Panchayati Raj (Art 243) — Set 5
Constitution Special · पंचायती राज (अनु. 243) · Questions 41–50 of 140
The minimum age to vote in Panchayat elections is?
Correct Answer: B. 18 years
The minimum age to vote in Panchayat elections is 18 years, same as for Parliamentary and State Legislative Assembly elections (Article 326 and 243D). This was reduced from 21 years to 18 years by the 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1989. The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections.
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.
Which provisions make Panchayati Raj mandatory vs. discretionary for states?
Correct Answer: B. Three-tier structure, elections, reservation are mandatory; transfer of functions is discretionary
The 73rd Amendment makes certain provisions mandatory for all states: three-tier structure (Article 243B), Gram Sabha (243A), regular elections (243E), reservation for SC/ST and women (243D), State Election Commission (243K), and State Finance Commission (243I). However, devolution of functions and finances (Articles 243G, 243H) is discretionary for state governments. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.
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 L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986) is associated with?
Correct Answer: B. Recommending constitutional status for Panchayati Raj Institutions
The L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986), chaired by L.M. Singhvi, recommended giving constitutional status and constitutional guarantees to Panchayati Raj Institutions. This committee's recommendations directly led to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992). The committee also recommended that a new schedule of functions be added to the Constitution for Panchayats.
'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.
How does the 73rd Amendment apply to Fifth Schedule (tribal) areas?
Correct Answer: B. It does not apply automatically — Parliament must extend it by law (Article 243M)
Article 243M provides that Part IX (Panchayati Raj) shall not apply to the scheduled areas and tribal areas referred to in Article 244. Parliament can, by law, extend the provisions of Part IX to such areas with modifications as it considers necessary. This led to the Provisions of Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) 1996.