President, PM & Parliament — Set 5
Constitution Special · राष्ट्रपति, PM और संसद · Questions 41–50 of 160
Under the Constitution, which Parliamentary Committee examines public expenditure?
Correct Answer: B. Public Accounts Committee
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examines the annual audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to ensure that public money has been spent by the government as authorized by Parliament. The PAC consists of 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from Rajya Sabha). The Estimates Committee examines estimates of expenditure before they are voted on.
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.
Under Article 105, members of Parliament have immunity from?
Correct Answer: B. Civil and criminal proceedings for their vote or speech in Parliament
Article 105(1) and (2) provide that members of Parliament have freedom of speech in Parliament and are not liable to legal proceedings in any court for their speech or vote in Parliament. This parliamentary privilege ensures members can freely speak their minds without fear of litigation. Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India, consisting of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.
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 concept of 'Question Hour' in Parliament refers to?
Correct Answer: B. The first hour of every Parliamentary sitting when members ask questions to ministers
The 'Question Hour' is the first hour of every Parliamentary sitting where members ask questions to ministers. Questions may be starred (requiring oral answers) or unstarred (written answers). The Zero Hour follows Question Hour and is an informal device where members can raise urgent matters without prior notice. Question Hour is an important tool of Parliamentary control over the executive.
'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 President can return a bill sent by Parliament for reconsideration. This power is called?
Correct Answer: A. Veto power
The President has a 'qualified veto' power — the President can return a bill (other than a Money Bill) for reconsideration. However, if Parliament passes the bill again (with or without amendments), the President must give assent. The President also has a 'pocket veto' — the Constitution does not set a time limit for the President to act on a non-money bill.