Major Amendments — Set 9
Constitution Special · प्रमुख संशोधन · Questions 81–90 of 200
The 47th Amendment (1984) placed laws related to which field in the Ninth Schedule?
Correct Answer: B. Land reforms and land acquisition
The 47th Amendment of 1984 placed certain land reform and land acquisition laws in the Ninth Schedule to protect them from Fundamental Rights challenge. The Ninth Schedule has been used multiple times to protect land reform legislation; by 2023 it contains over 280 laws. The power to amend the Constitution is a special power that cannot be used to destroy its basic structure.
Which provision requires special majority AND state ratification for amendment?
Correct Answer: B. Seventh Schedule and provisions affecting federal structure
Under Article 368(2), provisions affecting the federal structure — including the Seventh Schedule, election of President, extent of executive powers, and the judiciary — require not only special majority but also ratification by at least half of State Legislatures. Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles require only special majority. The power to amend the Constitution is a special power that cannot be used to destroy its basic structure.
The Punchhi Commission (2010) recommended changes in which area?
Correct Answer: A. Relations between Centre and States
The Second Commission on Centre-State Relations (Punchhi Commission, set up 2007, reported 2010) recommended changes in Centre-State relations — role of Governors, use of Article 356, deployment of central forces in states, and revenue sharing. The Sarkaria Commission (1983-88) was the first such commission. The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections.
Article 1 defines India as 'a Union of States'. The term 'Union' was chosen to indicate?
Correct Answer: B. The Indian Union is indestructible and states cannot secede
Article 1 states: 'India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.' The term 'Union of States' rather than 'Federation' was deliberate — it indicates the Union is indestructible and states cannot secede. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar explained that unlike a confederation, India's Union is permanent.
Fundamental Duties are enumerated under which Article?
Correct Answer: B. Article 51A
Fundamental Duties of citizens are listed under Article 51A in Part IVA, added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) on the Swaran Singh Committee's recommendation. Originally 10 duties; the 86th Amendment (2002) added an 11th — to provide educational opportunity for children aged 6-14. They are non-justiciable.
The SR Bommai case (1994) laid down rules about?
Correct Answer: B. Imposition of President's Rule under Article 356
S.R. Bommai v Union of India (1994): a 9-judge bench held that the President's power under Article 356 is not absolute and is subject to judicial review. The Court said a floor test must precede President's Rule, and secularism is a basic feature of the Constitution.
Article 262 deals with adjudication of disputes relating to?
Correct Answer: B. Inter-state water disputes
Article 262 deals with adjudication of inter-state river water disputes. Under it, Parliament enacted the Inter-State Water Disputes Act 1956. Tribunals set up under this law have final, unchallengeable decisions. Examples: Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal, Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.
Which schedule of the Constitution contains forms of oaths or affirmations?
Correct Answer: C. Third Schedule
The Third Schedule contains forms of oaths or affirmations for Union Ministers, members of Parliament, CAG, Supreme Court and High Court judges, etc. The Second Schedule contains pay and allowances of constitutional authorities like the President, Governors, Speakers, and judges. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
The 'Doctrine of Pith and Substance' is used to?
Correct Answer: B. Determine which legislature can legislate when two lists seem to overlap
The Doctrine of Pith and Substance determines the true nature of legislation when there is an apparent conflict between entries in the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists. Courts look at the dominant purpose of the legislation to determine which legislative entry it primarily relates to. Incidental encroachment on another field does not invalidate the law.
What does the Vishaka case (1997) primarily deal with?
Correct Answer: B. Sexual harassment at workplace
Vishaka v State of Rajasthan (1997): the Supreme Court issued Vishaka Guidelines under Article 32 to protect women from sexual harassment at work in the absence of legislation. These remained in force until the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 was enacted. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.