Constitutional Bodies — Set 15
Constitution Special · संवैधानिक निकाय · Questions 141–150 of 160
Article 280 provides for the Finance Commission. Under this Article, the Commission recommends revenue-sharing principles for what period?
Correct Answer: C. 5 years
The Finance Commission makes recommendations for revenue-sharing for a period of 5 years (the same period for which it is constituted). However, some recommendations may extend beyond 5 years. The 15th Finance Commission (2020-25) recommended a 41% share of central tax revenues to states. The 16th Finance Commission (2026-31) is expected to submit its report for the period 2026-31. Finance Commission recommendations are treated as the constitutional mechanism for fiscal federalism.
Which constitutional body investigates matters relating to safeguards for Other Backward Classes?
Correct Answer: B. NCBC (Article 338B)
The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) was given constitutional status by the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018, which inserted Article 338B. The NCBC examines complaints and welfare measures for socially and educationally backward classes, monitors the working of constitutional safeguards, and submits reports to the President. Before this amendment, NCBC was a statutory body under the NCBC Act, 1993.
The Election Commission can 'freeze' a political party's symbol under what circumstances?
Correct Answer: B. When a political party splits and there is a dispute over the symbol
The Election Commission can freeze a political party's symbol when the party splits and there is a dispute over who is the 'real' party. Under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, the ECI decides which faction is the recognized party when a split occurs. The ECI examines factors like support in the legislature and organization. Famous symbol freezing cases include the Congress split (1969), Janata Party split, and the Shiv Sena/NCP splits in Maharashtra.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India was established in which year?
Correct Answer: B. B) 1993
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established on October 12, 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act 1993. It was created to protect and promote human rights in India. The NHRC is chaired by a retired Chief Justice of India and its members include retired judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. India established the NHRC in response to the Vienna Declaration of 1993 on human rights.
The Special Leave Petition (SLP) to the Supreme Court falls under which Article?
Correct Answer: D. Article 136
Article 136 gives the Supreme Court the discretionary power to grant Special Leave to appeal from any judgment, decree, determination, sentence, or order in any cause or matter passed or made by any court or tribunal in the territory of India. The SLP is an extraordinary jurisdiction that can be invoked when substantial questions of law are involved. Most cases reach the Supreme Court through Article 136. The Supreme Court has wide discretion in granting or rejecting SLPs.
Which Constitutional body recommends principles for grants-in-aid to states?
Correct Answer: C. Finance Commission
The Finance Commission (Article 280) recommends principles governing grants-in-aid to states from the Consolidated Fund of India. These grants supplement the states' tax share. The Finance Commission also recommends grants for specific purposes. The 15th Finance Commission recommended total grants of about ₹10 lakh crore to states for 2021-26. Grants-in-aid are different from tax revenue sharing and are a central mechanism for fiscal equalization between states.
The concept of 'NOTA' (None of the Above) in elections was introduced following a directive of?
Correct Answer: C. Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of India in People's Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India (2013) directed the Election Commission to introduce the NOTA (None of the Above) option on EVMs, allowing voters to exercise their right to reject all candidates. NOTA is available on the ballot but does not have electoral value — even if NOTA gets the maximum votes, the candidate with the second-highest votes wins. The ECI implemented NOTA from the 2013 state assembly elections.
Which article establishes the office of the Attorney General of India and describes the AG's functions?
Correct Answer: C. Article 76
Article 76 provides for the Attorney General of India. The President appoints a person who is qualified to be appointed a judge of the Supreme Court as the Attorney General. The AG is the government's chief legal adviser and must give advice to the Government on legal matters. The AG also has the right of audience in all courts in India. The AG is not a full-time government servant — they can undertake private practice (but not against the government).
Rajya Sabha members from states are elected using which method?
Correct Answer: B. Proportional representation through single transferable vote
Rajya Sabha members from states are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies using the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote (STV). In this system, voters rank candidates in order of preference. The STV ensures that different political parties get proportional representation in Rajya Sabha based on their strength in the state assembly. States with larger populations have more Rajya Sabha seats.
Which constitutional Article bars a member of the UPSC from appointment in the government after their tenure?
Correct Answer: B. Article 319
Article 319 provides that on ceasing to hold office, (a) the Chairman of the UPSC shall be ineligible for further employment either under the Government of India or under the Government of any State; and (b) a member of the UPSC shall be eligible for appointment as Chairman of the UPSC or as Chairman of a State PSC, but not for any other employment under the government. This provision is meant to insulate UPSC members from temptation of post-tenure positions. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.