Indian Polity & Constitution MCQs

Notes:
The Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA) was enacted in the year 1974 by the government of India. It was designed specifically to deter economic offences and safeguard the financial stability of the country. The act adds provisions for the preventive detention of perpetrators involved in such offences, thus reflecting the seriousness with which economic crimes were viewed.

Notes:
Rajya Sabha has an indefinite term and not subject to dissolution (Article 83.1). The term of an Individual Rajya Sabha member is 6 years and one third of its members retire every two years, in accordance with the rules as prescribed by the parliament of India.

Notes:
According to the Constitution of India the Members of Parliament both collectively and individually enjoy certain special powers and privileges without which they cannot discharge their functions, efficiently and effectively.

Notes:
English was the only language used for official purpose in the British India. In the independent India, it was declared in Article 343 (1) that Hindi will be the official Union language. It was also mentioned that over a period of fifteen years since the commencement of the Indian Constitution, Hindi will replace English as the official language. However, the Parliament can decide whether to use English as an official language or not.
The non-Hindi speaking communities across the country protested on the aspect of the change in official language from English to Hindi. This protest resulted in the enactment of the Official Language Act, 1963. According to the act, Hindi in Devanagari script has been declared the official language of the Union. However, English may also be used for official purposes even after 1965. English has been given the status of the ‘subsidiary official language’ of India. It was decided that either Hindi or English can be used for procedures of Parliament.

Notes:
Sukumar Sen (1898–1963) was an officer of the Indian Civil Services (ICS). He was first Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, serving from 21 March 1950 to 19 December 1958. Two general elections viz. 1951–52 and in 1957 were administered under his watch.

Notes:
Rajya Sabha is the upper house of parliament which represents the states and union territories. Its membership is fixed to maximum 250 members of which 238 are elected by the representatives of states and union territories while 12 members are nominated by President on account of their excellence in literature, science, art or social service. The present strength of the Rajya Sabha is 245, of whom 233 are representatives of the States/Union Territories and 12 are nominated by the President.

Notes:
Part IX (Panchayats) is not applicable to Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, tribal areas of Assam, Tripura, and hill areas of Manipur (Article 243M(2)); these fall under the Sixth Schedule, enjoying special local governance provisions.

Notes:
Court of record is a court whose proceedings are put as a record and are available as evidence of fact . Article 129 of the Indian constitution provides that Supreme court shall be a court of record and it can punish for its contempt. Similarly, Article 215 provides that every high court of the respective state to be a court of record and the dame can punish for its contempt.

Notes:
The correct answer is 1993. Before this year, judges of the Supreme Court were appointed by the President based on the Chief Justice of India’s recommendations. However, the Supreme Court’s decision in the Second Judges Case (1993) established the “collegium system,” where a group of senior judges, including the Chief Justice, would recommend appointments, thereby increasing judicial independence. This landmark ruling shifted the appointment process importantly, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in its own appointments.

Notes:
Jawaharlal Nehru was the Vice President of the Executive Council, External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations in the first as well as second Interim Cabinet. The president was Lord Wavell – Viceroy and Governor-General of India.