UPSC Law Optional, Paper I and II

Constitutional and Administrative Law UPSC Law Optional PYQs

UPSC Law Optional Constitutional and Administrative Law previous year questions 1-25 of 50, arranged for doctrine revision, case-law planning, and answer writing.

50 questions1-25 on this page2 pages

Open searchable repository Law Optional notes

Answer-writing coverage

What this archive covers

constitutional governance, administrative power, delegated legislation, natural justice, tribunals, and judicial review.

Paper I source PDF Paper II source PDF Related law MCQs

2023Paper IQ1(c)Section A

Question 1

There is an obvious slant in favour of the Centre, in distribution of powers between Centre and States." Do you agree with the statement? Explain.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2023, Paper I, Q1(c), source page 149.

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2023Paper IQ3(a)Section A

Question 2

Superintendence, direction and control of elections is vested in the office of the Election Commission and therefore, the appointment of Election Commissioner is of crucial importance in conducting free and fair elections." Critically examine the above statement with reference to recent judicial decisions.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2023, Paper I, Q3(a), source page 149.

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2023Paper IQ3(c)Section A

Question 3

"The Strength of the 'eminent domain' is inversely proportional to the strength of democratic structure of any system." Do you agree with this statement? Explain.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2023, Paper I, Q3(c), source page 149.

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2022Paper IQ1(a)Section A

Question 4

'Absolute equality may itself be a cause of inequality.' In the light of this statement, discuss substantive equality.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2022, Paper I, Q1(a), source page 138.

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2022Paper IQ1(c)Section A

Question 5

Explain the legal position in case of repugnancy between Union and State laws with the help of decided case laws. Which law shall prevail in case of repugnancy?

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2022, Paper I, Q1(c), source page 138.

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2022Paper IQ1(d)Section A

Question 6

What are the tests laid down by the Supreme Court in a recent decision for quantifying and providing quota for Other Backward Classes in local body elections?

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2022, Paper I, Q1(d), source page 138.

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2022Paper IQ4(a)Section A

Question 7

In the Parliamentary system, though there is no separation between the legislature and the executive in terms of personnel, there is separation of functions between the two. Explain in the light of relevant judicial decisions.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2022, Paper I, Q4(a), source page 138.

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2020Paper IQ2(a)Section A

Question 8

Discuss the powers and functions of Lokpal and Lokayukta under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. How is the Lokpal superior to other anti-corruption mechanisms? Also explain the pardoning powers of the President of India and examine the applicability of judicial review to these powers.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2020, Paper I, Q2(a), source page 126.

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2019Paper IQ1(d)Section A

Question 9

The issue of Parliamentary-privileges has been a bone of contention lond conflict between the Parliament and the Judiciary." Analyse this statement in the backdrop of decided cases. 10.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2019, Paper I, Q1(d), source page 120.

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2019Paper IQ4(a)Section A

Question 10

What do you mean by the term "Rule of Law'? The basic element of Dicey's doctrine of the rule of law is, be you ever so high, the law is above you'. Discuss with the help of decided cases.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2019, Paper I, Q4(a), source page 120.

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2018Paper IQ2(c)Section A

Question 11

What would be best way or method for the appointment of judges in High Court and the Supreme Court in India? Give your views and support your views with reasons. 15?

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2018, Paper I, Q2(c), source page 108.

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2018Paper IQ3(a)Section A

Question 12

What are the major challenges in the functioning of local bodies in India? Does it talk about success story or something else? 20?

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2018, Paper I, Q3(a), source page 108.

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2018Paper IQ4(a)Section A

Question 13

The liberty of the press implicit in the freedom of speech stands on no higher footing than the freedom of speech and expression of a citizen, and no privilege is attached to the press as such distinct from the ordinary citizen." Explain this statement and also distinguish the term "freedom of speech and expression "20.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2018, Paper I, Q4(a), source page 108.

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2017Paper IQ1(a)Section A

Question 14

Discuss the importance of Rights to life and personal liberty with reference to recent case laws.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2017, Paper I, Q1(a), source page 103.

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2017Paper IQ1(d)Section A

Question 15

Explain the phenomenon of tribunalisation of justice in India.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2017, Paper I, Q1(d), source page 103.

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2017Paper IQ2(b)Section A

Question 16

In view of the importance of Panchayti Raj institution in local governance, do you think the idea of prescribing educational qualification to contest local body election is undemocratic and incoherent?

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2017, Paper I, Q2(b), source page 103.

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2017Paper IQ3(b)Section A

Question 17

Discuss the law relating to the powers of Parliament and State Legislatures to punish a person for breach of their privileges.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2017, Paper I, Q3(b), source page 103.

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2017Paper IQ4(a)Section A

Question 18

Examine the powers and role of Election Commission of India in conducting free and fair election.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2017, Paper I, Q4(a), source page 103.

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2016Paper IQ1(c)Section A

Question 19

The rule against bias strikes at such factors which may improperly influence in arriving at a decision. Comment.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2016, Paper I, Q1(c), source page 97.

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2016Paper IQ1(d)Section A

Question 20

What do you understand by the term "Eminent Domain'? Discuss its relevance in the present-day context.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2016, Paper I, Q1(d), source page 97.

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2016Paper IQ2(b)Section A

Question 21

Discuss 'Residuary Powers' of the Parliament to legislate.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2016, Paper I, Q2(b), source page 97.

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2016Paper IQ3(b)Section A

Question 22

While discussing the underlying principle of the 99th Amendment Act, 2014, comment on the present system of appointment of judges to the Higher Judiciary in the country.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2016, Paper I, Q3(b), source page 97.

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2016Paper IQ3(c)Section A

Question 23

Discuss the powers and functions of the Union Public Service Commission. Also explain how it has maintained its impartiality.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2016, Paper I, Q3(c), source page 97.

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2016Paper IQ4(a)Section A

Question 24

The 'Rule of Law is based on the principle of legality and is opposed to exercise of arbitrary powers." Discuss. Explain whether failure to give reasons amounts to exercising power arbitrarily.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2016, Paper I, Q4(a), source page 97.

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2013Paper IQ1(b)Section A

Question 25

Fundamental duties are only ethical or moral duties and should not form a part of the fundamental law." Comment 10.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2013, Paper I, Q1(b), source page 78.

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