Polity & Governance — UPSC Prelims practice questions

Question 1

Which of the following correctly describes the concept of 'procedure established by law' as originally understood in the Indian Constitution? (A) Any law passed by the legislature is sufficient, and courts cannot examine the fairness of the procedure (B) The procedure must conform to the principles of natural justice as in the American 'due process' clause (C) Only Supreme Court-approved procedures can deprive a person of life or liberty (D) The executive can determine the procedure without legislative backing

Accepted Answer

(A) Any law passed by the legislature is sufficient, and courts cannot examine the fairness of the procedure — Correct. The original understanding, as held in A. K. Gopalan v. State of Madras (1950), was that 'procedure established by law' simply required a valid law enacted by the legislature; courts could not question its fairness. This was later overruled by Maneka Gandhi (1978).

Question 2

Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy? (A) Article 15 (B) Article 16 (C) Article 19 (D) Article 21

Accepted Answer

(D) Article 21 — Correct. In Justice K. S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017), a nine-judge bench unanimously held that the right to privacy is a constitutionally protected right under Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.

Question 3

Among the following Presidents of India, who was also the Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement for some period? (A) Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (B) Varahagiri Venkata Giri (C) Giani Zail Singh (D) Dr. Shanker Dayal Sharma

Accepted Answer

(C) Giani Zail Singh — Correct. India hosted the 7th NAM summit in 1983, and as the host country's head of state, Giani Zail Singh was associated with the chairmanship of the Movement during that phase.

Question 4

Article 18 of the Constitution provides for the abolition of titles. Which of the following statements about it is/are correct?
1. The State shall not confer any title other than a military or academic distinction.
2. No citizen of India can accept any title from a foreign State.
3. Bharat Ratna and Padma awards are considered titles under Article 18.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (A) 1 and 2 only (B) 1 only (C) 2 and 3 only (D) 1, 2 and 3

Accepted Answer

(A) 1 and 2 only — Correct. Article 18(1) prohibits the State from conferring titles except military or academic distinctions. Article 18(2) bars citizens from accepting foreign titles. The Supreme Court in Balaji Raghavan v. Union of India held that Bharat Ratna and Padma awards are not titles within the meaning of Article 18.

Question 5

Under Article 227 of the Constitution, every High Court shall have superintendence over all courts and tribunals throughout the territories in relation to which it exercises jurisdiction. This power includes: (A) The power to transfer cases between subordinate courts only (B) Superintendence over all courts and tribunals, including the power to call for returns, make and issue general rules, and prescribe forms (C) The power to appoint and dismiss judges of subordinate courts (D) The power to overrule any decision of the Supreme Court within the State

Accepted Answer

(B) Superintendence over all courts and tribunals, including the power to call for returns, make and issue general rules, and prescribe forms — Correct. Article 227 gives the High Court superintendence over all courts and tribunals in its territory, including calling for returns, making general rules, and prescribing forms for record-keeping.

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