Major Amendments — Set 3
Constitution Special · प्रमुख संशोधन · Questions 21–30 of 200
The Basic Structure Doctrine was propounded in which landmark case?
Correct Answer: B. Kesavananda Bharati v State of Kerala
The Basic Structure Doctrine was laid down in Kesavananda Bharati v State of Kerala (1973) by a 13-judge bench. The 7:6 majority held that Parliament cannot alter the Constitution's 'basic structure' including supremacy of Constitution, republican form, secularism, separation of powers, and judicial review. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
In Minerva Mills case (1980), the Supreme Court struck down which part of the 42nd Amendment?
Correct Answer: B. Section 55 giving Parliament unlimited amendment power
In Minerva Mills v Union of India (1980), the Supreme Court struck down Section 55 of the 42nd Amendment that gave Parliament unlimited power to amend the Constitution. The Court held this violated the Basic Structure Doctrine from Kesavananda Bharati. The judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding the Constitution and protecting citizens' fundamental rights.
Cultural and Educational Rights under Articles 29-30 protect?
Correct Answer: B. Rights of linguistic and religious minorities
Articles 29-30 protect the cultural and educational rights of minorities. Article 29 gives every section of citizens the right to conserve its distinct language, script, or culture. Article 30 gives religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. The State shall not discriminate against minority institutions in granting aid. These rights protect the diverse cultural fabric of India.
Abolition of untouchability is provided under which Article?
Correct Answer: C. Article 17
Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. Enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offence punishable under law. The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (earlier Untouchability Offences Act 1955) was enacted to give effect to Article 17. Article 17 applies not only against the State but also against private individuals, making it one of the unique Fundamental Rights.
Article 16 provides equality of opportunity in matters of?
Correct Answer: B. Public employment
Article 16 guarantees equality of opportunity to all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State. It prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, or residence. Article 16(3) allows Parliament to make laws prescribing residence requirements for certain state employment. Article 16(4) allows reservation for backward classes inadequately represented in state services.
Article 368 deals with?
Correct Answer: B. Power of Parliament to amend the Constitution
Article 368 in Part XX provides the procedure for constitutional amendment. Most amendments require special majority (two-thirds present and voting plus majority of total membership). Certain amendments also require ratification by at least half of State Legislatures. The Basic Structure Doctrine limits Parliament's amending power.
Abolition of titles is provided under which Article?
Correct Answer: C. Article 18
Article 18 abolishes titles and provides that no title (except military or academic distinctions) shall be conferred by the State. No citizen shall accept any title from a foreign State without the President's consent. No person holding an office of profit under the State shall accept any present, emolument, or office from any foreign State without the President's consent. This article promotes republicanism and equality by eliminating hereditary distinctions.
Right to Education as a Fundamental Right was added by which Constitutional Amendment?
Correct Answer: A. 86th Amendment 2002
The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 inserted Article 21-A which provides for free and compulsory education to all children between 6 and 14 years as a Fundamental Right. Accordingly, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE Act) was enacted in 2009. The 86th Amendment also amended Article 45 (Directive Principle) and Article 51A (Fundamental Duties) to reflect this change. India became the 135th country to make education a fundamental right.
The Swaran Singh Committee (1976) recommended addition of which to the Constitution?
Correct Answer: B. Fundamental Duties
The Swaran Singh Committee (1976) recommended adding Fundamental Duties to the Constitution. Based on its recommendations, the 42nd Amendment inserted Article 51A with 10 Fundamental Duties. The 86th Amendment later added an 11th duty related to children's education.
Which Fundamental Right was deleted by the 44th Constitutional Amendment?
Correct Answer: A. Right to Property
The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978 deleted the Right to Property (Article 31) from the list of Fundamental Rights. Now property rights are only a legal right under Article 300-A which states that no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law. The 44th Amendment was passed by the Janata government under Prime Minister Morarji Desai. The right to property as a Fundamental Right was always controversial due to land reform legislation.