DPSP & Fundamental Duties — Set 5

Correct Answer: B. Organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern scientific lines, and prohibit slaughter of cows, calves, and other milch and draught cattle

Article 48 directs the State to endeavour to organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall, in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle. This DPSP has been the basis for cow protection laws in many states. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.

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.

Correct Answer: B. Every monument or place or object of artistic or historic interest from spoilation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal or export

Article 49 directs the State to protect every monument or place or object of national importance from spoilation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal, or export as the case may be. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 was enacted in pursuance of this directive. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) implements this protection.

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.

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).

Correct Answer: A. Judiciary from Executive

Article 50 directs the State to take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State. This directive has been given effect through the establishment of independent judicial services and through legislation removing judicial functions from executive officers. The independence of the judiciary is also a Basic Structure feature.

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.

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.

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.

Correct Answer: B. International law and treaty obligations; to promote international peace and security

Article 51 directs the State to endeavour to promote international peace and security; to maintain just and honourable relations between nations; to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations; and to encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration. This DPSP forms the basis for India's foreign policy principles. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.