrained. The Supreme Court and the High Courts issue this writ to a person who detains another in custody and command him to bring the prisoner into Court and tell the time and the cause of the arrest. If the cause is insufficient, he is at once unconditionally released.

Mandamus: The Latin term ‘mandamus’ means “we command”. The purpose of the writ is to compel an inferior court or an individual to perform their legal duty. This power has to be exercised only for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

Quo Warranto: The term ‘quo warranto’ means “by what warrant?”. It is a writ issued with a view to restraining a person from acting in a public office to which he is not entitled. The writ requires the person to explain by what authority he is in that office. If a person has usurped a public office, the Court may direct him not to carry out any activities in the office or may announce the office to be vacant.

7. In the context of the Right against Exploitation, answer the following questions:

(a) Does payment of less than the Minimum Wages fall within the scope of the words Forced Labour? Cite a case in which the Supreme Court interpreted the words Forced Labour.

Answer: Yes, payment of less than the minimum wages does fall within the scope of the words ‘forced labour’. This was established by the Supreme Court in the Asiad Workers case (1982). The court held that making a person work against his will and then not paying him his wages, or paying less than the minimum wages, can be considered as ‘forced labour’.

(b) What are the provisions of the Constitution regarding employment of children in factories, etc.?

Answer: The provisions of the Constitution regarding the employment of children in factories, etc. are outlined in Article 24. This article states, “No child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine. Nor shall such a child be engaged in any hazardous employment.”

This provision is significant as it protects children from being exploited through labor, particularly in hazardous environments such as factories and mines. It ensures that children are not deprived of their childhood and are given the opportunity to grow, learn, and develop in a safe and nurturing environment.

8. What is meant by the Directive Principles laid down by the Constitution of India? Mention the Directive Principles based on Gandhian Ideals.

Answer: The Directive Principles of State Policy are non-justiciable rights of the people. These provisions shall not be enforceable by any Court. If a Directive is infringed, no remedy is available to the aggrieved party by way of judicial proceedings. Even though they are non-justiciable, the Directive Principles are fundamental in the governance of the country. It shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws. Even the judiciary has to keep them in mind in deciding cases.

The Directive Principles based on Gandhian Ideals include:

• The State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and in particular the interests of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
• The State shall make an effort to prevent the consumption of liquor and other harmful drugs, except for medicinal purposes. It shall be the duty of State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living of the people and to improve public health.
• Steps should be taken “to organise Village Panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self government.”
• Mahatma Gandhi wanted cottage industries, particularly home spinning, to flourish. Our Constitution says, “the State shall endeavour to promote cottage industries in rural areas.”
• Agriculture and animal husbandry should be organised on modern and scientific lines. Steps should be taken for prohibiting the slaughter of cows, calves and other milch and draught cattle.
• The state shall endeavour to provide early childhood care for all children until they complete the age of six years.

9. Mention the Directive Principles which promote economic equality and proclaim that India is a Welfare State.

Answer: The Directive Principles which promote economic equality and proclaim that India is a Welfare State include:

• The State should ensure for its people adequate means of livelihood.
• There should be fair distribution of wealth. There should be no concentration of wealth in the hands of a few people. Means of production and other resources of the country should be utilised for the common good.
• There should be equal pay for equal work for both men and women. 
• Childhood and youth should be protected against exploitation. Men, women and children should not be forced by economic necessity to enter jobs and vocations, not suited to their age or strength.
• The State should ensure the participation of workers in the management of industries and other organisations. 

10. Mention the steps taken by the Government to achieve the objectives of Directive Principles of State Policy. (Or) Discuss the things done by the Government to secure implementation of the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Answer: The Government has taken several steps to achieve the objectives of the Directive Principles of State Policy. Some of these steps include:

• The Right to Education came into force on 1 April, 2010. It has now become a Fundamental Right of all Children of the age 6 to 14 years.
• Welfare schemes for the weaker sections are being implemented by the government, which provides free textbooks to students belonging to SCs/STs pursuing medicine and engineering courses.
• In order that Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are fully protected from atrocities the Government enacted the Prevention of Atrocities Act.
• Several Land Reform Acts were enacted to provide ownership rights to the poor farmers.
• The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, provides for equal pay for both men and women for the same work or a work of similar nature.
• The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (2005), now named after Mahatma Gandhi, required to provide 100 days of employment in a year to each rural household in the country. During 2013-14 nearly 4.98 crore households were provided employment under the Rural Employment scheme. 
• Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) it was made possible for all, especially the poor, to have banking opportunity as well as insurance coverage, which previously they did not have.
• Judiciary has been separated from the executive in all the States and Union Territories except Jammu and Kashmir and Nagaland.
• Panchayati Raj now covers almost all states and Union Territories.
• The main principles underlying India’s foreign policy are peaceful coexistence, disarmament and fight against colonialism and racialism.

B. Short answer questions

11. What is meant by the term ‘Fundamental Rights’?

Answer: Fundamental Rights are fundamental in the sense that they have been incorporated in the Fundamental Law of the Land (the Constitution) and can be enforced by the Supreme Court and the High Courts. They are not fundamental in the sense that they are absolute. Neither are they exempt from the Constitutional Amendment. 

12. What is the scope of the following rights:

(a) Right to Information

Answer: The Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act) empowers every citizen of India to seek information from public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government.

(b) Right to Education

Answer: The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act) mandates free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14 in India under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution.

13. What is meant by the Right to Life and Personal Liberty?

Answer: Article 21 declares that “no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law”.

14. What is the effect of a Proclamation of Emergency on Fundamental Rights?

Answer: A Proclamation of Emergency shall have an adverse effect on Fundamental Rights. Firstly, the rights conferred by Article 19 (freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of movement, etc.) remain suspended. In other words, the legislature may make laws or the executive may commit acts which go against the rights conferred by Article 19. Secondly, the President may by Order suspend the right to move the Court for the enforcement of other rights also (except the rights conferred by Articles 20 and 21).

15. What do the Directive Principles say regarding:

(a) Protection of Environment

Answer: The Forty-second Amendment Act, 1976 speaks about State’s duty “to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country”.

(b) Protection of Monuments

Answer: Places and things of national importance should be protected from spoilation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal or export.

16. Mention any four Fundamental Duties of Citizens of India.

Answer: Any four Fundamental Duties of Citizens of India are:

• To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
• To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom.
• To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
• To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.

17. Mention three main differences between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy.

Answer: Three main differences between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State are:

• The Supreme Court and the High Courts have power to issue orders or writs for the enforcement of the Fundamental Rights. On the other hand, it is clearly stated that Directive Principles are not enforceable or justiciable.
• Rights protect life and civil liberties, such as freedom to assemble and express one’s opinion on matters of common interest. The Directive Principles indicate as to what our economic ideal or social order ought to be.
• Rights are mostly negative in character. They indicate the things which the State must not do. Thus a person who is arrested shall not be denied the right to consult a lawyer of his choice. Directive Principles are in the nature of positive directions to the State. For example, the state is directed to secure to the citizens humane conditions of work and economic assistance in cases of unemployment, old age and sickness.

C. Very short answer questions

18. Which Fundamental Right is being violated in each case?

(a) Overweight air-hostesses were denied promotion.

Answer: The Fundamental Right being violated in this case is the Right to Equality, specifically Article 16.

(b) Banning the release of a Film that criticises Government and Prime Minister’s policies.

Answer: The Fundamental Right being violated in this case is the Right to Freedom, specifically the freedom of speech and expression.

(c) Tamil Society which runs Tamil medium schools in Andhra Pradesh was given a notice that only Telugu medium schools may be established in Andhra Pradesh.

Answer: The Fundamental Right being violated in this case is the Cultural and Educational Rights, specifically Article 30, which allows all minorities, whether based on religion or language, to set up and administer educational institutions of their choice.

(d) In a particular village the children of a caste group traditionally associated with scavenging (cleaning jobs) were not allowed to seek admission to school.

Answer: The Fundamental Right being violated in this case is the Right to Education and Right to Equality, specifically Article 15, which prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.

D. Multiple Choice Questions: Tick (✔) the correct answer

19. Which of the following Fundamental Right is guaranteed only to the Citizens and not Aliens?

Answer: (d) Freedom of Speech and Expression and to form Association

20. Which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India abolished Untouchability?

Answer: (a) Article 17

21. The Supreme Court and the High Courts may issue Writs for the protection of Fundamental Rights. What is the purpose of the Writ of Prohibition?

Answer: (c) To direct the inferior courts to keep within the limits of their jurisdiction.

22. Which of the following is the best example of a Directive Principle based on Gandhian programme?

Answer: (c) Steps should be taken to enable Village Panchayats to function as units of self-government.

Value-based question

On 8 May 2012 the Supreme Court directed the Union Government to eliminate the Haj subsidy in 10 years. Which ideal of the Constitution did this judgement reflect?

Answer: The Supreme Court’s decision to direct the Union Government to eliminate the Haj subsidy in 10 years reflects the ideal of secularism enshrined in the Constitution. This ideal is based on the principle that the State should not favour or discriminate against any religion. By eliminating the Haj subsidy, the State is ensuring that it does not favour one religion over others, thus upholding the principle of secularism. This decision also reflects the ideal of equality, as it ensures that all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs, are treated equally by the State.

Additional/extra questions and answers

1. What did the French National Assembly proclaim in the Declaration of Rights of Man post the French Revolution?

Answer: The French National Assembly proclaimed that “all men are born equal and should have equal rights” in the Declaration of Rights of Man post the French Revolution. 

2. Describe the significance of the American Bill of Rights and what does it include?

Answer: The American Bill of Rights, adopted as 10 amendments to the Constitution by the American Congress in September 1789 and enacted by December 1791, holds immense significance. It includes several crucial provisions, most notably: the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and protection against cruel punishment. 

3. What is Human Rights Day and why is it celebrated?

Answer: Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10th. This day was chosen to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly on the same day in 1948. The celebration of this day aims to remind people of the significant strides that have been made towards securing human rights worldwide and the work still needed to ensure complete global equality. 

4. How are rights defined and what is the meaning of Fundamental Rights?

Answer: Rights are defined as those powers and freedoms which are essential for a good life. Fundamental Rights, on the other hand, are fundamental in the sense that they have been incorporated in the Fundamental Law of the Land, which is the Constitution. These rights can be enforced by the Supreme Court and the High Courts. Fundamental Rights, however, are not absolute and are not exempt from the Constitutional Amendment. 

5. Explain the distinction between Fundamental Rights and other rights of citizens.

Answer: Fundamental Rights differ from other rights of citizens, like the right to marry or the right to enter into contracts, in two major aspects. Firstly, other rights can be changed by the ordinary course of legislation, while a Constitutional Amendment is required to alter the Fundamental Rights. Secondly, the protection and enforcement of the other rights are managed by ordinary courts of land, but the Fundamental Rights are upheld and enforced by the Supreme Court and the High Courts. 

Q. Elaborate on the necessity and significance of Fundamental Rights. Answer: Fundamental Rights bear significant importance for several reasons: 

• They help in establishing relations between Citizens and State. This includes the Government (Executive) and Parliament of India, the Government (Executive) and the Legislature of each of the States, and all local or other authorities within the territory of India. 
• Fundamental Rights are crucial for the development of the powers inherent in every individual and are secured to preserve human dignity and to promote social progress in larger freedom. 
• Democracy implies civil liberties. Without the recognition and protection of civil liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and freedom from arbitrary arrest, democracy is of no value. Democracy is essentially government by opinion or persuasion. Therefore, the means for formulating public opinion should be secured to the citizens. The Constitution of India guarantees to its citizens freedom of speech and expression and freedom of assembly. 

Q. What is the role of rights in shaping human personality? 

Answer: Rights are essential for the development of the powers inherent in every individual. Fundamental Rights are secured to preserve human dignity and to promote social progress in larger freedom. This demonstrates that rights play a significant role in shaping human personality by promoting individual development, preserving human dignity, and fostering social progress. 

Q. How do Fundamental Rights uphold democracy? 

Answer: Fundamental Rights uphold democracy by recognizing and protecting civil liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and freedom from arbitrary arrest. Democracy is essentially government by opinion or persuasion. Therefore, the means for formulating public opinion should be secured to the citizens. The Constitution of India guarantees to its citizens freedom of speech and expression and freedom of assembly. Thus, by protecting these liberties, Fundamental Rights uphold the democratic values and principles. 

Q. How do the Fundamental Rights act as a check on the arbitrary powers and acts of the government? 

Answer: The Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution provide a check on the powers and acts of the government. These rights can only be altered or curtailed through an amendment of the Constitution, not at the whim of the government. They limit not only the powers of the Executive, which includes the President, the Prime Minister, Ministers, and government officials, but also those of Parliament and other legislative bodies. This ensures that these entities cannot infract upon these rights arbitrarily, protecting the citizens from possible misuse of power by the government. 

Q. Can some Fundamental Rights be enforced against private citizens and organisations? Give examples. 

Answer: Yes, some Fundamental Rights can be enforced against private citizens and organisations. For instance, the Constitution has abolished untouchability. Therefore, any person or private organisation practising untouchability can be punished according to the law. In the same way, the Constitution prohibits the employment of children in hazardous jobs, such as mines. Employing a child below the age of 14 years in such environments is considered a violation of their Fundamental Rights and can be punishable by law. 

Q. How do Fundamental Rights preserve and protect the interests of minorities in India? 

Answer: The Constitution safeguards the interests of minorities in several ways through Fundamental Rights. Firstly, it prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, or language, ensuring equality for all. Secondly, all citizens, regardless of their minority status, have the right to conserve their language, script, and culture. This preserves cultural diversity and allows minorities to maintain their unique identities. Lastly, minorities, whether based on religion or language, have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice, promoting educational autonomy and fostering cultural preservation through education. 

Q. What is the distinction made by the Constitution regarding the enjoyment of Fundamental Rights by ‘Citizens’ and ‘Aliens’? 

Answer: The Indian Constitution differentiates between ‘Citizens’ and ‘Aliens’ in terms of the Fundamental Rights they can enjoy. Rights such as equality of opportunity in matters of public employment and freedom of speech and expression are only granted to the citizens of India. However, rights like the protection of life, freedom of religion, and right against exploitation are universal, and therefore, guaranteed to both Citizens and Aliens alike. This distinction ensures the protection of basic human rights for all, while reserving certain privileges for Indian citizens. 

Q. How are Fundamental Rights enforceable by the courts, and what is the role of ‘Public Interest Litigation’ in this context? 

Answer: Fundamental Rights are enforceable by the Supreme Court or the High Courts. Any person, irrespective of race, religion, caste, or sex, can move these courts for the enforcement of the rights granted by the Constitution. It is not always necessary for the person who has instituted the legal proceedings to have a right of their own to defend. If it is in the public interest, anyone can commence litigation in the court. This is known as ‘Public Interest Litigation’ (PIL). High Court judges can even act on their own on the basis of newspaper reports. This allows for the efficient defence and enforcement of Fundamental Rights, and the PIL process facilitates this by allowing any person to file a lawsuit in the interest of the public, helping to ensure the protection of the rights of even the most vulnerable citizens. 

Q. What is the significance of the Congress Session of 1931 regarding Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy? 

Answer: The Congress Session of 1931 adopted a specific resolution on ‘Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy.’ This marked the formal recognition of the importance of these rights for the future governance of India. 

Q. What are the basic ideals of the Indian Republic as expressed in the Objectives Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru? 

Answer: The Objectives Resolution moved by Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly expressed Justice, Equality and Fundamental Freedoms as the basic ideals of the Indian Republic. These principles set the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the Republic of India. 

Q. Which part of the Indian Constitution encompasses Fundamental Rights? 

Answer: Fundamental Rights are proclaimed under Part III of the Constitution of India. 

Q. Under which categories are the Rights grouped in the Indian Constitution? 

Answer: The Rights in the Indian Constitution are grouped under six broad categories. 

Q. What is the meaning of ‘Equality’ as stated in the Indian Constitution? 

Answer: The Indian Constitution makes ‘Equality’ as the bedrock of Indian polity. It ensures that every citizen is equal before the law, without any discrimination on various grounds, and promises equal opportunities in public employment. 

Q. What is guaranteed under Article 14 of the Indian Constitution? 

Answer: Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees every citizen equality before the law or equal protection of laws within the territory of India. This means that all citizens are subject to the same legal system without any privileges or discriminations. 

Q. What does Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibit? 

Answer: Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits the State to “discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.” It ensures that no citizen is denied access to public amenities and resources solely based on these discriminating factors. 

Q. Explain the concept of ‘Equality of Opportunity in Matters of Public Employment’ as per Article 16 of the Indian Constitution. 

Answer: As per Article 16 of the Indian Constitution, ‘Equality of Opportunity in Matters of Public Employment’ means that there shall be no discrimination against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, residence or any of them in respect of any employment under the State. This asserts that every citizen, regardless of their social or demographic background, has an equal opportunity to seek and acquire public employment. 

Q. Briefly describe the Constitution Amendment Act of 2005. What were the observations made by the Supreme Court regarding this Act? 

Answer: The Constitution Amendment Act, 2005 in India empowered the government to provide reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in higher educational institutions. On April 10, 2008, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of this Act. However, the court made two important observations: first, the reservation seats for OBCs should exclude the “creamy layer”, i.e., the well-off individuals within these communities, and second, a review should be conducted every five years to consider the need for the continuation of these reservations. 

Q. What does Article 17 of the Indian Constitution declare? 

Answer: Article 17 of the Indian Constitution declares that “untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden”. This signifies a commitment to eliminating this social evil and ensuring the dignity of all citizens. 

Q. Describe the recommendation of the Mandal Commission and its implications as per the Supreme Court ruling. 

Answer: The Mandal Commission recommended a reservation of 27 per cent of seats in civil posts under the Government of India for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), in addition to 22.5 per cent of seats for SCs and STs. Formal orders were issued to this effect on August 13, 1990. The Supreme Court confirmed this recommendation, but ruled that the “Creamy Layer” (well-off among the backward communities) should be excluded from the right of reservation. This ruling meant that the well-off individuals within these communities would not be eligible for reservations, ensuring that the benefits of this policy reached those who were truly socio-economically disadvantaged. The intention behind reservations was to enable these disadvantaged groups to compete with those who have a better socio-economic background. 

Q. What are the freedoms assured to the citizens of India under Article 19 of the Constitution? 

Answer: Article 19 of the Constitution ensures to the citizens of India these rights: 

• Freedom of speech and expression, 
• Freedom of assembly, 
• Freedom to form associations and unions, 
• Right to move freely throughout the territory of India, 
• Right to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India, 
• The right to practise any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business, and 
• The right to information, which empowers citizens to seek information about government records and documents, and about government spending, etc. 

Q. When did the Right to Information become a Fundamental Right under Article 19? 

Answer: The Right to Information became a Fundamental Right under Article 19 in the year 2005. 

Q. What is the aim of the ‘Social Justice’ mentioned in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution? 

Answer: The phrase ‘Social Justice’ in the Preamble to the Constitution of India signifies the state’s commitment to making laws to remove ‘economic inequalities’ and to protect the interests of the weaker sections of society. It is one of the basic objects for which the Indian Republic exists, the others being Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. 

Q. Describe the case in Tamil Nadu related to the construction of a colony for the so-called ‘untouchables’ and its relation to Article 17 of the Constitution. 

Answer: In Tamil Nadu, the government had acquired land to construct a separate colony for the so-called ‘untouchables’ with an aim to improve their living conditions. However, this construction was challenged as it was believed to result in the segregation of these individuals and therefore, it was thought to not be in conformity with Article 17 of the Constitution, which prohibits untouchability. Despite these challenges, the Tamil Nadu High Court did not accept these pleadings, reasoning that the primary purpose of the construction was to raise the living standards of these people. 

Q. What are the protections granted to persons accused of an offence under Article 20 of the Constitution? 

Answer: Article 20 of the Indian Constitution grants the following protections to persons accused or punished for an offence: 

• No person shall be punished except for the violation of a law. 
• No person shall be prosecuted and punished for the same offence more than once. 
• No person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself. 

Q. What is Article 21? 

Answer: Article 21 declares that “no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law”. 

Q. Can you elaborate on the Right to Education (Article 21-A)? 

Answer: The Right to Education Bill was passed by Parliament in August 2009, aiming to provide free and compulsory education to children aged 6 to 14 years. The Right to Education was notified on 1 April, 2010, and it has now become a justiciable right. 

Q. What are the rights conferred by the constitution upon a person arrested under ordinary circumstances according to Article 22? 

Answer: Constitution confers three rights upon a person arrested under ordinary circumstances. These are: 

• No person shall be detained in custody without being informed of the grounds for such arrest. 
• The individual has the right to be defended by a lawyer of their choice. 
• The person has the right to be produced before the nearest magistrate within twenty-four hours of such arrest. 

Q. What are the exceptions mentioned in Article 22? 

Answer: The Article enacts two exceptions. Firstly, the safeguards outlined in the article are not available to an enemy alien. Secondly, these rights do not apply to persons detained under the Preventive Detention Act. 

Q. Can you elaborate on the concept of Preventive Detention? 

Answer: Preventive detention is a pre-emptive action that is taken to prevent a person from committing an act which is likely to be injurious to the security of the State or the interest of the public. The primary object of preventive detention is not to punish a person for having committed a crime, but to stop them from doing something potentially harmful. 

Q. What are the effects of a Proclamation of Emergency on Fundamental Rights? 

Answer: A Proclamation of Emergency has an adverse effect on Fundamental Rights. Firstly, the rights conferred by Article 19 (freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of movement, etc.) remain suspended. This means the legislature can make laws or the executive may commit acts which go against the rights conferred by Article 19. Secondly, the President may by Order suspend the right to move the Court for the enforcement of other rights also (except the rights conferred by Articles 20 and 21). 

Q. What are some of the restrictions on Rights? 

Answer: The Right to Freedom and Personal Liberty has a number of limiting clauses. Many of the restrictions on Fundamental Rights provoked a heated debate in the Constituent Assembly. Some members, like Somnath Lahiri, a Communist member from West Bengal, were of the opinion that “almost every article is followed by a proviso which takes away the right almost completely. The phrases like ‘public order’, decency or morality are vague and ill-defined. 

Q. Can you elaborate on the three points emphasizing the state’s role and citizen’s duty towards their rights? 

Answer: The three points emphasize the following: 

• The state is the custodian of general public interests. Therefore, it may make laws putting restrictions on our rights. This implies the state has the duty to balance individual rights with the collective good. 
• It is for the Courts to decide if a restriction is reasonable or not. This ensures a system of checks and balances, where an independent judiciary has the final say on whether restrictions placed on individual rights are justified or not. 
• Rights are effective only when people are conscious of their rights and duties. This indicates that it’s essential for citizens to be aware of their rights and the limitations to these rights. They must also realize that it is their duty to create traditions which no government will dare to defy.

Q. What are the two main declarations against exploitation included in the Constitution? 

Answer: The two main declarations against exploitation in the Constitution are 1) Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour (Article 23) and 2) Prohibition of Employment of Children in Factories (Article 24). 

Q. What does Article 23 of the Constitution prohibit, and what do the terms ‘traffic in human beings’ and ‘begar’ mean? 

Answer: Article 23 of the Constitution prohibits traffic in human beings and ‘begar’ and other similar forms of forced labour. ‘Traffic in human beings’ refers to the buying and selling of men, women, and children like goods and using them as slaves, including traffic in women and girls for immoral purposes. ‘Begar’ or ‘forced labour’ means making a person work against their will and then not paying them their wages. 

Q. What has the Supreme Court held as ‘forced labour’ in the Asiad Workers case (1982)? 

Answer: In the Asiad Workers case of 1982, the Supreme Court held that the payment of less than the minimum wages constitutes ‘forced labour’. 

Q. What does Article 24 of the Constitution prohibit concerning child labour? 

Answer: Article 24 of the Constitution prohibits the employment of children below the age of fourteen years in any factory or mine. Furthermore, it states that such a child shall not be engaged in any hazardous employment. 

Q. What does the Preamble to the Constitution secure to all citizens with respect to religion? 

Answer: The Preamble to the Constitution secures to all citizens liberty of belief, faith and worship. 

Q. Discuss the provisions of the Constitution that realise the objective of the Preamble with respect to religion. 

Answer: The Constitution realises the objective of the Preamble through several provisions. Article 25 guarantees to every person the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise, and propagate religion. Article 26 guarantees the right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes, with every religious sect having the right to own and acquire movable and immovable property. Article 27 ensures a secular state by stating that no taxes shall be levied, the proceeds of which are meant for the maintenance of any particular religion. Lastly, Article 28 states that no religious instructions shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained by State funds. 

Q. What is the guarantee given by Article 25 of the Constitution? 

Answer: Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees to every person the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise and propagate religion. 

Q. Explain the rights granted by Article 26 of the Constitution. 

Answer: Article 26 of the Constitution guarantees the right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes. It grants every religious sect the right to own and acquire movable and immovable property. 

Q. What does Article 27 of the Constitution state about taxation and religion? 

Answer: Article 27 of the Constitution states that no taxes shall be levied, the proceeds of which are meant for the maintenance of any particular religion, ensuring equal treatment to all religions. 

Q. What does Article 28 of the Constitution state about religious instructions in educational institutions? 

Answer: Article 28 of the Constitution states that no religious instructions shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained by State funds. 

Q. What is the importance of Article 32 according to Dr. Ambedkar?

Answer: Dr. Ambedkar regarded the Right to Constitutional Remedies, as guaranteed by Article 32, as “the very Soul of the Constitution and the very heart of it”. This is because it ensures the means to make the declared Fundamental Rights effective by allowing individuals to move the Supreme Court for their enforcement.

Q. What is a ‘Writ of Habeas Corpus’ and when is it issued?

Answer: A ‘Writ of Habeas Corpus’, a Latin term which means “you may have the body”, is a legal order that provides a remedy for a person wrongly detained or restrained. The Supreme Court and the High Courts issue this writ to a person who detains another in custody and command him to bring the prisoner into Court and tell the time and the cause of the arrest. If the court finds that the cause of arrest is insufficient, the prisoner is immediately and unconditionally released.

Q. Explain the terms ‘Mandamus’, ‘Prohibition’, ‘Certiorari’, and ‘Quo Warranto’ and their uses in the context of the Constitution.

Answer: Mandamus: The Latin term ‘mandamus’ means “we command”. The purpose of this writ is to compel an inferior court or an individual to perform their legal duty. This power has to be exercised only for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

Prohibition: A writ of prohibition is issued to prevent an inferior court from exercising powers with which it is not legally vested. It directs these courts to stay within the limits of their jurisdiction.

Certiorari: The term ‘certiorari’ means “to be informed of what is going on”. This writ asks the lower court to hand over the record of a particular case to the higher court.

Quo Warranto: This writ is directed against a person who has wrongfully usurped an office. The writ asks the person to show under what authority he holds the office. If the court decides that the person is holding that office illegally, it may declare the office to be vacant.

Q. How has the Judiciary functioned in the context of the enforcement of rights, particularly under MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act) or TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act)?

Answer: Since the inception of the Constitution, the Judiciary has functioned as the primary protector of rights. It has upheld the detention of persons under MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act) or TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act). However, the Supreme Court and the High Courts have cautioned that such laws could severely impact an individual’s “personal liberty”, hence, they should be used “sparingly”, that is, in as few situations as possible. For instance, in 2006, the Supreme Court directed the States of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh to provide proper relief to the tribals and cultivators who had been displaced because of the Sardar Sarovar Project.

Q. What are the Directive Principles of State Policy? Describe their meaning and goals.

Answer: Part IV of the Constitution lays down the Directive Principles of State Policy. These principles serve as guidelines or instructions to the legislature and the executive on their duties and actions. They also serve as a beacon-light to the Courts. The aim of including these principles was to ensure social, legal, and economic justice for every member of the community. In the Directive Principles, one finds a clearer statement of Socialist aims, Gandhian principles, and ideals of a Welfare State. These principles are non-justiciable rights, meaning that they cannot be legally enforced. Despite this, they have been instrumental in guiding the formulation and implementation of governmental policies and laws in India.

Q. What are the key characteristics of the Directive Principles of State Policy?

Answer: The Directive Principles of State Policy possess two main characteristics. First, they are non-justiciable rights of the people, which means these provisions are not enforceable by any Court. If a Directive is infringed, no remedy is available to the aggrieved party by way of judicial proceedings. Second, even though the Directive Principles are non-justiciable, they are fundamental in the governance of the country. It is the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws, and the judiciary also has to keep them in mind when deciding cases.

Q. Under what heads can the Directive Principles be classified?

Answer: The Directive Principles can be classified under two main heads: Gandhian Principles and Principles which promote Economic Equality (Socialistic Measures).

Q. What are the key Gandhian Principles outlined in the Directive Principles?

Answer: The Gandhian Principles outlined in the Directive Principles include:

• Promotion of the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, especially the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
• Efforts to prevent the consumption of liquor and other harmful drugs, except for medicinal purposes, and improvement of public health and living standards.
• Organization of Village Panchayats as units of self government.
• Promotion of cottage industries in rural areas.
• Modernisation of agriculture and animal husbandry, and prohibition of the slaughter of cows, calves, and other milch and draught cattle.
• Provision of early childhood care for all children until they complete the age of six years.

Q. What Socialistic Measures have been suggested in the Directive Principles?

Answer: The Socialistic Measures suggested in the Directive Principles are:

• Ensuring adequate means of livelihood for the people.
• Promoting fair distribution of wealth, preventing concentration of wealth in the hands of a few people, and ensuring that means of production and other resources of the country are utilised for the common good.
• Promoting equal pay for equal work for both men and women.

Q. What special measure does the state have to take to protect the interests of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes as per the Gandhian Principles?

Answer: As per the Gandhian Principles outlined in the Directive Principles, the State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and in particular, the interests of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.

Q. What steps should be taken regarding agriculture and animal husbandry according to the Gandhian Principles?

Answer: According to the Gandhian Principles in the Directive Principles, agriculture and animal husbandry should be organised on modern and scientific lines. Additionally, steps should be taken for prohibiting the slaughter of cows, calves and other milch and draught cattle.

Q. What are the steps the state should take to promote economic equality as per the Principles which promote Economic Equality (Socialistic Measures)?

Answer: As per the Principles which promote Economic Equality (Socialistic Measures) in the Directive Principles, the state should ensure that its people have adequate means of livelihood. There should be fair distribution of wealth and no concentration of wealth in the hands of a few people. The means of production and other resources of the country should be utilised for the common good. Also, there should be equal pay for equal work for both men and women.

Q. Who are Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai and why were they mentioned in this context?

Answer: Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai are renowned child rights activists. Kailash Satyarthi is from India and Malala Yousafzai is from Pakistan. They were both awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education. They were mentioned in this context to exemplify the principles of advocating for the rights and well-being of children, which align with the aims of the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Q. What is the National Food Security Act and how does it aim to promote welfare?

Answer: The National Food Security Act, also known as the Right to Food Security Act, 2013, is a significant legislation passed in India that aims to provide subsidised food grains to approximately two-thirds of India’s 1.2 billion population. Under this Act, 75 per cent of the rural and 50 per cent of the urban population are entitled to five kg foodgrains per person per month for three years from the date of enactment of this Act at subsidized rates: rice at 3 per kg, wheat at 2 per kg, and coarse grains (millet) at 1 per kg. This Act is a step towards ensuring that people are not forced into vocations due to economic necessity that are unsuitable to their age or strength.

Q. What is the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and what are its benefits?

Answer: The Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a financial inclusion scheme launched in August 2014 by the Indian Government. Under this scheme, anyone who does not have a bank account can open one with zero balance. The scheme provides accidental insurance cover up to 1,00,000 for the account holder without any charge. This scheme is in line with the welfare state’s principle of ensuring participation of workers in the management of industries and other organisations, and providing state assistance in cases of unemployment, old age and disabilities.

Q. What are some principles that proclaim that the Indian state is a welfare state?

Answer: The principles that proclaim that the Indian state is a welfare state include:

The state is directed to ensure to the people the right to work, the right to education, and the right to state assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement.

The state is directed to secure to the workers, “a living wage”, which is a wage large enough to enable the purchase of food, clothing, a roof over the head and other necessary things. Conditions of work should be such as to ensure a decent standard of life and full enjoyment of leisure.

In addition to these, the state has obligations to organise village Panchayats, separate the judiciary from the executive, protect and improve the environment, safeguard forests and wildlife, protect national monuments and objects, and promote international peace and security.

Q. Discuss the Directive Principles relating to political, administrative, and legal matters in the Indian Constitution.

Answer: The Indian Constitution lays down certain directives for political, administrative, and legal matters. One such directive is the obligation of the State to organise village Panchayats. This is part of the decentralisation of power and an attempt to involve the rural population in the administration and decision-making process at the grassroots level.

The Constitution also instructs the State to separate the Judiciary from the Executive. This directive aims to establish the independence of the judiciary, ensuring that it is not influenced by the executive branch of the government. The intention is to maintain the integrity of the justice system by preventing any undue influence or interference from the executive powers.

Q. What are the directives in the Indian Constitution about the protection and improvement of the environment?

Answer: The Indian Constitution, after the Forty-second Amendment Act of 1976, has a directive that speaks about the State’s duty to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. This directive calls for sustainable development and conservation of natural resources. It obligates the State to ensure that environmental degradation is minimized and emphasizes on the need to protect biodiversity.

Q. What are the directives in the Indian Constitution regarding the protection of monuments and objects of national importance?

Answer: The Indian Constitution states that places and things of national importance should be protected from spoilation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal or export. This implies that historical sites, monuments, artifacts, and other objects that hold cultural, historical, or archaeological value for the nation are to be conserved and maintained. The objective is to preserve the cultural heritage and history of the country.

Q. What are the Directive Principles aimed at promoting international peace and security?

Answer: The Directive Principles aimed at promoting international peace and security state that the state shall endeavour to:

• Promote international peace and security.
• Maintain just and honourable relations between nations.
• Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations.
• Encourage the settlement of international disputes by arbitration.

Q. What is the Right to Education Act and when did it come into force?

Answer: The Right to Education Act came into force on 1 April, 2010. It has now become a Fundamental Right of all Children of the age 6 to 14 years.

Q. Can you explain the welfare schemes implemented by the government for the weaker sections?

Answer: The government is implementing welfare schemes for the weaker sections which involve providing free textbooks to students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes pursuing medicine and engineering courses. This initiative is intended to support the academic progress of these communities and make education more accessible to them.

Q. What is the Prevention of Atrocities Act, and how does it protect Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes?

Answer: The Prevention of Atrocities Act is a legislative measure enacted by the government to protect Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes from atrocities. It is a significant part of the efforts to implement the Directive Principles, intending to safeguard these vulnerable communities from various forms of discrimination and exploitation. The Act provides a comprehensive legal framework to prevent, penalize, and redress instances of atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Q. Describe the Land Reform Acts and how they benefit poor farmers.

Answer: The Land Reform Acts are a series of laws enacted by the State to provide ownership rights to poor farmers. These laws were implemented as part of the efforts to bring about social justice and economic equality by enabling marginalized farmers to have rightful ownership of agricultural land. The land reforms were instrumental in abolishing exploitative land tenures, redistributing agricultural land to the landless and marginal farmers, and improving the socio-economic conditions of the rural poor. Through these reforms, the government aimed to reduce rural poverty and economic disparity, promote agricultural growth, and improve the standard of living of the rural populace.

Q. Explain the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976.

Answer: The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, is a significant legislative enactment that ensures equal pay for both men and women for the same work or a work of similar nature. This Act was brought into force with the aim of preventing gender discrimination in matters of remuneration in employment. It mandates that employers should pay equal remuneration to workers irrespective of their gender for performing the same or similar kind of work. The implementation of this Act is a critical step towards achieving gender equality in the workplace and improving the socio-economic status of women.

Q. Can you elaborate on the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (2005) and its impact during 2013-14?

Answer: The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (2005), now named after Mahatma Gandhi, required to provide 100 days of employment in a year to each rural household in the country. This Act is a significant poverty alleviation measure implemented by the State to create employment opportunities in rural areas. During 2013-14 nearly 4.98 crore households were provided employment under the Rural Employment scheme. This massive effort helped alleviate poverty, improved the socio-economic conditions of the rural populace, and contributed to rural development.

Q. What is the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and how has it helped the poor?

Answer: The Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a nationwide financial inclusion scheme launched by the government, aimed at providing banking services to all, especially the poor. The primary objective of the scheme is to ensure access to financial services like banking/savings & deposit accounts, remittance, credit, insurance, pension, etc., in an affordable manner. Under the PMJDY, it was made possible for all, especially the poor, to have banking opportunity as well as insurance coverage, which previously they did not have. This scheme played a pivotal role in bringing the unbanked sections of the society into the formal banking system, thus promoting financial inclusivity.

Q. Explain the separation of judiciary from the executive in India.

Answer: The separation of the judiciary from the executive has been implemented in all the States and Union Territories of India except Jammu and Kashmir and Nagaland. This separation is based on the principle of “separation of powers” which is fundamental to the organization of a state’s government. It ensures that each organ of the government can operate independently without interference from the other branches, thus maintaining the checks and balances system.

Q. How is Panchayati Raj implemented across the states and Union Territories in India?

Answer: Panchayati Raj now covers almost all states and Union Territories in India. The Panchayati Raj is a system of rural self-government in India. It has been established to ensure that the principles of democracy reach even the lowest levels of society. This system enables direct participation of the people at the grass-roots level in the process of decision-making, administration, and development work. It ensures that the local population has a say in their governance and can directly participate in the socio-economic development of their area.

Q. What are the main principles underlying India’s foreign policy?

Answer: The main principles underlying India’s foreign policy are peaceful coexistence, disarmament, and fight against colonialism and racialism. These principles are guided by the country’s historical experience, cultural values, and national interests. The principle of peaceful coexistence emphasizes India’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with all countries. Disarmament reflects India’s commitment to reducing the proliferation of weapons, particularly nuclear weapons. The fight against colonialism and racialism reflects India’s historical experience of colonial rule and its commitment to promoting equality, justice, and dignity in international relations.

Q. What was introduced through the 42nd Amendment Act (1976) to the Constitution of India?

Answer: The 42nd Amendment Act (1976) added a new chapter to the Constitution of India. This new addition listed the Fundamental Duties of the Citizens of India.

Q. What are the Fundamental Duties of the Citizens of India as per the 42nd Amendment Act (1976)?

Answer: The Fundamental Duties of the Citizens of India as per the 42nd Amendment Act (1976) are as follows:

• To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
• To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom.
• To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
• To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
• To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India.
• To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.

Q. What are the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy as stated in the Indian Constitution?

Answer: The Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy are crucial components of the Indian Constitution. The Fundamental Rights include the right to equality, right to freedom and several other rights that are enforceable or justiciable. This means the Supreme Court and the High Courts have the power to issue orders or writs for the enforcement of these rights. On the other hand, the Directive Principles are principles that the framers of the Constitution declared as fundamental in the governance of the country. They are not enforceable or justiciable, meaning that they cannot be legally enforced. Some of the directives include the duty to protect and improve the natural environment, to develop scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform, and to provide opportunities for education to children between the age of 6 and 14 years.

Q. How do Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles differ?

Answer: The Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles differ in four main ways. First, Fundamental Rights are justiciable and enforceable while Directive Principles are non-justiciable and non-enforceable. Second, while Rights primarily protect civil liberties, the Directive Principles lay down ‘Economic Democracy’ as our ideal. Third, Rights constitute limitations upon State action, acting as things which the State must not do. Conversely, Directive Principles are in the nature of positive directions to the State, indicating things that the state should strive to do. Fourth, the scope of the Directive Principles is relatively wider than that of the Fundamental Rights, including directives such as promoting international peace and security.

Q. What happens in case of a conflict between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles?

Answer: In the event of a conflict between the Fundamental Rights of the citizens and a law enacted to implement the Directive Principles, the matter becomes a bit complex. Ordinarily, the Directives cannot take precedence over Fundamental Rights, as Fundamental Rights are justiciable and thus more important than the Directive Principles. However, the Supreme Court has also upheld the principle that general welfare should prevail over the individual right. For example, the Court upheld the abolition of Zamindari and the Minimum Wages Act since these measures were for a public purpose, even though they might have conflicted with certain individual rights.

86. Discuss the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles, and how they complement each other?

Answer: The Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles complement and supplement each other. The Rights proclaim that India is a Liberal Democracy, assuring individual freedoms and equality before the law. They provide checks on the powers of the state, protecting the civil liberties of the citizens from arbitrary state actions. Meanwhile, the Directive Principles lay down the path for the country’s social and economic progress, providing guidelines to the government to establish a just society by promoting welfare of the public, economic democracy, and peace and security. For instance, it calls on the state to provide opportunities for education to children between the age of 6 and 14 years, or to protect and improve the natural environment. As Justice Chandrachud mentioned, “Together, not individually, they (Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles) form the core of the Constitution. Together, not individually, they constitute its true Conscience.” Thus, both Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles play a critical role in shaping India’s democratic ethos and socio-economic landscape.

Additional/extra MCQs

1. What proclamation was made by the French National Assembly in the Declaration of Rights of Man following the French Revolution? 

A. Equality in opportunities B. All men are born equal C. Freedom of speech D. No cruel punishments 

Answer: B. All men are born equal 

2. What significant document was adopted by the American Congress in September 1789? 

A. Declaration of Rights of Man B. Universal Declaration of Human Rights C. The Bill of Rights D. The Magna Carta 

Answer: C. The Bill of Rights 

3. What is celebrated globally on December 10th every year? 

A. Democracy Day B. Rights Day C. Constitution Day D. Human Rights Day 

Answer: D. Human Rights Day 

4. What are the rights that have been incorporated into the Fundamental Law of the Land (the Constitution) referred to as? 

A. Civil Liberties B. Constitutional Rights C. Fundamental Rights D. Human Rights 

Answer: C. Fundamental Rights 

Q. Which courts can enforce the Fundamental Rights? 

A. Local Courts B. District Courts C. Supreme Court and High Courts D. All of the above 

Answer: C. Supreme Court and High Courts 

Q. Are Fundamental Rights absolute? 

A. Yes B. No C. Maybe D. Not stated 

Answer: B. No 

Q. What is required to change the Fundamental Rights? 

A. Ordinary legislation B. A Constitutional Amendment C. A majority vote D. Supreme Court approval 

Answer: B. A Constitutional Amendment 

Q. Who provides protection for Fundamental Rights? 

A. Ordinary courts B. Supreme Court and High Courts C. Local authorities D. Parliament 

Answer: B. Supreme Court and High Courts 

Q. What freedoms does the Constitution of India guarantee to its citizens? 

A. Freedom of assembly B. Freedom of speech C. Freedom of expression D. All of the above 

Answer: D. All of the above 

Q. What is essential for the development of the powers inherent in every individual? 

A. Education B. Freedom C. Fundamental Rights D. Government 

Answer: C. Fundamental Rights 

Q. How can the Fundamental Rights be altered or curtailed? 

A. By a legislative act B. By an executive order C. By a judicial ruling D. By a constitutional amendment 

Answer: D. By a constitutional amendment 

Q. Who does the Fundamental Rights serve as a check on? 

A. Executive B. Parliament C. Legislative bodies D. All of the above 

Answer: D. All of the above 

Q. Which practice was abolished by the Constitution of India, making its enforcement punishable by law? 

A. Child labor B. Slavery C. Untouchability D. Forced labor 

Answer: C. Untouchability 

Q. What does the Constitution forbid in the case of children below 14 years of age? 

A. Schooling B. Recreation C. Employment in hazardous jobs D. Sports activities 

Answer: C. Employment in hazardous jobs 

Q. What right do all minorities, whether based on religion or language, have according to the Indian Constitution? 

A. Right to vote B. Right to establish and administer educational institutions C. Right to form political parties D. Right to contest elections 

Answer: B. Right to establish and administer educational institutions 

Q. Which rights are guaranteed only to the Citizens of India? 

A. Protection of life B. Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment C. Freedom of religion D. Right against exploitation 

Answer: B. Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment 

Q. Who can move the Supreme Court or the High Court for the enforcement of the rights conferred by the Constitution? 

A. Citizens B. Government officials C. Aliens D. All persons 

Answer: D. All persons 

Q. What kind of litigation allows anyone to commence legal proceedings in the interest of the public? 

A. Criminal litigation B. Civil litigation C. Public Interest Litigation D. Private litigation 

Answer: C. Public Interest Litigation 

Q. Which right is reserved only for the citizens of India? 

A. Freedom of speech and expression B. Protection of life C. Right against exploitation D. Freedom of religion 

Answer: A. Freedom of speech and expression 

Q. Which of the following Fundamental Rights is guaranteed to both Citizens and Aliens alike? 

A. Freedom of religion B. Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment C. Freedom of speech and expression D. Right to form associations 

Answer: A. Freedom of religion 

Q. What resolution was adopted in the Congress Session of 1931? 

A. Judicial Rights and Economic Policy B. Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy C. Legal Rights and Economic Reform D. Civil Rights and Economic Reform 

Answer: B. Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy 

Q. Who moved the Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly? 

A. Mahatma Gandhi B. B.R. Ambedkar C. Sardar Patel D. Jawaharlal Nehru 

Answer: D. Jawaharlal Nehru 

Q. What part of the Constitution contains Fundamental Rights? 

A. Part I B. Part II C. Part III D. Part IV 

Answer: C. Part III 

Q. What principle is stated under Article 14 of the Indian Constitution? 

A. Equality of opportunity B. Equality before law C. Abolition of untouchability D. Prohibition of discrimination 

Answer: B. Equality before law 

Q. What is prohibited under Article 15 of the Indian Constitution? 

A. Discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth B. Untouchability C. Discrimination on grounds of wealth D. Inequality in matters of public employment 

Answer: A. Discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth 

Q. What is the subject matter of Article 16 in the Indian Constitution? 

A. Abolition of untouchability B. Equality before law C. Prohibition of discrimination D. Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment 

Answer: D. Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment 

Q. Which Amendment Act empowered the government to provide reservations for OBCs in higher educational institutions? 

A. Constitution Amendment Act, 1995 B. Constitution Amendment Act, 2005 C. Constitution Amendment Act, 2007 D. Constitution Amendment Act, 2010 

Answer: B. Constitution Amendment Act, 2005 

Q. What is abolished as per Article 17 of the Indian Constitution? 

A. Discrimination B. Untouchability C. Inequality D. Slavery 

Answer: B. Untouchability 

Q. What percentage of reservation seats in civil posts under the Government of India was recommended by the Mandal Commission for Other Backward Classes? 

A. 15 per cent B. 22.5 per cent C. 27 per cent D. 30 per cent 

Answer: C. 27 per cent 

Q. Which community should be excluded from the right of reservation according to the Supreme Court’s ruling on Mandal Commission’s recommendation? 

A. SCs B. STs C. OBCs D. Creamy Layer 

Answer: D. Creamy Layer 

Q. Which Article of the Indian Constitution assures freedom of speech and expression? 

A. Article 17 B. Article 20 C. Article 19 D. Article 15 

Answer: C. Article 19 

Q. Which right under Article 19 became a Fundamental Right in 2005? 

A. Right to Reside B. Right to Assembly C. Right to Information D. Freedom of Speech 

Answer: C. Right to Information 

Q. What does the ‘Social Justice’ phrase in the Indian Constitution aim to remove? 

A. Political Inequality B. Religious Bias C. Economic Inequalities D. Geographical Disparity 

Answer: C. Economic Inequalities 

Q. For what purpose did the Tamil Nadu government acquire some land? 

A. Industrial Development B. Infrastructure Upgrade C. Construction of a Colony D. Agricultural Expansion 

Answer: C. Construction of a Colony 

Q. Who challenged the construction of a separate colony for the so-called untouchables in Tamil Nadu? 

A. The Supreme Court B. The Local People C. The State Government D. Unknown 

Answer: D. Unknown 

Q. On what grounds was the construction of a separate colony for the so-called untouchables challenged? 

A. Violation of Right to Equality B. Violation of Right to Property C. Segregation of Individuals D. Exploitation of Workers 

Answer: C. Segregation of Individuals 

Q. Which article of the Indian Constitution prohibits untouchability? 

A. Article 17 B. Article 18 C. Article 19 D. Article 20 

Answer: A. Article 17 

Q. What are the rights protected under Article 20 of the Constitution? 

A. Right to Privacy B. Right to Religion C. Right of Accused D. Right to Equality 

Answer: C. Right of Accused 

Q. Under Article 20, a person accused of any offence shall not be compelled to be a ___. 

A. Judge B. Jury C. Witness Against Himself D. Lawyer 

Answer: C. Witness Against Himself 

Q. Can a person be punished for the same offence more than once according to the Indian Constitution? 

A. Yes B. No C. Depends on the Offence D. Only for Serious Crimes 

Answer: B. No 

Q. What does Article 21 of the Constitution declare? 

A. Free education B. Right to privacy C. Life and personal liberty D. Freedom of speech 

Answer: C. Life and personal liberty 

Q. When was the Right to Education Bill passed by the Parliament? 

A. 2010 B. 2009 C. 2008 D. 2007 

Answer: B. 2009 

Q. The Right to Education applies to which age group of children? 

A. 5 to 13 years B. 6 to 14 years C. 7 to 15 years D. 8 to 16 years 

Answer: B. 6 to 14 years 

Q. According to Article 22, within how many hours of arrest should a person be produced before a magistrate? 

A. Twelve hours B. Twenty-four hours C. Thirty-six hours D. Forty-eight hours 

Answer: B. Twenty-four hours 

Q. To whom do the safeguards of Article 22 not apply? 

A. Ordinary citizens B. Enemy aliens C. Law enforcement D. Legal immigrants 

Answer: B. Enemy aliens 

Q. What is the primary objective of preventive detention? 

A. Punishment B. Rehabilitation C. Prevention D. Retribution 

Answer: C. Prevention 

Q. During a Proclamation of Emergency, which article’s rights remain suspended? 

A. Article 19 B. Article 20 C. Article 21 D. Article 22 

Answer: A. Article 19 

Q. What remains unaffected by a Proclamation of Emergency, regarding rights enforcement? 

A. Article 18 B. Article 19 C. Article 20 and 21 D. Article 22 

Answer: C. Article 20 and 21 

Q. Which body decides if a restriction on rights is reasonable or not? 

A. The Legislature B. The Executive C. The Judiciary D. The President 

Answer: C. The Judiciary 

Q. Who was a vocal critic of the restrictions on Fundamental Rights in the Constituent Assembly? 

A. Mahatma Gandhi B. B. R. Ambedkar C. Jawaharlal Nehru D. Somnath Lahiri 

Answer: D. Somnath Lahiri 

Q. What right does Article 29 of the Indian Constitution provide to minorities? 

A. Right to Vote B. Right to Religion C. Right to Conserve Language, Script, and Culture D. Right to Property 

Answer: C. Right to Conserve Language, Script, and Culture 

Q. Who can be denied admission into state-aided or maintained educational institutions as per Article 29? 

A. Non-minorities B. Minorities C. Both D. None 

Answer: D. None 

Q. What right does Article 30 of the Indian Constitution provide to minorities? 

A. Right to Establish Educational Institutions B. Right to Religion C. Right to Property D. Right to Conserve Language, Script, and Culture 

Answer: A. Right to Establish Educational Institutions 

Q. Can the State discriminate against any educational institution on the ground that it is under the management of a minority as per Article 30? 

A. Yes B. No C. Sometimes D. Only with Permission 

Answer: B. No 

Q. Can the State take regulatory measures to promote the efficiency and excellence of educational standards in minority-run institutions? 

A. Yes B. No C. Sometimes D. Only with Permission 

Answer: A. Yes 

Q. How many communities had been notified under the National Commission for Minorities initially? 

A. 4 B. 5 C. 6 D. 7 

Answer: B. 5 

Q. Which community was accorded Minority status by the Union Cabinet on 20 January 2014? 

A. Buddhists B. Sikhs C. Jains D. Parsis 

Answer: C. Jains 

Q. According to the Supreme Court, how should the terms ‘Majority’ or ‘Minority’ be understood? 

A. Based on Religion B. Based on Language C. Based on Population of the State D. Based on Culture 

Answer: C. Based on Population of the State 

Q. In the State of Jammu and Kashmir, who are in the majority? 

A. Hindus B. Sikhs C. Christians D. Muslims 

Answer: D. Muslims 

Q. Can a particular community be a minority in one state and not in another as per the Supreme Court’s interpretation? 

A. Yes B. No C. Sometimes D. Only with Permission 

Answer: A. Yes 

Q. Who regarded the Right to Constitutional Remedies as “the very Soul of the Constitution and the very heart of it”?

A. Jawaharlal Nehru B. Rajendra Prasad C. Sardar Patel D. Dr. Ambedkar

Answer: D. Dr. Ambedkar

Q. What does the Latin term ‘Habeas Corpus’ mean in English?

A. We command B. To be informed C. You may have the body D. What authority

Answer: C. You may have the body

Q. What is the purpose of the writ ‘Mandamus’?

A. To detain a person B. To compel to perform a duty C. To prevent from exercising powers D. To demand records of a case

Answer: B. To compel to perform a duty

Q. What does the writ ‘Prohibition’ do?

A. Compels performance of duty B. Prevents from exercising powers C. Demands records of a case D. Challenges authority of an office

Answer: B. Prevents from exercising powers

Q. ‘Certiorari’ is a writ that requests ____.

A. Detention of a person B. Performance of a duty C. Limitation of powers D. Records of a case Answer: D. Records of a case

Q. Who is the ‘Writ of Quo Warranto’ directed against?

A. A person detaining another B. An individual failing to perform a duty C. A court exceeding its powers D. A person who has wrongfully usurped an office

Answer: D. A person who has wrongfully usurped an office

Q. Which Act did the Supreme Court uphold the detention of persons under?

A. Indian Penal Code B. Maintenance of Internal Security Act C. Civil Procedure Code D. Terrorism and Disruptive Activities Act

Answer: B. Maintenance of Internal Security Act

Q. In which year did the Supreme Court direct the States of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to provide relief to displaced tribals and cultivators due to the Sardar Sarovar Project?

A. 2000 B. 2002 C. 2004 D. 2006

Answer: D. 2006

Q. Where are the Directive Principles of State Policy laid down in the Constitution?

A. Part II B. Part III C. Part IV D. Part V

Answer: C. Part IV

Q. Which principles can be found in the Directive Principles?

A. Liberal aims B. Capitalist principles C. Socialist aims D. Monarchist ideals

Answer: C. Socialist aims

Q. What are the Directive Principles of State Policy?

A. Justiciable Rights B. Non-Justiciable Rights C. Fundamental Rights D. Legal Obligations

Answer: B. Non-Justiciable Rights

Q. What is the main responsibility of the State with respect to the Directive Principles?

A. Enforce them B. Neglect them C. Apply them D. Ignore them

Answer: C. Apply them

Q. What is the role of the judiciary with respect to the Directive Principles?

A. Disregard them B. Prosecute them C. Keep them in mind D. Abolish them

Answer: C. Keep them in mind

Q. According to Gandhian Principles, what should the State specifically promote for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes?

A. Religious Interests B. Political Interests C. Economic InterestsD. Cultural Interests

Answer: C. Economic Interests

Q. As per the Directive Principles, what should be the State’s approach towards consumption of liquor and harmful drugs?

A. Promote B. Ignore C. Prevent D. Increase

Answer: C. Prevent

Q. What should the State do to enable Village Panchayats to function as units of self-government according to Gandhian Principles?

A. Restrict them B. Dissolve them C. Endow them D. Monitor them

Answer: C. Endow them

Q. As per the Directive Principles, where should the State endeavour to promote cottage industries?

A. Urban Areas B. Coastal Areas C. Rural Areas D. Industrial Areas

Answer: C. Rural Areas

Q. According to the Directive Principles, what should the State provide for all children until they complete the age of six years?

A. Compulsory Education B. Free Meals C. Early Childhood Care D. Free Medical Check-ups

Answer: C. Early Childhood Care

Q. According to the Socialistic Measures, what should be promoted for both men and women?

A. Equal Pay for Equal Work B. Equal Social Status C. Equal Political Rights D. Equal Legal Rights

Answer: A. Equal Pay for Equal Work

Q. Who were the Nobel Peace Prize winners mentioned in the context of child rights?

A. Barack Obama and Aung San Suu Kyi B. Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. C. Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi D. Desmond Tutu and Liu Xiaobo

Answer: C. Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi

Q. In which year was the National Food Security Act, also known as the Right to Food Security Act, passed?

A. 2010 B. 2012 C. 2013 D. 2015

Answer: C. 2013

Q. How much foodgrains per person per month is provided under the National Food Security Act?

A. 5 kg B. 10 kg C. 2 kg D. 7 kg

Answer: A. 5 kg

Q. What is the subsidized rate of rice per kg under the National Food Security Act?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

Answer: C. 3

Q. Which scheme allows anyone without a bank account to open one with zero balance?

A. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana B. Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana C. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana D. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana

Answer: B. Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana

Q. Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, up to how much accidental insurance cover is provided?

A. 50,000 B. 1,00,000 C. 2,00,000 D. 5,00,000

Answer: B. 1,00,000

Q. What does a “living wage” under the welfare state principle refer to?

A. Minimum Wage B. Average Wage C. Subsistence Wage D. Living Wage

Answer: D. Living Wage

Q. Which amendment act speaks about the State’s duty to protect and improve the environment?

A. The Thirty-second Amendment Act B. The Forty-second Amendment Act C. The Fifty-second Amendment Act D. The Sixty-second Amendment Act

Answer: B. The Forty-second Amendment Act

Q. Which directive in the Indian constitution deals with the separation of the Judiciary from the Executive?

A. Directive for Social Justice B. Directive for Economic Justice C. Directive for Political and Administrative Matters D. Directive for Environmental Protection

Answer: C. Directive for Political and Administrative Matters

Q. What does the Indian Constitution state should be protected from spoilation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal or export?

A. Natural Resources B. Wildlife C. Monuments and Objects of National Importance D. Land

Answer: C. Monuments and Objects of National Importance

Q. Which of the following is not a directive principle aimed at promoting international peace and security?

A. Promote international peace and security. B. Maintain just and honourable relations between nations. C. Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations. D. Increase military strength.

Answer: D. Increase military strength.

Q. When did the Right to Education Act come into force?

A. 2005 B. 2010 C. 2000 D. 2015

Answer: B. 2010

Q. What age group does the Right to Education Act cover?

A. 3 to 8 years B. 6 to 14 years C. 5 to 10 years D. 10 to 16 years

Answer: B. 6 to 14 years

Q. Which communities receive free textbooks from the government’s welfare schemes?

A. OBCs and EBCs B. SCs and STs C. Minorities and Women D. All of the above

Answer: B. SCs and STs

Q. What is the aim of the Prevention of Atrocities Act?

A. Protect women B. Protect minorities C. Protect SCs and STs D. Protect all citizens

Answer: C. Protect SCs and STs

Q. Who does the Land Reform Acts aim to benefit?

A. Industrialists B. Landlords C. Poor farmers D. Urban dwellers

Answer: C. Poor farmers

Q. What does the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 provide for?

A. Equal pay for men and women B. Equal rights for men and women C. Equal opportunities for men and women D. Equal representation for men and women

Answer: A. Equal pay for men and women

Q. Which employment scheme is named after Mahatma Gandhi?

A. Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Yojana B. Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana C. National Rural Employment Guarantee Act D. Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme

Answer: C. National Rural Employment Guarantee Act

Q. What is the objective of the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)?

A. Education for all B. Employment for all C. Health for all D. Banking for all

Answer: D. Banking for all

Q. Where is the judiciary not separated from the executive?

A. Assam and Meghalaya B. Jammu and Kashmir and Nagaland C. Maharashtra and Gujarat D. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh

Answer: B. Jammu and Kashmir and Nagaland

Q. Which principles guide India’s foreign policy?

A. Coexistence, disarmament, and fight against colonialism and racialism B. Non-alignment, democracy, and fight against terrorism C. Cooperation, free trade, and fight against poverty and disease D. Sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution

Answer: A. Coexistence, disarmament, and fight against colonialism and racialism

Q. What are the Fundamental Rights?

A. Economic ideals B. State directives C. Enforceable rights D. Non-justiciable principles

Answer: C. Enforceable rights

Q. Which among the following is a Directive Principle?

A. Right to freedom B. Right to equality C. Compassion for living creatures D. Right to privacy

Answer: C. Compassion for living creatures

Q. What does the Constitution’s 86th Amendment Act of 2002 specify?

A. Right to equality B. Education for children aged 6-14 C. Right to freedom of religion D. Abolition of untouchability

Answer: B. Education for children aged 6-14

Q. How does the scope of Directive Principles compare to Fundamental Rights?

A. Narrower B. Equal C. Wider D. Unrelated

Answer: C. Wider

Q. What kind of directions do the Directive Principles provide to the State?

A. Negative B. Advisory C. Positive D. Compulsory

Answer: C. Positive

Q. What do Fundamental Rights primarily protect?

A. Economic Democracy B. Civil Liberties C. International peace D. Social order

Answer: B. Civil Liberties

Q. In case of conflict, which typically takes precedence?

A. Fundamental Rights B. Directive Principles C. Neither D. Depends on the situation

Answer: A. Fundamental Rights

Q. Which principle did the Supreme Court uphold during conflicts between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles?

A. Individual right takes precedence B. Directive Principles take precedence C. General welfare takes precedence D. Fundamental Rights take precedence

Answer: C. General welfare takes precedence

Q. What does the Directive Principles lay down as our ideal?

A. Liberal Democracy B. Economic Democracy C. Civil Liberties D. Negative directions

Answer: B. Economic Democracy

107. How do the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles relate to each other?

A. They contradict each other B. They are unrelated C. They complement each other D. They nullify each other

Answer: C. They complement each other