Major Amendments — Set 5
Constitution Special · प्रमुख संशोधन · Questions 41–50 of 200
Which constitutional amendment extended reservation for SCs and STs in Parliament for another 10 years (till 2030)?
Correct Answer: C. 104th Amendment
The 104th Amendment of 2020 extended reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for another 10 years until January 25, 2030. It also discontinued reservation for Anglo-Indians in Parliament and State Assemblies. Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India, consisting of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.
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.
How many amendments have been made to the Indian Constitution as of 2023?
Correct Answer: B. 106
As of 2023, the Indian Constitution has been amended 106 times since its adoption on January 26, 1950. The most recent is the 106th Amendment (2023) relating to women's reservation. India has one of the most frequently amended constitutions in the world.
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).
The 25th Amendment (1971) was related to?
Correct Answer: C. Acquisition of property and compensation for it
The 25th Amendment of 1971 restricted compensation for state-acquired property, substituting 'compensation' with 'amount' in Article 31. It also inserted Article 31C protecting laws implementing DPSP Articles 39(b) and 39(c) from Fundamental Rights challenge. The power to amend the Constitution is a special power that cannot be used to destroy its basic structure.
'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 92nd Amendment (2003) added which languages to the Eighth Schedule?
Correct Answer: A. Maithili, Bodo, Dogri and Santhali
The 92nd Amendment of 2003 added Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali to the Eighth Schedule, increasing total languages from 18 to 22. These were recognised after long-standing demands from their speaker communities. The power to amend the Constitution is a special power that cannot be used to destroy its basic structure.