The Indian Polity and Governance form the bedrock of the country’s administrative framework, embodying the aspirations and rights of its citizens. Within this intricate tapestry lies a crucial triad: Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, and Fundamental Duties. These pillars delineate the rights, obligations, and ideals that underpin India’s democratic fabric. The UPSC Prelims examination, a gateway to coveted civil services, meticulously explores these facets, probing candidates’ understanding and analytical prowess. Through a nuanced examination of Fundamental Rights, which guarantee individual liberties; Directive Principles, which outline the state’s social and economic responsibilities; and Fundamental Duties, which enshrine citizens’ obligations, aspirants navigate a terrain that reflects the ethos of India’s constitutional democracy. Thus, mastery of this topic is indispensable for aspirants seeking to navigate the complexities of India’s governance structure and contribute meaningfully to its societal progress.
Q1. Prohibition of discrimination on groups of religion etc, Article 15 of the Constitution of India is a Fundamental Right classifiable under (1995)
(a) the Right to Freedom of Religion
(b) the Right against Exploitation
(c) the Cultural and Educational Rights
(d) the Right to Equality
Ans. (d)
The prohibition of discrimination against groups based on religion, etc., as outlined in Article 15 of the Constitution of India, is a Fundamental Right falling under the broader umbrella of the Right to Equality, delineated from Articles 12 to 35. The rights enshrined within the Right to Equality include:
- Article 14: Ensures equality before the law and equal protection of laws.
- Article 15: Prohibits discrimination solely on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
- Article 16: Guarantees equality of opportunity in matters pertaining to public employment.
- Article 17: Mandates the abolition of untouchability and prohibits its practice.
- Article 18: Calls for the abolition of titles, except those conferred for military or academic achievements.
Q2. Consider the following statements. No one can be compelled to sing the National Anthem since (1996)
1. it will be violative of the Right to Freedom of speech and expression
2. it will be violative of the Right to Freedom of conscience, practice and propagation of religion
3. there is no legal provision obliging any one to sing the National Anthem
(a) 1 and 2 are correct
(c) 1, 2 and 3 are correct
(b) 2 and 3 are correct
(d) None is correct
Ans. (c)
All the provided statements (1), (2), and (3) are accurate, as there exists no legal mandate enforcing individuals to sing the National Anthem. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 does not impose such an obligation. On August 11, 1986, the Supreme Court, in the case of Bijoe Emmanuel vs. State of Kerala, overturned the decision of the High Court of Kerala. It upheld that the freedom of speech and expression encompasses the right to remain silent. The Supreme Court emphasized that forcing every student to participate in singing the National Anthem, despite genuine conscientious objections rooted in religious beliefs, would violate the rights enshrined in Article 19(1)(a) and Article 25(1) of the Indian Constitution.
Q3. The Constitution of India recognises (1999)
(a) only religious minorities
(b) only linguistic minorities
(c) religious and linguistic minorities
(d) religious, linguistic and ethnic minorities
Ans. (c)
The Constitution of India acknowledges the existence of religious and linguistic minorities. Articles 29 and 30 specifically address the rights afforded to these minorities.
Article 29 guarantees the preservation of distinct language, script, or culture for any segment of citizens residing in any part of India. It ensures their right to conserve their unique heritage.
Article 30 grants all minorities, whether defined by religion or language, the authority to establish and manage educational institutions according to their preferences.
Q4. Consider the following statements about the minorities in India. (2001)
1. The Government of India has notified five communities, namely, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists and Zoroastrians as Minorities.
2. The National Commission for Minorities was given statutory status in 1993.
3. The smallest religious minority in India are the Zoroastrians.
4. The Constitution of India recognises and protects religious and linguistic minorities.
Which of these statement(s) are correct?
(a) 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 4
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1,2 and 4
Ans. (c)
Statements (2), (3), and (4) are accurate. The Indian Constitution acknowledges and safeguards two categories of minorities: religious and linguistic minorities. Articles 29 and 30 delineate the rights of these minorities. Zoroastrians constitute one of the smallest religious minorities in India, with an approximate population of 100,000. The National Commission for Minorities gained statutory recognition in 1993, established under the National Commission for Minorities Act of 1992. Statement (1) is erroneous, as the Government of India has officially recognized six minority communities in India: Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians.
Q5. In the Indian Constitution, the Right to Equality is granted by five Articles. They are(2002)
(a) Article 16 to Article 20
(b) Article 15 to Article 19
(c) Article 14 to Article 18
(d) Article 13 to Article 17
Ans. (c)
In the Indian Constitution, the Right to Equality is enshrined in five Articles, spanning from Article 14 to Article 18. These provisions encompass:
Article 14: Ensuring equality before the law. Article 15: Upholding social equality and ensuring equal access to public spaces. Article 16: Guaranteeing equality in matters concerning public employment. Article 17: Mandating the abolition of untouchability. Article 18: Calling for the abolition of titles.
Q6. Which one of the following Articles of the Directive Principles of State Policy deals with the promotion of international peace and security? (2002)
(a) 51
(b) 48 A
(c) 43 A
(d) 41
Ans. (a)
Article 51 of the Indian Constitution focuses on fostering international peace and security, while Article 48A of the Directive Principles emphasizes the protection and enhancement of the environment, along with safeguarding forests and wildlife. Article 43A mandates that the state takes measures to ensure employment opportunities, education, and worker participation in industrial management, particularly in addressing issues such as unemployment, illness, and disability.
Q7. Which one of the following Rights was described by Dr. BR Ambedkar as the heart and soul of the Constitution?
(a) Right to Freedom of Religion
(b) Right to Property
(c) Right to Equality
(d) Right to Constitutional Remedies
Ans. (d)
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar famously referred to Article 32 as the cornerstone of the Constitution, emphasizing its pivotal role in ensuring citizens’ rights. This article stands as the bedrock of our constitutional framework, without which the entire document would lose its essence. Recognized by the Supreme Court as a fundamental feature, Article 32 safeguards against any attempt to diminish or revoke it, underscoring its indispensable nature in upholding justice and ensuring access to remedies for all citizens.
Q8. Which Article of the Constitution of India says, “No child below the age of 14 years shall be the employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment”?
(a) Article 24
(b) Article 45
(c) Article 330
(d) Article 368
Ans. (a)
Article 24 of the Constitution of India unequivocally states that children under the age of 14 shall not be employed in factories, mines, or any other perilous occupations. This provision serves as a robust safeguard against the exploitation of minors, extending to hazardous tasks such as construction work and railway employment.
Q9. Consider the following statements. (2005)
1. Article 371(A) to 371(I) were inserted in the Constitution of India to meet regional demands of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa.
2. Constitution of India and the United States of America envisage a dual polity The union and the states but a single citizenship.
3. A naturalised citizen of India can never be deprived of his citizenship.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 3
(c) Only 3
(d) All of these
Ans. (a)
Article 371(A) through 371(I) were incorporated into the Indian Constitution in 1962, addressing specific regional concerns in Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Goa, much like the significance of Article 371(A). It is important to note that, unlike the United States, India follows a system of singular citizenship. Citizenship can be revoked for reasons such as fraudulent acquisition or disloyalty to the Constitution.
Q10. Consider the following statements. (2006)
1. There is no provision in the Constitution of India to encourage equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
2. The Constitution of India does not define backward classes.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (b)
The Constitution of India does not explicitly define backward classes. Instead, Article 342 (A) grants authority to the President to designate socially and educationally backward classes in different states and Union Territories, in consultation with the respective state Governors. Therefore, it’s inaccurate to claim that the Constitution defines backward classes.
As for the second statement, it is incorrect to assert that equal pay for equal work for men and women is a provision within the Constitution. Instead, this principle is enshrined in one of the directive principles of state policy, specifically Article 39(d) in Part IV of the Constitution.
Q10. Which of the following is/are included in the Directive Principles of State Policy? (2008)
1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour.
2. Prohibition of consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of other drugs which are injurious to health.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (b)
Statement (2) accurately identifies that the prohibition of consuming intoxicating drinks and harmful drugs solely for medicinal purposes is a Directive Principle. This principle is outlined in Article 47 of the Indian Constitution, nestled within Part IV, Articles 36 to 51. These principles are directives aimed at fostering a fair and balanced socio-economic framework, yet they are non-justiciable.
Contrarily, Statement (1) is flawed. The prevention of human trafficking and forced labor is enshrined in Article 23 of the Indian Constitution. Unlike Directive Principles, this provision constitutes a Fundamental Right, rather than a mere directive.
Q11. With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following. (2010)
1. Fundamental Rights
2. Fundamental Duties
3. Directive Principles of State Policy
Which of the above provisions of the Constitution of India is/are fulfilled by the National Social Assistance Programme launched by the Government of India?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) All of these
Ans. (b)
The National Social Assistance Programme, inaugurated by the Government of India on August 15th, 1995, stands as a beacon of the fulfillment of the Directive Principles of State Policy. Designed to support impoverished households, this initiative embodies a crucial stride towards realizing the principles outlined in Articles 41 and 42 of the Constitution. These articles underscore the shared obligation of both the Central and State Governments in addressing the welfare needs of citizens.
Q12. India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What are the benefits available to them under the law? (2011)
1. Free schooling till the age of 18 years in government- run schools.
2. Preferential allotment of land for setting-up business.
3. Ramps in public buildings.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) All of these
Ans. (d)
The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act of 1995 encompasses several provisions aimed at promoting inclusivity and equality for individuals with disabilities. These include guarantees such as free education up to the age of 18 in government-run schools, preferential land allocation for business establishment, and the installation of ramps in public buildings.
Q12. Under the Constitution of India, which one following is not a fundamental duty?
(a) To vote in public elections
(b) To develop the scientific temper
(c) To safeguard public property
(d) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals
Ans. (a)
In accordance with Article 51(A) of the Indian Constitution, citizens possess the legal entitlement to vote in Solved Papers Indic. Among the array of duties outlined in Article 51(A) are several pivotal responsibilities. These include cherishing and upholding the noble ideals that fueled the nation’s fight for independence. Additionally, citizens are tasked with safeguarding the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of the nation, as well as preserving its rich cultural heritage. Furthermore, it is incumbent upon citizens to promote scientific temper, humanism, and a spirit of inquiry and reform. Lastly, individuals are obliged to protect public property and renounce violence as a means of achieving their objectives.
Q13. Which of the following is/are among the fundamental duties of citizens laid down in the Indian Constitution? (2012)
1. To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
2. To protect the weaker sections from social injustice.
3. To develop the scientific temper and spirit of inquiry.
4. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) 1,3 and 4
(d) All of these
Ans. (c)
The Constitution outlines fundamental duties, encompassing Statements (1), (3), and (4), delineated in Article 51(A). However, notably absent is a duty specifically addressing the protection of weaker sections from social injustice. Article 51(A) encompasses duties such as valuing and preserving the rich heritage of our composite culture (clause (f)) and fostering the development of scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform (clause (h)). Additionally, it underscores the obligation to strive for excellence in all realms of individual and collective endeavors, thus propelling the nation toward continual progress and achievement.
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