UPSC Law Optional, Paper I and II

Constitutional Law UPSC Law Optional PYQs, Page 2

UPSC Law Optional Constitutional Law previous year questions 28-55 of 194, arranged for doctrine revision, case-law planning, and answer writing.

194 questions28-55 on this page7 pages

Open searchable repository Law Optional notes

Answer-writing coverage

What this archive covers

constitutional structure, fundamental rights, federalism, institutions, amendment, judicial review, and constitutional remedies.

Paper I source PDF Paper II source PDF Related law MCQs

2020Paper IQ1(a)Section A

Question 28

Goals in the Preamble of the Constitution contain its basic structure, which cannot be amended under Article 368. Analyze this proposition with the help of leading case law.

Amendment and Basic Structure

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2020, Paper I, Q1(a), source page 126.

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2020Paper IQ1(b)Section A

Question 29

Distinguish 'judicial review' from 'judicial power'. Explain the scope of judicial review regarding the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

Judicial Process and Remedies

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2020, Paper I, Q1(b), source page 126.

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2020Paper IQ1(c)Section A

Question 30

Analyze the doctrine of eminent domain's relevance under the Constitution of India and explain its limitations through case law.

Constitutional Structure and Federalism

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2020, Paper I, Q1(c), source page 126.

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2020Paper IQ1(d)Section A

Question 31

Enumerate the Fundamental Duties incorporated in the Constitution of India. Explain the rationale for their inclusion via the Forty-second Amendment Act, 1976.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2020, Paper I, Q1(d), source page 126.

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2020Paper IQ2(c)Section A

Question 32

Using suitable illustrations, discuss and differentiate between cooperative and competitive federalism in the Indian context.

Constitutional Structure and Federalism

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

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2020Paper IQ3(a)Section A

Question 33

Examine the constitutional provisions relating to protective discrimination for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes under Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution with the help of decided cases.

Fundamental Rights and Equality

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2020, Paper I, Q3(a), source page 126.

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2020Paper IQ3(b)Section A

Question 34

Comment on the statement that 'an amendment for better Union-State relations is due' and recommend specific constitutional amendments in this regard.

Constitutional Structure and Federalism

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2020, Paper I, Q3(b), source page 126.

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2020Paper IQ3(c)Section A

Question 35

Examine the statement that the 'Governor's office is sui generis' and analyze the discretionary functions of the Governor as highlighted in the Sarkaria Commission Report.

Executive and Constitutional Offices

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2020, Paper I, Q3(c), source page 126.

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2020Paper IQ4(a)Section A

Question 36

Do local bodies enjoy autonomy in matters of economic development and social justice under the Constitution of India? Explain using constitutional provisions. Also, describe the powers and functions of the Union Public Service Commission.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2020, Paper I, Q4(a), source page 126.

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2020Paper IQ4(b)Section A

Question 37

Discuss parliamentary privilege as 'essential to the functions of the legislature.' Suggest any reforms to the existing provisions governing parliamentary privilege.

Democracy, Elections and Accountability

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2020, Paper I, Q4(b), source page 126.

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2020Paper IQ4(c)Section A

Question 38

'Law cannot supersede justice in India.' Critically examine this statement with regard to Curative Writ Petitions with the help of relevant case law.

Judicial Process and Remedies

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2020, Paper I, Q4(c), source page 126.

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2019Paper IQ1(a)Section A

Question 39

Discuss the doctrine of 'Pith and Substance relating to the distribution of legislative powers between the Centre and the States with the help of the landmark judicial decisions.10.

Constitutional Structure and Federalism

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

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2019Paper IQ1(e)Section A

Question 40

Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of life and personal liberty enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India." Elucidate this statement in the light of the decision of Justice K. S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India. 10.

Fundamental Rights and Equality

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

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2019Paper IQ2(b)Section A

Question 41

Power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution is wide, but not unlimited." Do you agree with this statement? Discuss whether the doctrine of basic structure has reinforced the power of judicial review under the Constitution. 15.

Judicial Process and RemediesAmendment and Basic Structure

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2019, Paper I, Q2(b), source page 120.

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2019Paper IQ2(c)Section A

Question 42

Examine the nature of the powers of the High Courts under Article 226 of the Constitution of India and distinguish it from the powers of the Supreme Court under Article 32. (15).

Judicial Process and Remedies

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2019, Paper I, Q2(c), source page 120.

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2019Paper IQ3(b)Section A

Question 43

The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering the election process in India." comment by explaining the powers and functions of the Election Commission of India.15.

Democracy, Elections and Accountability

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2019, Paper I, Q3(b), source page 120.

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2019Paper IQ3(c)Section A

Question 44

India that is Bharat. shall be a Union of States." Explain. Do you that the Indian Constitution is a Federal Constitution? Discuss with the help of decided cases. 15.

Constitutional Structure and Federalism

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2019, Paper I, Q3(c), source page 120.

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2019Paper IQ4(b)Section A

Question 45

Discuss the Ordinance making power of the President. Can the validity of an Ordinance be challenged in the Court of Law? Cite relevant case-law. 15.

Executive and Constitutional Offices

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

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2018Paper IQ1(a)Section A

Question 46

What do you understand by the terms "cooperative federalism" and "competitive federalism"? Do you agree with the view that the Indian Constitution is based on the concept of "competitive federalism" and not on the concept of "cooperative federalism"?

Constitutional Structure and Federalism

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2018, Paper I, Q1(a), source page 108.

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2018Paper IQ1(c)Section A

Question 47

Critically evaluate the changing dimensions of the concept of "State" under Article 12 of the Constitution of India.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2018, Paper I, Q1(c), source page 108.

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2018Paper IQ1(e)Section A

Question 48

With the adoption of Parliamentary form of government, the vesting clause under Article 53(1) remains to a great extent meaningless, as real executive power lies in the Ministry." Critically examine the above statement in the context of the status and position of the President of India under the Indian constitution. Also answer, if the President of India does not accept the advice of the Prime Minister, what consequences would follow.

Executive and Constitutional Offices

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2018, Paper I, Q1(e), source page 108.

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2018Paper IQ2(a)Section A

Question 49

Examine the concept of social justice as envisaged in the Constitution more particularly in Chapter IV of the Constitution. 20.

Constitutional Law - General

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

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2018Paper IQ2(b)Section A

Question 50

What are the constitutional safeguards available in a civil servant against dismissal, removal or reduction in rank of services? Are these rights also available to an employee of a public corporation Discuss with reference to statutory provisions and case law. 15?

Constitutional Law - General

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

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2018Paper IQ3(b)Section A

Question 51

Is the Governor" s post dependent on the pleasure of the President? Discuss. What exactly constitutes the "discretion" of the Governor while exercising numerous powers? Explain with reference to statutory provisions and relevant case law. 15?

Executive and Constitutional Offices

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

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2018Paper IQ4(b)Section A

Question 52

Imposition of Emergency in a State under Article 356 has always been a matter of controversy." In this backdrop, explain the consequences of proclamation of Emergency in a State. 15.

Constitutional Law - General

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

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2018Paper IQ4(c)Section A

Question 53

Under what circumstances, does a third party, apart from concerned parties, have locus standi to move writ petitions before the High Court or the Supreme Court in India? Also point out the limitations of such petitions. 15.

Judicial Process and Remedies

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

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2017Paper IQ1(b)Section A

Question 54

Is 'Secularism' an essential feature of the Constitution of India? Explain in the light of decided case laws.

Constitutional Law - General

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

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2017Paper IQ1(c)Section A

Question 55

Elucidate the scope of the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India under the constitution with regard to Criminal matters.

Constitutional Law - General

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

Direct link to this question

What this archive covers

Goals in the Preamble of the Constitution contain its basic structure, which cannot be amended under Article 368. Analyze this proposition with the help of leading case law.

Distinguish 'judicial review' from 'judicial power'. Explain the scope of judicial review regarding the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

Analyze the doctrine of eminent domain's relevance under the Constitution of India and explain its limitations through case law.

Enumerate the Fundamental Duties incorporated in the Constitution of India. Explain the rationale for their inclusion via the Forty-second Amendment Act, 1976.

Using suitable illustrations, discuss and differentiate between cooperative and competitive federalism in the Indian context.

Examine the constitutional provisions relating to protective discrimination for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes under Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution with the help of decided cases.

Comment on the statement that 'an amendment for better Union-State relations is due' and recommend specific constitutional amendments in this regard.

Examine the statement that the 'Governor's office is sui generis' and analyze the discretionary functions of the Governor as highlighted in the Sarkaria Commission Report.

Do local bodies enjoy autonomy in matters of economic development and social justice under the Constitution of India? Explain using constitutional provisions. Also, describe the powers and functions of the Union Public Service Commission.

Discuss parliamentary privilege as 'essential to the functions of the legislature.' Suggest any reforms to the existing provisions governing parliamentary privilege.

'Law cannot supersede justice in India.' Critically examine this statement with regard to Curative Writ Petitions with the help of relevant case law.

Discuss the doctrine of 'Pith and Substance relating to the distribution of legislative powers between the Centre and the States with the help of the landmark judicial decisions.10.

Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of life and personal liberty enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India." Elucidate this statement in the light of the decision of Justice K. S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India. 10.

Power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution is wide, but not unlimited." Do you agree with this statement? Discuss whether the doctrine of basic structure has reinforced the power of judicial review under the Constitution. 15.

Examine the nature of the powers of the High Courts under Article 226 of the Constitution of India and distinguish it from the powers of the Supreme Court under Article 32. (15).

The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering the election process in India." comment by explaining the powers and functions of the Election Commission of India.15.

India that is Bharat. shall be a Union of States." Explain. Do you that the Indian Constitution is a Federal Constitution? Discuss with the help of decided cases. 15.

Discuss the Ordinance making power of the President. Can the validity of an Ordinance be challenged in the Court of Law? Cite relevant case-law. 15.

What do you understand by the terms "cooperative federalism" and "competitive federalism"? Do you agree with the view that the Indian Constitution is based on the concept of "competitive federalism" and not on the concept of "cooperative federalism"?

Critically evaluate the changing dimensions of the concept of "State" under Article 12 of the Constitution of India.

Examine the concept of social justice as envisaged in the Constitution more particularly in Chapter IV of the Constitution. 20.

What are the constitutional safeguards available in a civil servant against dismissal, removal or reduction in rank of services? Are these rights also available to an employee of a public corporation Discuss with reference to statutory provisions and case law. 15?

Is the Governor" s post dependent on the pleasure of the President? Discuss. What exactly constitutes the "discretion" of the Governor while exercising numerous powers? Explain with reference to statutory provisions and relevant case law. 15?

Imposition of Emergency in a State under Article 356 has always been a matter of controversy." In this backdrop, explain the consequences of proclamation of Emergency in a State. 15.

Under what circumstances, does a third party, apart from concerned parties, have locus standi to move writ petitions before the High Court or the Supreme Court in India? Also point out the limitations of such petitions. 15.

Is 'Secularism' an essential feature of the Constitution of India? Explain in the light of decided case laws.

Elucidate the scope of the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India under the constitution with regard to Criminal matters.

Other Law Optional subjects