Constitutional Bodies — Set 7
Constitution Special · संवैधानिक निकाय · Questions 61–70 of 160
The National Commission for Backward Classes was given constitutional status by which amendment?
Correct Answer: C. 102nd Amendment 2018
The 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018 gave constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) by inserting Article 338B. Before 2018, the NCBC was a statutory body under the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993. The Amendment also defined 'socially and educationally backward classes' in Article 342A.
Article 33 empowers Parliament to restrict Fundamental Rights of which category?
Correct Answer: B. Members of Armed Forces and Police
Article 33 empowers Parliament to restrict or abrogate the Fundamental Rights of members of the Armed Forces, the Forces charged with the maintenance of public order (like police), persons employed in any bureau or organization established by the State for purposes of intelligence or counter-intelligence, and persons employed by the State in establishments for communications. Parliament can make special laws for these categories in the interest of discipline and proper functioning. Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India, consisting of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.
Protection of accused person's right against self-incrimination is under?
Correct Answer: C. Article 20(3)
Article 20(3) provides protection against self-incrimination by stating that no person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself. This right applies from the moment of accusation, not just during trial. The Supreme Court has held that this right covers not just oral testimony but also documentary evidence. However, this protection does not extend to real or physical evidence like fingerprints, blood samples, or DNA tests.
Which constitutional body is responsible for protecting the interests of Scheduled Castes?
Correct Answer: C. National Commission for Scheduled Castes (Article 338)
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes is established under Article 338 of the Constitution. It investigates matters relating to the safeguards provided for Scheduled Castes under the Constitution and other laws. It also inquires into specific complaints and advises the government on protective measures.
The Constitution provides for Fundamental Rights available only to citizens (not foreigners). Which of these is available only to citizens?
Correct Answer: C. Article 19 - Six Freedoms
Article 19 with its six fundamental freedoms (freedom of speech, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession) is available only to citizens of India, not to foreign nationals. In contrast, Articles 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 are available to all persons (citizens and non-citizens alike). This distinction is important as it limits certain freedoms to those with a special bond with the Indian state.
The constitutional provision for a National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is?
Correct Answer: B. Article 338A
Article 338A (inserted by the 89th Amendment Act, 2003) provides for a National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. Before the 89th Amendment, both SCs and STs were covered by a single National Commission under Article 338. After the amendment, separate commissions were created for SCs (Article 338) and STs (Article 338A).
The CAG is often described as 'the most important officer in the Constitution of India' by?
Correct Answer: A. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described the Comptroller and Auditor General as 'the most important officer in the Constitution of India'. He emphasized that the CAG's role in auditing government accounts and ensuring financial accountability is fundamental to democratic governance. The CAG ensures that money is spent as Parliament intended.
The Election Commission's power to derecognize political parties is derived from?
Correct Answer: C. Representation of the People Act 1951 and the Symbols Order
The Election Commission's power to recognize and derecognize political parties is derived from the Representation of the People Act 1951 and the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968. These statutory provisions, combined with the EC's plenary powers under Article 324, give it comprehensive authority over political parties. The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections.
Which committee recommended the establishment of the Lokpal in India?
Correct Answer: A. First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966-1970)
The First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966-1970), chaired by Morarji Desai and later M. Veerappa Moily, was among the first to recommend establishing a Lokpal in India. The concept was inspired by the Scandinavian Ombudsman institution. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013 was finally enacted to establish the Lokpal.
The Chief Election Commissioner's salary is charged to which fund?
Correct Answer: A. Consolidated Fund of India
The salary and service conditions of the Chief Election Commissioner are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India (Article 324 read with the Consolidated Fund provisions). This ensures the financial independence of the Election Commission. Salaries charged to the Consolidated Fund are non-votable, i.e., they do not require Parliament's annual vote.