Constitutional Bodies — Set 5
Constitution Special · संवैधानिक निकाय · Questions 41–50 of 160
Which constitutional body is sometimes called the 'Guardian of Public Purse'?
Correct Answer: C. CAG
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is often called the 'Guardian of the Public Purse' or 'watchdog of government finances'. The CAG audits all expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India, checks the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of government spending, and reports to Parliament/State Legislatures through the Public Accounts Committee. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
Which Article enables the Parliament to enact laws for giving effect to international treaties?
Correct Answer: B. Article 253
Article 253 enables Parliament to make laws for the whole or any part of India for implementing international treaties, agreements, or conventions. This power is an exception to the normal federal division of powers as it allows Parliament to legislate even on State List subjects. Many important laws like the Wildlife Protection Act have been enacted using this Article. This power ensures India can fulfill its international obligations even when they touch on state subjects.
The UPSC conducts which types of examinations?
Correct Answer: B. Civil Services Examination, defence services, and technical examinations
The UPSC conducts examinations for: (1) Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.), (2) Indian Forest Service, (3) Central Armed Police Forces, (4) Combined Defence Services (CDS), (5) National Defence Academy (NDA), (6) Combined Medical Services, and other technical and specialized services. State services are conducted by State Public Service Commissions.
Article 35 gives power to Parliament to legislate on which matters?
Correct Answer: B. Enforce Article 17 and 23, and to prescribe punishment for Article 20 violations
Article 35 empowers Parliament to make laws for giving effect to specified Fundamental Rights. Parliament has power to legislate: on matters under Articles 16(3), 32(3), 33, 34 and to prescribe punishment for acts declared offences under Part III (particularly Articles 17, 23). Parliament alone has power to legislate on these matters, to the exclusion of state legislatures. This ensures uniform laws across India for protecting Fundamental Rights.
Habeas Corpus literally means?
Correct Answer: C. You shall have the body
Habeas Corpus is a Latin phrase that literally means 'you shall have the body.' It is a writ issued by a court to a person detaining another, requiring the detainee to be brought before the court to examine the legality of detention. If the detention is found to be unlawful, the court orders release. The Habeas Corpus writ is considered the most important safeguard of personal liberty. In India, it can be issued by both the Supreme Court (Article 32) and High Courts (Article 226).
First Chairman of Finance Commission of India was?
Correct Answer: A. K.C. Neogy
K.C. Neogy (Kshitish Chandra Neogy) was the first Chairman of the Finance Commission of India, constituted in 1951. The First Finance Commission was constituted in November 1951 under Article 280 of the Constitution. The 16th Finance Commission is currently being constituted.
'Mandamus' writ is issued to?
Correct Answer: C. Command a public authority to perform its duty
Mandamus (Latin for 'we command') is a writ issued by a court ordering a public authority, government official, lower court, or tribunal to perform a duty that is mandatory in nature and which they have refused or failed to perform. It can be issued against government authorities, corporations, and even inferior courts. Unlike habeas corpus which protects personal liberty, mandamus is used to compel performance of public duties. It cannot be issued against the President or Governors of states.
The Right to Information Act, 2005 gives effect to which Fundamental Right?
Correct Answer: B. Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression
The Right to Information Act, 2005 gives practical effect to the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The Supreme Court had held in several cases that freedom of speech includes the right to receive information. The RTI Act enables citizens to obtain information from government authorities within 30 days. It has been described as a revolutionary instrument for promoting transparency and accountability in government.
Which Article provides that no law shall be made abridging the freedom of press?
Correct Answer: A. Article 19 (by implication)
Freedom of the press is not explicitly mentioned in the Indian Constitution but is implied within the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a). The Supreme Court has held in several cases including Romesh Thapar vs State of Madras (1950) that freedom of press is an essential part of freedom of speech and expression. Restrictions on press freedom must meet the reasonable restrictions test under Article 19(2). This implies freedom of journalism and media.
The Election Commission was initially a single-member body. It became a three-member body by which act?
Correct Answer: B. Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act 1991
The Election Commission was initially headed only by the Chief Election Commissioner. To handle the increasing electoral workload, the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act 1991 created the position of Election Commissioners. Currently, the CEC Act 2023 governs appointments.