UPSC Law Optional, Paper I and II

Constitutional Law UPSC Law Optional PYQs, Page 3

UPSC Law Optional Constitutional Law previous year questions 56-83 of 194, arranged for doctrine revision, case-law planning, and answer writing.

194 questions56-83 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

2017Paper IQ2(a)Section A

Question 56

What is the position of Governor in State? Examine the Pardoning Powers of the Governor under the Constitution. Is Pardoning power, subject to judicial review?

Executive and Constitutional OfficesJudicial Process and Remedies

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

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2017Paper IQ3(a)Section A

Question 57

Evaluate the constitutional provisions relating to administrative relation between the Union and the state with special emphasis on inter-governmental delegation of administrative power.

Constitutional Law - General

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

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2017Paper IQ3(c)Section A

Question 58

Discuss the circumstances under which 'Financial Emergency' can be proclaimed by the President of India and effects thereof.

Executive and Constitutional Offices

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

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2017Paper IQ4(b)Section A

Question 59

Do you think the current trends in judicial activism in India are inconsistent with the Principles of Separation of Powers, which is considered to be one of the basis features of the Constitution?

Constitutional Law - General

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

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2016Paper IQ1(a)Section A

Question 60

Explain the concept of Federalism'as incorporated in the Indian Constitution.

Constitutional Structure and Federalism

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

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2016Paper IQ1(b)Section A

Question 61

The procedure adopted for amending the Constitution is unique; it is not rigid yet difficult." Elaborate.

Constitutional Law - General

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

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2016Paper IQ1(e)Section A

Question 62

Discuss the relationship between "Fundamental Rights' and 'Directive Principles of State Policy in the light of the constitutional amendments and decided cases.

Fundamental Rights and EqualityAmendment and Basic Structure

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

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2016Paper IQ2(a)Section A

Question 63

Discuss the legislative powers of the Union and States as provided in the Constitution on the basis of subjects and territory.

Constitutional Structure and Federalism

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

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2016Paper IQ3(a)Section A

Question 64

Briefly enumerate the executive powers of the President, especially when two or more States are involved in non-observance of an inter-State agreement.

Executive and Constitutional Offices

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

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2016Paper IQ5(d)Section B

Question 65

Discuss whether the trend of convention providing a special clause prohibiting all kinds of reservations or some or specific or special kind of reservation or prohibiting reservations totally will hinder the growth of International Law.

Democracy, Elections and Accountability

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2016, Paper I, Q5(d), source page 98.

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2015Paper IQ1(a)Section A

Question 66

Given the contemporary economic, political and social realities, critically evaluate the judicial framework developed to determine whether an agency or body is 'State' for the purposes of Article 12 of the Constitution.

Fundamental Rights and Equality

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q1(a), source page 93.

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2015Paper IQ1(b)Section A

Question 67

What would be your opinion regarding the view that the exercise of powers by the President and Governors under Articles 72 and 161 to grant mercy should also be open to constitutional challenge?

Executive and Constitutional Offices

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q1(b), source page 93.

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2015Paper IQ1(c)Section A

Question 68

'Article 14 of the Constitution of India forbids class legislation not reasonable classification.' Examine and discuss equality of status and opportunity.

Fundamental Rights and Equality

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q1(c), source page 93.

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2015Paper IQ1(e)Section A

Question 69

What do you understand by the expression 'independence of judiciary'? Why is it being discussed, debated and questioned too much nowadays?

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q1(e), source page 93.

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2015Paper IQ2(a)Section A

Question 70

'Right to life means something more than mere animal existence.' Discuss with reference to case law. Is there any difference between the expression 'right to life' and 'personal liberty'? Explain critically.

Fundamental Rights and Equality

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q2(a), source page 93.

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2015Paper IQ2(b)Section A

Question 71

'The Prime Minister is the keystone of the Cabinet arch because he is responsible for its formation, life and death.' Critically examine the above statement in the light of various provisions of the Constitution and determine the position of the Prime Minister of India in the Cabinet.

Executive and Constitutional Offices

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q2(b), source page 93.

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2015Paper IQ3(b)Section A

Question 72

What is 'Protected discrimination'? Examine how far it is constitutional under Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution of India.

Fundamental Rights and Equality

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q3(b), source page 93.

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2015Paper IQ3(c)Section A

Question 73

Examine the non-obstante clause in Article 246 as a last resort measure and discuss the scope of its potential abuse.

Constitutional Structure and Federalism

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q3(c), source page 93.

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2015Paper IQ4(a)Section A

Question 74

Discuss the circumstances under which a third party has locus standi to file a writ petition under Article 32. What are the democratic benefits of allowing such petitions?

Judicial Process and Remedies

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q4(a), source page 93.

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2015Paper IQ4(b)Section A

Question 75

Critically evaluate the gubernatorial powers and the role of the Lieutenant Governor as a facilitator in the governance of Union Territories with special emphasis on the National Capital Territory.

Executive and Constitutional Offices

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q4(b), source page 93.

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2015Paper IQ4(c)Section A

Question 76

Explain the position of the Supreme Court on the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution of India.

Amendment and Basic Structure

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2015, Paper I, Q4(c), source page 93.

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2014Paper IQ1(a)Section A

Question 77

What do you think the form/nature of our Constitution - Federal, Unitary or Quasi-federal? The Members of the Drafting Committee call it federal, but many others would this title. Critically examine the statement. 10?

Constitutional Structure and Federalism

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q1(a), source page 84.

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2014Paper IQ1(b)Section A

Question 78

What is 'Constitutionalism'? Explain the said concept both in its negative and positive aspects in the context of India's tryst with 'Constitutionalism' and 'Constitutional Governance.' 10?

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q1(b), source page 84.

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2014Paper IQ1(c)Section A

Question 79

'Article 13 makes the judiciary, and especially the Apex Court, as a guardian, protector and the interpreter of the Fundamental Rights.' Explain with the help of decided cases how the Supreme Court has fulfilled this role.

Fundamental Rights and Equality

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q1(c), source page 84.

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2014Paper IQ1(d)Section A

Question 80

Explain the scope of the 'Special Leave Jurisdiction' of the Supreme Court as expounded by it.

Jurisdiction, Territory and Sea

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q1(d), source page 84.

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2014Paper IQ2(a)Section A

Question 81

The concept of 'Reasonable Opportunity' being a constitutional limitation on the doctrine of 'Tenure Pleasure', Parliament of State Legislature can make a law defining the content of 'Reasonable Opportunity' and prescribing procedure for affording the said opportunity to the accused government servant. Explain the concept with reference to leading cases.20.

Constitutional Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q2(a), source page 84.

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2014Paper IQ2(b)Section A

Question 82

Explain and elucidate the meaning of the 'Right to personal liberty' as interpreted by the Supreme Court of India. Also refer to the case Papnasam Labour Union v. Madura Coat Ltd.

Constitutional and Administrative Law - General

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q2(b), source page 84.

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2014Paper IQ3(a)Section A

Question 83

Examine the elucidate the constitutional scope of the Ordinance making power of the President and the Governors in India. 20.

Executive and Constitutional Offices

Source reference: UPSC Law Optional 2014, Paper I, Q3(a), source page 84.

Direct link to this question

What this archive covers

What is the position of Governor in State? Examine the Pardoning Powers of the Governor under the Constitution. Is Pardoning power, subject to judicial review?

Evaluate the constitutional provisions relating to administrative relation between the Union and the state with special emphasis on inter-governmental delegation of administrative power.

Discuss the circumstances under which 'Financial Emergency' can be proclaimed by the President of India and effects thereof.

Do you think the current trends in judicial activism in India are inconsistent with the Principles of Separation of Powers, which is considered to be one of the basis features of the Constitution?

Explain the concept of Federalism'as incorporated in the Indian Constitution.

The procedure adopted for amending the Constitution is unique; it is not rigid yet difficult." Elaborate.

Discuss the relationship between "Fundamental Rights' and 'Directive Principles of State Policy in the light of the constitutional amendments and decided cases.

Discuss the legislative powers of the Union and States as provided in the Constitution on the basis of subjects and territory.

Briefly enumerate the executive powers of the President, especially when two or more States are involved in non-observance of an inter-State agreement.

Discuss whether the trend of convention providing a special clause prohibiting all kinds of reservations or some or specific or special kind of reservation or prohibiting reservations totally will hinder the growth of International Law.

Given the contemporary economic, political and social realities, critically evaluate the judicial framework developed to determine whether an agency or body is 'State' for the purposes of Article 12 of the Constitution.

What would be your opinion regarding the view that the exercise of powers by the President and Governors under Articles 72 and 161 to grant mercy should also be open to constitutional challenge?

'Article 14 of the Constitution of India forbids class legislation not reasonable classification.' Examine and discuss equality of status and opportunity.

What do you understand by the expression 'independence of judiciary'? Why is it being discussed, debated and questioned too much nowadays?

'Right to life means something more than mere animal existence.' Discuss with reference to case law. Is there any difference between the expression 'right to life' and 'personal liberty'? Explain critically.

'The Prime Minister is the keystone of the Cabinet arch because he is responsible for its formation, life and death.' Critically examine the above statement in the light of various provisions of the Constitution and determine the position of the Prime Minister of India in the Cabinet.

What is 'Protected discrimination'? Examine how far it is constitutional under Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution of India.

Examine the non-obstante clause in Article 246 as a last resort measure and discuss the scope of its potential abuse.

Discuss the circumstances under which a third party has locus standi to file a writ petition under Article 32. What are the democratic benefits of allowing such petitions?

Critically evaluate the gubernatorial powers and the role of the Lieutenant Governor as a facilitator in the governance of Union Territories with special emphasis on the National Capital Territory.

Explain the position of the Supreme Court on the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution of India.

What do you think the form/nature of our Constitution - Federal, Unitary or Quasi-federal? The Members of the Drafting Committee call it federal, but many others would this title. Critically examine the statement. 10?

What is 'Constitutionalism'? Explain the said concept both in its negative and positive aspects in the context of India's tryst with 'Constitutionalism' and 'Constitutional Governance.' 10?

'Article 13 makes the judiciary, and especially the Apex Court, as a guardian, protector and the interpreter of the Fundamental Rights.' Explain with the help of decided cases how the Supreme Court has fulfilled this role.

Explain the scope of the 'Special Leave Jurisdiction' of the Supreme Court as expounded by it.

Explain and elucidate the meaning of the 'Right to personal liberty' as interpreted by the Supreme Court of India. Also refer to the case Papnasam Labour Union v. Madura Coat Ltd.

Examine the elucidate the constitutional scope of the Ordinance making power of the President and the Governors in India. 20.

Other Law Optional subjects