CONTENTS
►PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGES 14
Section-1
Current Affairs & related Concepts
01
UNION & THE STATES 02
►REVOCATION OF THE SPECIAL STATUS OF JAMMU AND
KASHMIR 02
►LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 03
►DADRA & NAGAR HAVELI AND DAMAN & DIU (MERGER OF
UNION TERRITORIES) ACT, 2019 04
►NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED TRIBES (NCST)
RECOMMENDS TRIBAL AREA STATUS FOR LADAKH 04
►NORTH EAST COUNCIL PLENARY 05
th
►126 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BILL 05
►TUSSLE OVER BELAGAVI 06
CITIZENSHIP 06
►NATIONAL POPULATION REGISTER (NPR) AND NRIC 06
►ASSAM ACCORD AND NRC IN ASSAM 08
►CITIZENSHIP AMENDMENT ACT, 2019 08
►ARTICLE 256 09
►FOREIGNER’S TRIBUNAL 10
►BRU REFUGEES 10
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND DPSP 10
►RIGHT TO INTERNET 10
►SC VERDICT ON INTERNET SHUTDOWNS 10
►TRANSPERSON: RIGHT TO MARRY (ARTICLE 21) 11
►STATE CAN REGULATE MINORITY INSTITUTIONS 11
►RESERVATION IN JOBS 11
►CONSTITUTION (ONE HUNDRED AND THIRD AMENDMENT)
ACT, 2019 12
► SEC 144 OF CRPC 12
PARLIAMENT AND STATE LEGISLATURE 13
► DISQUALIFICATION OF MLAS 13
►SHOULD THE STRENGTH OF LOK SABHA BE INCREASED
13
►IMPEACHMENT OF US PRESIDENT 14
►PARDONING POWER OF THE PRESIDENT 15
►RECONSTITUTION OF CABINET COMMITTEES – 2019 15
LANGUAGE 16
►HINDI AS A COURT LANGUAGE IN ABU DHABI 16
►CASE FOR TULU LANGUAGE TO BE INCLUDED IN
SCHEDULE 8 16
►ARTICLE 351 AND THE LANGUAGE FORMULA 16
JUDICIARY 16
►SUPREME COURT STRENGTH INCREASED 16
►CURATIVE PETITION (ART 137) 17
►CENTRE-STATE DISPUTES AND ARTICLE 131 17
►ANTICIPATORY BAIL NOT TIME BARRED – SUPREME COURT
18
►ANDHRA GETS NEW HIGH COURT AT AMRAVATI 18
►NEW DELHI INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION CENTRE (NDIAC)
ACT, 2019 18
CRIMINAL LAW REFORM 19
► INDIAN PENAL CODE (IPC) 19
►NATIONAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY (AMENDMENT) ACT,
2019 19
►UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES (PREVENTION) AMENDMENT ACT,
2019 20
►PREVENTION OF DAMAGE TO PUBLIC PROPERTY ACT, 1984
20
►PREVENTIVE DETENTION 21
►NATIONAL CRIME RECORDS BUREAU (NCRB): CRIME IN
INDIA 21
►AUTOMATED FACIAL RECOGNITION SYSTEM (AFRS) 21
►THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL OFFENCES
(POCSO) ACT, 2019 22
►INDIA GETS FIRST WITNESS PROTECTION SCHEME 22
COMMISSION 23
►CABINET APPROVES EXTENSION OF TERM OF 15th FINANCE
COMMISSION 23
►LAW COMMISSION OF INDIA 23
i
 ►NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (NHRC) & STATE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (SHRC) 23
►NATIONAL MEDICAL COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2019
24
►NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SAFAI KARMACHARIS (NCSK)
25
ELECTION 25
►ELECTION COMMISSION (EC) 25
►MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT (MCC) 25
►VVPAT (VOTER VERIFIABLE PAPER AUDIT TRAIL) 26
►PWD, PEOPLE OVER 80 YEARS OF AGE & IN ESSENTIAL
SERVICES CAN NOW VOTE THROUGH POSTAL BALLOT 26
►ELECTRONICALLY TRANSMITTED POSTAL BALLOT (ETPB)
26
►SERVICE VOTERS 26
►VOTING RIGHTS OF PRISONERS 27
►NOTA 27
►ELECTORAL BOND 27
►SYSTEMATIC VOTERS’ EDUCATION AND ELECTORAL
PARTICIPATION PROGRAM (SVEEP) 28
►INDELIBLE INK 28
►POLITICAL PARTIES REGISTRATION TRACKING
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (PPRTMS) 28
►SPECIAL EXPENDITURE OBSERVERS 28
GOVERNANCE 28
► RIGHT TO INFORMATION (RTI) ACT 28
► CENTRALIZED PUBLIC GRIEVANCE REDRESS AND
MONITORING SYSTEM (CPGRAMS) 29
►AADHAAR AMENDMENT ACT, 2019 29
► FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION (REGULATION) ACT/ FCRA 30
►LOKPAL 31
►NATIONAL DATA AND ANALYTICS PLATFORM (NDAP) 32
►CENSUS OF INDIA 2021 32
►CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 2019 32
►GOVERNMENT E MARKETPLACE (GeM) 33
►PRAGATI PLATFORM 34
►SHILLONG DECLARATION ON E-GOVERNANCE ADOPTED AT
NCEG 2019 34
►POLICE COMMISSIONERATE SYSTEM 35
VULNERABLE SECTION 35
►SCHEDULED CASTES AND THE SCHEDULED TRIBES
(PREVENTION OF ATROCITIES) AMENDMENT ACT, 2018 35
►TRANSGENDER PERSONS (PROTECTION OF RIGHTS) ACT,
2019 36
►THE MUSLIM WOMEN (PROTECTION OF RIGHTS ON
MARRIAGE) ACT, 2019 37
►GOVT TO SET UP ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING UNITS IN ALL
DISTRICTS WITH NIRBHAYA FUND 37
►PENCIL PORTAL 37
►“GO TRIBAL” CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED 37
►SAFE CITY PROJECT 37
►GOI ORGANISES “HUNAR HAAT” 38
HEALTH 38
►RESTRUCTURING OF EXISTING “NATIONAL HEALTH
AGENCY” AS “NATIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY” 38
►BIS: WATER QUALITY REPORT FOR STATE CAPITALS AND
NEW DELHI 38
►AYUSHMAN BHARAT 38
►JANAUSHADHI SUGAM 39
► EAT RIGHT MOVEMENT CAMPAIGN 39
►EAT RIGHT MELA 39
►EAT RIGHT INDIA MOVEMENT: FOOD SAFETY MITRA
SCHEME 40
►HOPE (HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS’ PLATFORM FOR
ENTRY-LEVEL-CERTIFICATION) PORTAL 40
EDUCATION 40
►RTE (AMENDMENT ACT), 2019 40
►HRD MINISTRY LAUNCHES KARTVYA PORTAL 40
►NATIONAL DIGITAL LIBRARY OF INDIA 40
►NEAT (NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR
TECHNOLOGY) SCHEME 41
► SKILLS BUILD PLATEFORM 41
►PREVENTION OF CORRUPTION ACT, 2018 41
►HIMAYAT MISSION 42
►SANKALP SCHEME 42
►FIVE-YEAR VISION PLAN “EDUCATION QUALITY
UPGRADATION AND INCLUSION PROGRAMME (EQUIP)”
FINALISED 43
►SHODH SHUDDHI 43
►NATIONAL MISSION “NISHTHA” LAUNCHED IN J & K 43
MISCELLANEOUS 43
►PROMULGATION OF MINERAL LAWS (AMENDMENT)
ORDINANCE 2020 43
►PARLIAMENT PASSES JALLIAWALA BAGH NATIONAL
MEMORIAL (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2019 44
►DISTRICT MINERAL FOUNDATIONS 45
►NATIONAL RECRUITMENT AGENCY (NRA) 45
►ENEMY PROPERTIES 45
►SWATCH SURVEKSHAN AWARDS 45
►6TH SCHEDULE OF THE CONSTITUTION 46
► BODO PEACE ACCORD 2020 46
►GRAM PANCHAYAT DEVELOPMENT PLAN-SABKI YOJANA,
SABKA VIKAS 46
►VILLAGE SECRETARIAT PROGRAMME 46
►GOAL (GOING ONLINE AS LEADERS) INITIATIVE 47
ii
 ►INSTRUMENT OF ACCESSION 47
►KVIC’S INITIATIVES TO GENERATE EMPLOYMENT 47
Section-2
CORE
48
CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER BRITISH
RULE 49
►REGULATING ACT OF 1773►SAFE CITY PROJECT 49
►PITT’S INDIA ACT OF 1784 49
►CHARTER ACTS 49
►INDIAN COUNCIL ACTS 49
►GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ACTS 50
►SIMON COMMISSION, 1927 51
►NEHRU REPORT, 1928 51
►INDIAN INDEPENDENCE ACT OF 1947 51
►FRAMING OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA 52
►SOURCES OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION 52
►PREAMBLE 53
►PART-III: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS (F.R.) 54
►STATE (ARTICLES 12) 54
►LAWS INCONSISTENT WITH FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS &
JUDICIAL REVIEW (ARTICLES 13) 55
►RIGHT TO EQUALITY (ARTICLES 14-18) 55
►RIGHT TO FREEDOM (ARTICLES 19-22) 56
►RIGHT AGAINST EXPLOITATION (ARTICLES 23-24) 57
►RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF RELIGION (ARTICLES 25-28) 57
►CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS (ARTICLES 29-30)
57
►RIGHT TO CONSTITUTIONAL REMEDIES ARTICLE 32 58
►ARMED FORCES AND FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS ARTICLE 33
58
►MARTIAL LAW AND FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS ARTICLE 34 58
►RIGHTS OUTSIDE PART III 58
►DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY (DPSP)
58
►DPSP CLASSIFICATION 59
►DIRECTIVES OUTSIDE PART IV 59
► FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES (F.D.) 59
► PRESIDENT 60
►VICE-PRESIDENT 60
COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN PRIME MINISTER AND CHIEF
MINISTERS 61
COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM
AND PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM 61
COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN INDIAN PARLIAMENTARY
SYSTEM AND BRITISH PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM 61
COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN UNION COUNCIL OF
MINISTERS AND STATE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS 62
COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ATTORNEY GENERAL AND
ADVOCATE GENERAL 62
►PARLIAMENT 62
►LOK SABHA 62
►RAJYA SABHA 63
►PRESIDING OFFICERS 63
►CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY PARLIAMENT 64
►BILLS 65
►VARIOUS PROCESSES WHICH A BILL GOES THROUGH 66
►OTHER PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS 67
►MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS 68
►PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES 68
►IMPORTANT COMMITTEES 69
 FINANCIAL MATTERS 70
►ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT - ARTICLE 112 70
► STATE LEGISLATURE 70
►EMERGENCY PROVISIONS 71
►ARTICLE-352 71
►ARTICLE 356 - FAILURE OF CONSTITUTIONAL MACHINERY
IN STATE 72
►FINANCIAL EMERGENCY – ARTICLE 360 72
► JUDICIARY 73
►SUPREME COURT 73
► HIGH COURTS 75
JURISDICTION OF HIGH COURTS 75
iii

► TRIBUNALS 76
►CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS (CAT) 76
►GOVERNOR 76
► CASE OF DELHI 77
► CENTRE STATE RELATIONS 78
►INTERSTATE RIVER WATER DISPUTES ACT (IRWD ACT) 78
► PANCHAYATS & MUNCIPALITIES 78
► MUNICIPALITY 79
►97TH CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT- COOPERATIVE 80
► CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES 80
►PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION 80
►UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (UPSC) 80
►JOINT PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (JPC) 81
►COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR GENERAL OF INDIA (CAG)
82
►FINANCE COMMISSION 82
►ELECTION COMMISSION 83
►NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED CASTE (NCSC)
84
►NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED TRIBE (NCST)
84
►102nd CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ACT – NATIONAL
COMMISSION FOR BACKWARD CLASSES (NCBC) 85
►COMMISSION ON OFFICIAL LANGUAGE (ARTICLE 344) 85
►SPECIAL OFFICER FOR LINGUISTIC MINORITIES (ARTICLE
350B) 86
► STATUTORY BODIES 86
►NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR MINORITIES 86
►NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILD
RIGHTS (NCPCR) 87
►NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN 87
►CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMISSION (CVC) 87
►NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICE AUTHORITY (NALSA) 88
►LOK ADALATS 90
►QUALITY COUNCIL OF INDIA 90
►COMPETITION COMMISSION OF INDIA (CCI) 91
►FOOD SAFETY AND STANDARD AUTHORITY OF INDIA
(FSSAI) 91
APPENDIX 92
►SCHEDULES UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA 92
►IMPORTANT AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF
INDIA 93
►IMPORTANT ARTICLES 94
►IMPORTANT SUPREME COURT CASES 96
►IMPORTANT PROVISIONS OF REPRESENTATION OF
PEOPLES ACT 97
► INDEXES & REPORTS 98
SCHOOL EDUCATION QUALITY INDEX (SEQI) 98
SDG INDIA INDEX 98
GOOD GOVERNANCE INDEX 99
GLOBAL SOCIAL MOBILITY INDEX 99
MEASUREMENT, ACTION, FREEDOM 99
WOMEN BUSINESS AND LAW INDEX 2020 99
DEMOCRACY INDEX 99
GLOBAL MICROSCOPE FOR FINANCIAL INCLUSION REPORT
99
GLOBAL LIVEABILITY RANKING 100
TECHNOLOGICAL READINESS RANKING 100
GLOBAL BROADBAND INDEX 100
WORLDWIDE COST OF LIVING SURVEY 100
WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT 100
GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX 100
HENLEY PASSPORT INDEX 100
CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX 100
GLOBAL NUTRITION REPORT 100
GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX 100
GLOBAL PEACE INDEX 2019 100
WORLD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX 100
INDIA CORRUPTION SURVEY 2019 101
► IMPORTANT COMMITTEES 101
Section-3
MCq’s & Answer key
102-117
iv
SECTION 1
URRENT FFAIRS &

ELATED ONCEPTS
 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY

UNION & THE STATES REVOKING ARTICLE 370

BEFORE NOW
►REVOCATION OF THE SPECIAL
Special powers exercised by J&K  No special powers now
STATUS OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Dual citizenship  Single citizenship
Government of India revoked the special status, or limited
Separate flag for Jammu & Kashmir Tricolour will be the
autonomy, granted under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution
 only flag
to Jammu and Kashmir.
Article 360 (Financial Emergency) Article 360 will be
RELATION OF JAMMU & KASHMIR WITH INDIAN UNION not applicable  applicable
Article 370 and Article 35(A) — gave state of J&K a host of
No reservation for minorities such Minorities will be
special rights. as Hindus and Sikhs  eligible for 16%
• Article 370 of the Constitution of India was a 'temporary reservation

provision' which gave special powers to the state of J&K, Indian citizens from other states People from other
giving the J&K legislature free rein to draft its own laws, cannot buy land or property in J&K states will now be able
except in the areas of communications, defense, finance  to purchase land or
property in J&K
and foreign affairs. As a result, J&K had its own
constitution, flag, and penal code. Accordingly, the RTI not applicable  RTI will be applicable

provisions of only Article 1 and Article 370 of the Indian Duration of Legislative Assembly for Assembly duration in
Constitution applied to the state. 6 years  Union Territory of J&K
will be for 5 years
• Article 35A of the Constitution of India, introduced
through a Presidential Order in 1954 issued under If a woman from J&K marries out of If a woman marries out
state, she would lose the citizenship of state or country, she
Article 370, authorised the state legislature to define
of the state  will still retain all her
'permanent residents'. Those defined as permanent
rights and Indian
residents were entitled to property rights, state citizenship
employment, scholarships and other social benefits in the
Panchayats did not have any rights Panchayats will have
state.  the same rights as in
WHO WERE PERMANENT RESIDENTS? other states

A person who was a state subject on May 14, 1954, or who Right to Education (RTE) was not Children in the state
has been a resident of the state for 10 years, and has applicable  will benefit from RTE

“lawfully acquired immovable property in the state.

KEY CHANGES 2) The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019

reorganises the J&K state into:
1) Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir)
UNION TERRITORY UNION TERRITORY
Order, 2019: Supersedes the Constitution (Application to
OF J&K OF LADAKH
Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954 - All the provisions of the
WITH a legislature WITHOUT a legislature
Constitution shall now extend to the state of Jammu and
Comprising the remaining Comprising Kargil and Leh
Kashmir.
territories of the existing J&K districts
• It revokes the powers of Article 370 - It does not remove state
Art 370 (as removal of Article 370 requires a constitutional
Administration by Lieutant Administration by Lieutant
amendment), but effectively removes all power extended Governor appointed by the Governor appointed by the
under the article. President. President.
• This revocation of Article 370 extends to Article 35A as The High Court of J&K will be the common High Court for
well. both.

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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
►LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
• Government of J&K has issued orders to abolish the Legislative
Council of the state as per Section 57 of The J&K State
Reorganisation Act, 2019. This decision comes after revoking
powers under Article 370 and converting erstwhile state of J&K
into two UTs of Ladakh and J&K.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS IN INDIA
• Legislative Council also referred to as Vidhan Parishad is
the second house of discussion depicting bicameralism at
the state level. However, every state in India does not
have Legislative Council and can be created or abolished
as per constitutional provisions.
• As of today, six states have Legislative Councils. These
are - Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka,
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
ABOUT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (LC)
• Permanent Body - The Legislative Council of a State shall
not be subject to dissolution. But, one-third of the
members of the Council shall retire on the expiration of
every second year.
• Qualifications of members - He/she must be a citizen of
India and must not be less than 30 years of age.
• Creation & Abolition of LC - Under Article 169,
Parliament may by law provide for creation or abolition of
Legislative Council in a state if the Legislative Assembly of
the State passes a resolution to that effect by a majority
of the total membership of the Assembly and by a
majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of
the Assembly present and voting. Parliament can then
pass a law to this effect by a simple majority.
• Composition of Legislative Counsil - Under Article 171,
the Legislative Council of a state shall not have more than
one-third of the total number of MLAs of the state, and not
less than 40 members.
• Election & Nomination of members -
 1/3rd of the MLCs are elected by the state’s MLAs,
 1/3rd by a special electorate comprising sitting
members of local governments such as municipalities
and district boards,
 1/12th by an electorate of teachers, and
 1/12th by registered graduates. The remaining
members shall be nominated by the Governor having
special knowledge or practical experience in the field of
Literature, science, art, co-operative movement and
social service.
 Chairman & Deputy Chairman - Every state having
legislative council must choose two members of the
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
Council as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the
Legislative Council from among its members.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL VS COUNCIL OF STATES
• The legislative powers of Legislative Council is limited as
compared to Council of States or Rajya Sabha. Rajya Sabha
has substantial powers to shape non-financial legislation
whereas Legislative Councils lack a constitutional mandate
to do so.
• Assemblies can override suggestions/amendments made
to a legislation by the Council. Member of Councils cannot
vote in elections for the President and Vice President
whereas members of Rajya Sabha can vote. MLCs also
can’t vote in the elections of Rajya Sabha members.
STATUS OF PENDING OF BILLS
A bill pending in state legislature does not lapse because of
prorogation of the House – Article 196(3). When state
assembly is dissolved –
(i) A Bill pending in Legislative Council which has not been
passed by legislative assembly, does not lapse - Article
196(4)
(ii) A Bill pending in legislative assembly, or which having
been passed is pending with the Legislative Council,
lapses - Article 196(5)
(iii) A Bill passed by Legislative Council and pending in the
Assembly will lapse
(iv) A Bill passed by the Legislative Assembly, when there is
only one House, or passed by both Houses and pending
assent of Governor or of the President does not lapse.
RESTRICTION ON POWERS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS TO
BILLS OTHER THAN MONEY BILLS
• If, after a Bill has been passed by the Legislative Assembly
of a State having a Legislative Council and transmitted to
the Legislative Council—
(a) the Bill is rejected by the Council; or
(b) more than three months elapse from the date on which
the Bill is laid before the Council without the Bill being
passed by it; or
(c) the Bill is passed by the Council with amendments to
which the Legislative Assembly does not agree
• The Legislative Assembly may, pass the Bill again in the
same or in any subsequent session with or without such
amendments, if any, as have been made, suggested or
agreed to by the Legislative Council and then transmit the
Bill to the Legislative Council.
• After passage of the bill for the 2
nd
time by the
Assembly to the Counsil, then
(a) the Bill is rejected by the Council
3
 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
(b) more than one-month elapses from the date on which CHANGE IN COUNT OF STATE AND UNION TERRITORIES
the Bill is laid before the Council without the Bill being
STATES (28)
passed by it; or
(c) the Bill is passed by the Council with amendments to Andhra Pradesh Karnataka Rajasthan
which the Legislative Assembly does not agree; Arunachal
Kerala Sikkim
• The Bill shall be deemed to have been passed by the Pradesh
Houses of the Legislature of the State in the form in
Assam Madhya Pradesh Tamil Nadu
which it was passed by the Legislative Assembly for
the second time with such amendments as have been Bihar Maharashtra Telangana
made or suggested by the Legislative Council and agreed
Chhattisgarh Manipur Tripura
to by the Legislative Assembly.
• At the maximum, Counsil can delay the passage of a Bill by Goa Meghalaya Uttar Pradesh
4 months. Gujarat Mizoram Uttarakhand

Haryana Nagaland West Bengal

►DADRA & NAGAR HAVELI
Himachal
AND DAMAN & DIU (MERGER OF Pradesh
Odisha

UNION TERRITORIES) ACT, 2019

Jharkhand Punjab
Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman merged into one Union
UNION TERRITORIES (8)
Territory named as Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and
Diu. This was done in view of fruitful utilization of manpower, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Jammu and Kashmir
improve administrative efficiency, reduce administrative
Chandigarh Ladakh
expenditure and improve service delivery as well as facilitate
better monitoring of schemes. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and
Lakshadweep
Daman and Diu
KEY FEATURES OF THE ACT INCLUDE
Delhi Puducherry
• Amendment of the Constitution: The First Schedule to
the Constitution specifies the territories that come under
various states and UTs. The Act amends the First ►NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR
Schedule to merge the two union territories into the UT of SCHEDULED TRIBES (NCST)
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. But since RECOMMENDS TRIBAL AREA STATUS
the amendment is only related to status of union
FOR LADAKH
territories, such an amendment to the constitution
The NCST (Art 338) has recommended newly created Union
shall not be recognised as a constitutional amendment
Territory of Ladakh to be declared as a “tribal area” under the
under ARTICLE 368 of the constitution.
Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
• Article 240(1) of the Constitution allows the President to
make regulations for certain UTs, including the UTs of REASONS FOR THE RECOMMENDATION BY NCST

Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu. The Act
amends the Article to replace these two UTs with the
merged UT.
• Representation in Lok Sabha: The First Schedule to the
Representation of the People Act, 1950 provides one seat
in Lok Sabha to each of the two UTs. The Bill seeks to
amend the Schedule to allocate two Lok Sabha seats to the
merged UT.
• Jurisdiction of High Court: The Bill provides that the
jurisdiction of the High Court of Bombay will continue to
extend to the merged UT.
• As per NCST, this will help “democratic devolution of
powers, preserve and promote distinct culture of the
region, protect agrarian rights including rights on land and
enhance transfer of funds for speedy development of the
region.
SIXTH SCHEDULE
• It provides for Administration of Tribal Areas in the States
of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
• It provides for creation of Autonomous Districts and
Autonomous Regions by the Governor.

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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
• If there are different STs in an autonomous district, the
Governor may, by public notification, divide the area or
areas inhabited by them into autonomous regions.
• Governors of four states are empowered to declare some
tribal dominated districts / areas of these states as
autonomous districts and autonomous regions by
executive order. The Governor also has power to include
any other area, exclude any area, increase, decrease,
diminish these areas, unite two districts / regions, and alter
the names and boundaries of these autonomous districts
and regions.
• It provides for constitution of District Councils and
Regional Councils.
• There shall be a District Council for each autonomous
district consisting of not more than thirty members, of
whom not more than four persons shall be nominated by
the Governor and the rest shall be elected on the basis of
adult suffrage. The elected members of District Council
shall hold office for a term of 5 years.
• There shall be a separate Regional Council for each area
constituted an autonomous region.
►NORTH EAST COUNCIL PLENARY
68th Plenary session of North Eastern Council (NEC) was held
in Guwahati, Assam.
th
• In the 68 plenary session of North Eastern Council (NEC),
Union Home Minister has assured North Eastern States
that the union government will not touch or dilute the
provisions of Article 371 which grants special provisions
to the region of North East as well as other states.
• The Union Home Minister who is also the chairman of NEC
highlighted the difference between Article 370 and 371. He
said that Article 370 was clearly temporary in nature while
Article 371 is about special provisions in the northeast.
371A. Special provision with respect to the State of Nagaland
371B. Special provision with respect to the State of Assam
371C. Special provision with respect to the State of Manipur
371D. Special provisions with respect to the State of Andhra
Pradesh
371E. Establishment of Central University in Andhra Pradesh
371F. Special provisions with respect to the State of Sikkim
371G. Special provision with respect to the State of Mizoram
371H. Special provision with respect to the State of Arunachal
Pradesh
371-I. Special provision with respect to the State of Goa
371-J. Special provisions with respect to State of Karnataka
NORTH EASTERN COUNCIL (NEC)
• NEC is the nodal agency for the economic and social
development of the North Eastern Region which consists
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
of the eight States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
• NEC was constituted in 1971 through The North Eastern
Council Act, 1971 to act as an advisory body in respect of
socio-economic and balanced development of the entire
North Eastern Areas.
• NEC has been instrumental in providing a planned and
concentrated effort towards rapid development of the
region in all spheres of socio- economic life.
COMPOSITIONS OF NEC
It shall consist of the following
• the person or persons for the time being holding the office
of the Governor of the States
• the Chief Ministers of the States of Arunachal Pradesh,
Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim
and Tripura
• three members to be nominated by the President.
• The President may nominate a Union Minister to be a
member of the Council.
• The President shall nominate the Chairman of the Council
• The President may, if he deems it necessary nominate
another member of the Council to act as Vice-Chairman of
the Council.
FUNCTIONS OF NEC
• The Council shall function as a regional planning body
for the north-eastern area.
• The Council shall review, from time to time, the
implementation of the projects and schemes included
in the regional plan and recommend measures for
effecting co-ordination among the Governments of the
States concerned in the matter of implementation of such
projects and schemes
• Recommend to the Government of the State concerned or
to the Central Government the undertaking of necessary
surveys and investigation of projects in any State
represented in the Council to facilitate consideration of the
feasibility of including new projects in the regional plan.
• The Council shall review from time to time the measures
taken by the States represented in the Council for the
maintenance of security and public order and
recommend to the Governments of the States concerned
further measures necessary in this regard.
►126th CONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENT BILL
th
126 Constitution Amendment passed by the Parliament extends
for another 10 years the reservation for SC/STs in the Lok Sabha
and state Assemblies, and does away with the provision for
nomination of Anglo-Indians to the Lok Sabha and 14 state
Assemblies.
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
ABOUT THE AMENDMENT The border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka over
• The Constitution under Article 334 provides for Belagavi district is a longstanding issue.
reservation of seats for SCs and STs and representation of BACKGROUND
the Anglo-Indian community by nomination, in Lok Sabha
• After India's Independence, there was demand for the
and Legislative Assemblies of states. This has been
provided for a period of 70 years since the enactment of formation of states on linguistic lines. Accordingly, the
the Constitution and will expire on January 25, 2020. States Reorganization committee was formed. The
• The Bill seeks to extend the reservation for SCs and STs by Committee recommended for the formation of states on
another 10 years till January 25, 2030. linguistic lines, while keeping in mind the administration
• The bill has been passed by both houses of the parliament efficiency.
but has to be ratified by half of the state legislatures as • Based upon recommendations of this committee, Belgaum
well before it goes for the President’s assent.
was included in the Karnataka State in 1956. This was done
• The Amendment passed by Parliament, however, so, because in the year 1881, Kannada Speaking
effectively does away with reservation for the Anglo-
population was in majority and the Marathi speaking
Indian members in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
population only around 25%.
WHO ARE ANGLO-INDIANS?
• Subsequently, the Maharashtra Government objected to
• The Anglo-Indian community in India traces its origins to
the inclusion of Marathi-speaking areas under Karnataka
an official policy of the British East India Company to
encourage marriages of its officers with local women. and petitioned the Centre to set up a committee to look
into the issue.
• The term Anglo-Indian first appeared in the Government
of India Act, 1935.
• In the present context, Article 366(2) of the Constitution
Of India states: “An Anglo-Indian means a person whose
father or any of whose other male progenitors in the
male line is or was of European descent but who is
domiciled within the territory of India and is or was born
within such territory of parents habitually resident therein
and not established there for temporary purposes only.”
POPULATION OF THE ANGLO-INDIANS
• The number of people who identified themselves as Anglo-
Indian was 296, according to the 2011 Census.
PROVISIONS FOR RESERVATION IN LEGISLATURE
• Article 332 - Provision for nomination of two (2) Anglo-
Indians to Lok Sabha by President.
• Article 333 – Provision of nomination of one (1) Anglo-
Indian to Legislative Assemblies by Governor.
• According to the 10th Schedule of the Constitution, Anglo-
Indian members of Lok Sabha and state Assemblies can
take the membership of any party within six months CITIZENSHIP
of their nomination. But, once they do so, they are bound
by their party whip. The Anglo-Indian members enjoy the ►NATIONAL POPULATION REGISTER
same powers as others, but they cannot vote in the (NPR) AND NRIC
Presidential election because they are nominated by the ABOUT NATIONAL POPULATION REGISTER (NPR)
President.
• The NPR is a comprehensive identity database maintained
by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of
►TUSSLE OVER BELAGAVI India under Ministry of Home Affairs.
The recent tension along the Maharashtra- Karnataka border
has brought back into focus the border dispute over Belgaum.

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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
• It is a Register of “usual residents of the country” and NPR AADHAR
will be prepared at the local, sub-district, district, state and
national level. Mandatory Voluntary

• The NPR is being prepared under provisions of the Collects both demographic Restricts itself to
Citizenship Act 1955 and the Citizenship (Registration data and biometric biometrics
of Citizens and issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, particulars.
2003. As per section 14A of Citizenship Act 1955, it is
It is a nationwide project Only 16 states have rolled
mandatory for every “usual resident of India” to register in
(Except for Assam) out UIDAI Aadhaar
the NPR.
project
• “Usual resident of the country” is one who has been
residing in a local area for at least the last 6 months or NPR will contain three Aadhaar consists of a 12-
intends to stay in a particular location for the next six elements of data: digit UID Number
months. 1. Demographic Data,
• Citizens & Foreigners - Unlike the NRC, the National 2. Biometric Data, &
Population Register will not only include citizens but also 3. Aadhaar – UID Number
foreigners as it would record even a foreigner staying in a
locality for more than six months. Usual residents - A usual Residents of India
resident is defined for the
• Seeding with Aadhaar - The government also plans to
purposes of NPR as a person
seed Aadhaar database with the updated NPR. This
who has resided in a local
updated NPR database along with Aadhaar Number will
area for the past 6 months or
become the mother database and can be used by various
more or a person who intends
government departments for selection of beneficiaries
to reside in that area for the
under their respective schemes.
next 6 months or more.
RELATION BETWEEN NPR & CENSUS
The fundamental purpose of Main aim of Aadhar is to
Data is collected through house – to – house enumeration the NPR is to provide a identify the beneficiaries
during the “house-listing” phase of the census, which is held credible database for
of government services
once in 10 years. The last census was in 2011, and the next identification of the individual
like subsidies.
will be done in 2021. and avoid all the
shortcomings in the existing AADHAAR IS NOT A
The recent exercise of NPR is connected with Census 2021,
databases. PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP.
however, there are differences between the two.
NPR IS NOT A CITIZENSHIP
• The census is a macro exercise where the data is protected
ENUMERATION DRIVE.
by the confidentiality clause. Census is not intended to
identify the individual identity details,
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NPR & NRC
• while the NPR, on the other hand, is designed to collect
identity details of every individual. NPR NRC
RELATION BETWEEN NPR & AADHAAR Population register Citizenship register
• Regardless of the fact that a person is registered under
NPR is a list of all “usual” NRC is a register containing
Aadhaar, he/she still has to register under NPR.
residents of India, i.e. details of Indian citizens
ο If enrolled with Aadhaar, biometrics won't be collected anyone who has lived in the living in India and outside
again. country for more than six India.
ο If not enrolled, data collected in NPR will be sent to months regardless of their
UIDIA for issue of Aadhaar number. nationality

• So, Aadhaar is the unique number both NPR & UIDAI issue NPR would also include a NRC will contain details of
based on biometric data. foreigner staying in an area only the citizens of India
• If NPR rejects UIDAI data (for any discrepancy identified), for more than six months. excluding the foreigners
you won't be registered. staying in India.

Process initiated in 2011. First such register was

The database under the prepared in 1951 only for

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RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020

NPR will be maintained by
the Registrar General of
India and Census
Commissioner of India,
Ministry of Home Affairs.
Under provisions of the
Citizenship Act 1955 and the
Citizenship (Registration of
Citizens and Issue of
National Identity Cards)
Rules, 2003.
NPR exercise will be carried
out from April to September
2020 in all the states and
union territories except
Assam
The fundamental purpose
of the NPR is to provide a
credible database for
identification
of the individual and avoid
all the shortcomings in the
existing databases.
Based on self declaration
Both Demographic and
Biometric information
CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
Assam.
Its updation process in
Assam has started in 2015.
An amendment in the
Foreigners (Tribunals)
Order, 1964, issued by the
central government on May
30, 2019, paved the way for
expanding the scope of
NRC beyond.
NRC by far is limited to the
state of Assam.
The fundamental purpose
is to document all the legal
citizens of India so that the
illegal migrants can be
identified and deported.
Requires Proof
Demographic infrmation
• Accodind to the assam accord:
• Foreigners, who came to Assam after 1
st
January, 1966
shall be given the Citizenship.
st th
• Who entered between 1 January, 1966 and 24 March,
1971 shall register themselves with appropriate authority.
And they shall be given citizenship 10 years subsequent to
such registration.
• During the interim period they shall have all rights of a
citizen except the right to vote. However, they shall not be
deemed to be citizens during such period.
• Who have entered india after 24
th
March 1971 shall be
detected in accordance with the provisions of the
Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Foreigners (Tribunals)
Order 1964.and deported.
• To facilitate Assam Accord, amendment was made in
Citizenship Act 1955 whereby section 6A was added which
mentions about “special provisions as to citizenship of
persons covered by Assam Accord.”
WHY WAS NRC UPDATED IN ASSAM?
• National Register of Citizens, 1951 was a register prepared
after the conduct of the Census of 1951. However, after
1951 the register was not updated on an all India basis.
• In 2014, the SC ordered the updation of NRC in accordance
with Citizenship Act, 1955 and Citizenship Rules, 2003 in all
parts of Assam.
• Updation of NRC in Assam was a Supreme Court
mandated exercise to honour commitments made under
Assam Accord.

►ASSAM ACCORD AND NRC IN ASSAM

Assam Accord’s main objective was to identify illegal
►CITIZENSHIP AMENDMENT ACT,
migrants in the state and remove their name from the 2019
electoral rolls. This was to be done by re-counting citizens of Change of definition of “Illegal Migrant”
India and updating the already existing National Register of
• CAA primarily changes the definition of “illegal migrant”
Citizens based on certain official documents. For this purpose, a
as provided in Citizenship Act, 1955 by providing a
particular cut-off date was agreed upon and the same was added
condition or stipulation for persons belonging to 3
in Citizenship Act, 1955 to facilitate the terms of Assam Accord.
countries and 6 religions.
The problem became significant when the final list of NRC
• Prior to the amendment, The Citizenship Act, 1955
released by state of Assam had excluded roughly around 19 lakh
defined illegal migrant as a foreigner who has entered
people.
into India -
ASSAM ACCORD
(i) Without a valid passport or other documents/ authority
• It was signed between Government of India, State
as prescribed by law in that behalf; or
government of Assam and the leaders of Assam
(ii) With a valid passport or other documents /authority as
movement i.e. All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and
th prescribed by law in that behalf but remains therein
the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP) on 15
beyond the permitted period of time.
August, 1985.
th • But the 2019 amendment has changed this above-
• As per the Accord, 24 March 1971 shall be the base date
mentioned definition by adding a condition or stipulation.
and year for purposes of detection and deportation of
foreigners. • The condition as per 2019 Amendment – Any person
belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian

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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan,
shall not be treated as illegal migrant for the purposes of
this Act. If,
ο They entered into India on or before the 31st day of
December, 2014 and
ο They have been exempted by the Central Government
under
 Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 or
 from the application of the provisions of the
Foreigners Act, 1946 or any rule or order made
under the Foreigners Act, 1946,
• Citizenship granted through Naturalization:
Government in India has reduced the period of residency
from “not less than 11 years” to “not less than 5 years.”
• Exception: If the applicant has rendered distinguished
service to the cause of science, philosophy, art, literature,
world peace or human progress, then the central
government may waive all or any of the conditions
specified in the Third Schedule.
• CAA shall not apply to the following: The provisions of
CAA shall not apply to tribal area of Assam, Meghalaya,
Mizoram or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule
to the Constitution and the area covered under "The Inner
Line" notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier
Regulation, 1873.
ABOUT INNER LINE PERMIT & RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The Inner Line Permit was established by the British
government under the Bengal Eastern Frontier
Regulations, 1873 to safeguard tribals of eastern part of
Bengal. The 1873 regulation is also known as Inner Line
Regulation (ILR) or Inner Line Permit (ILP).
• The system requires outsiders to obtain a permit from the
government to enter the designated territory.
• It can be issued for travel purposes solely.
• The main objective of the ILP system is to provide a special
protection of the distinct identity and safeguard for the
peaceful existence of the indigenous people of the state
where it is applicable.
• System of ILP is applicable in Arunachal Pradesh,
Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.
• State of Manipur has been added recently in the Inner
Line Permit System in December, 2019.
• Recently, the Meghalaya Assembly has adopted a
resolution for implementing the Inner Line Permit (ILP)
regime in the state, which will impose restrictions on the
entry and movement of ‘outsiders’ in the hill state.
CHANGES MADE FOR OVERSEAS CITIZENS OF INDIA UNDER
CAA
• CAA has added new provisions under section 7D of
Citizenship Act, 1955 which deals with cancellation of
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
registration as overseas citizen of India on certain
grounds.
• The new provision says that Central government may
cancel the registration of overseas citizen of India if such
person has violated any of the provisions of CAA or any
other law for time being in force as may be specified by
the Central Government.
• Further, no order for cancellation of registration of OCI
shall be passed unless the Overseas Citizen of India
Cardholder has been given a reasonable opportunity of
being heard.
The Citizenship Act, 1955 provides for acquiring citizenship
of India through the following ways:
• Citizenship by birth
• Citizenship by descent
• Citizenship by registration
• Citizenship by naturalization
• Special provisions as to citizenship of persons covered by
Assam Accord
• Citizenship by incorporation of territory
Note: How citizenship can be lost?
• Renunciation
• Terminsation
• Deprivation
►ARTICLE 256
There has been an increase in protest by many state
governments against passing of Citizenship Amendment Act by
the Centre. Some states have even said that they will not
implement the CAA 2019.
• Entry 17 of Union List mentions about citizenship,
naturalisation and aliens.
• Article 11 states that Parliament has the power to make
any provision with respect to the acquisition and
termination of citizenship and all other matters relating to
citizenship.
• Article 256 takes forward the idea of a unitary state as it
ensures that the executive power of the Union shall extend
to the giving of such directions to a State as may appear to
the Government of India to be necessary for that purpose.
It also stresses on the fact that the executive power of
every State shall be so exercised as to ensure compliance
with the laws made by Parliament and any existing laws
which apply in that State.
• It is important to understand that Article 256 comes
under Chapter 2 of Part IX of the Constitution. Part IX
deals with ‘Relations between the Union and States’ and
Chapter 2 is about ‘Administrative Relations’. So, it is the
9
 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
administrative duty of the Centre to ensure that state
complies with the laws formed by it including laws of the
state as well.
• Article 365 highlights about effect of failure to comply
with, or to give effect to, directions given by the Union and
in such situation, it shall be lawful for the President to hold
that a situation has arisen in which the Government of the
State cannot be carried on in accordance with the
provisions of this Constitution and accordingly Article 356
can be invoked in such state.
• Article 256, 365 and 356 cumulatively, the constitution
ensures that if a law is passed by Parliament, then it
becomes mandatory for a state to abide by it in letter and
spirit.
►FOREIGNER’S TRIBUNAL
• Foreigner’s Tribunal was established through Foreigners
(Tribunal) Order, 1964 from an order of Ministry of Home
Affairs under Section 3 of The Foreigners Act, 1946. It is
applicable to the whole country.
• Although Foreigners Tribunal has been constituted
through an Executive Order of Home Ministry, its decisions
is to be treated as a “quasi-judicial order” and is
therefore final and binding on all parties including upon
the cases pertaining to preparation of the NRC in Assam.
• In the backdrop of preparation of NRC in Assam, Ministry
of Home Affairs has amended the Foreigners (Tribunals)
Order, 1964.
• The amended order has empowered District Magistrates
in all States and Union Territories to set up tribunals to
decide whether a person staying illegally in India is a
foreigner or not. Earlier, the powers to constitute tribunals
were vested only with the Centre, however, now it is
available ot the state as well.
►BRU REFUGEES
Union Government, Tripura, and Mizoram have signed an
agreement with the Bru/Reang community that promises to end
their 23-year-old internal displacement crisis.
ABOUT
• The Brus/Reangs are spread across Tripura, Mizoram and
parts of southern Assam are the most populous tribe in
Tripura.
• They are ethnically different from the Mizos, with their
own distinct language and dialect and form one of the 21
scheduled tribes of Tripura.
• In 1997, following ethnic tension, around 5,000 families
comprising around 30,000 Bru-Reang tribals were forced
to flee Mizoram and seek shelter in Tripura.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• In Tripura, they are recognised as a Particularly
Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
SETTLEMENT OF BRU REFUGEES IN TRIPURA
• Under the new agreement, around 34,000 Bru refugees
will be settled in Tripura and would be given aid from the
Centre to help with their rehabilitation and all round
development, through a package of around Rs 600 crores.
• These refugees will get all the rights that normal residents
of the States get and they would now be able to enjoy the
benefits of social welfare schemes of Centre and State
governments.
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND
DPSP
►RIGHT TO INTERNET
A three Judge -bench of the Supreme Court in response to
questions raised over clamps imposed in Jammu and Kashmir,
ascertained that the right to internet access is a fundamental
right under Article 19.1(a) & 19.1(g) of the Indian Constitution.
• Supreme court held that this right can still be abridged if
there’s a reasonable case for it, just as the right to self-
expression can be curtailed if it could clearly have adverse
consequences.
• Restrictions on internet, according to the court, would be
judged by the principles of proportionality under the
law.
►SC VERDICT ON INTERNET
SHUTDOWNS
The recent SC verdict has laid down a framework of how the
Internet can be suspended, and what rights and legal recourses a
citizen has when it is suspended.
PROCEDURE FOLLOWED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO
SUSPEND INTERNET SERVICES
The Information Technology Act, 2000, the Criminal
Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973 and the Telegraph Act, 1885
are the three laws that deal with suspension of Internet
services.
SECTION 144
• Before 2017, Internet suspension orders were issued
under Section 144 of the CrPC.
• The use of Section 144 to suspend mobile internet was
challenged before the Gujarat High Court in 2015 but the
court upheld the power of the magistrate to issue such
orders.
10
 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
SUSPENSION RULES ABOUT THE CASE
• In 2017, the central government notified the Temporary • The judgment came on a challenge to the validity of the
Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or West Bengal Madrasah Service Commission Act of
Public Service) Rules under the Telegraph Act to govern 2008.
suspension of Internet. • The State Act mandated that the process of appointment
• These Rules derive their powers from Section 5(2) of the of teachers in aided madrasahs, recognized as minority
Indian Telegraph Act (Interests of the sovereignty and institutions, would be done by a Commission, whose
integrity of India). decision would be binding.
VERDICT OF THE COURT JUDGMENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
• In its judgment on the five-month-long Internet shutdown • The Supreme Court held that the managements of
in Kashmir, the SC declared that the fundamental right to minority institutions cannot ignore such a legal regime by
freedom of speech and expression and the right to saying that it is their fundamental right under Article 30 of
carry on trade or business using the Internet the Constitution to establish and administer their
are constitutionally protected. educational institutions according to their choice.
• Although the court stopped short of ruling that access • Court said that the regulatory law should however balance
to Internet is a fundamental right, it said that the the dual objectives of ensuring standard of excellence
Internet as a medium is used to exercise other as well as preserving the right of the minorities to
fundamental rights. establish and administer their educational
• The observations made by the court essentially laid out institutions. Regulations that embrace and reconcile the
guidelines that Internet shutdowns cannot be arbitrary two objectives were reasonable.
and can be challenged in courts. The court also said the • Referring to the 11-judge Bench decision in the TMA Pai
orders suspending the Internet would have to necessarily Foundation case, the Court said that the Article 30(1)
state how the action was justified and proportionate to the (right of minorities to establish and administer educational
imminent threat to law and order. institutions of their choice) was neither absolute nor
• The court recognized that the 2017 Rules are the only above the law.
procedure to be followed to suspend Internet services in FOR ARTICLE 30 (REFER PAGE NO. 57)
the occurrence of a “public emergency” or for it to be “in
the interest of public safety”.
►RESERVATION IN JOBS
• Quoting from the 2017 Rules, the verdict reiterated that
Promotions not a Fundamental Right – Supreme Court
the competent authority to issue an order under the
• Supreme Court has held - Reservation in appointment
Suspension Rules, in ordinary circumstances, would be the
and promotion in public posts is not a fundamental
Secretary to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
right.
WHAT DOES THE CONSTITUTION SAY ON RESERVATIONS?
►TRANSPERSON: RIGHT TO MARRY
• Article 16 of the Constitution pertains to matters of
(ARTICLE 21)
equality of opportunity in matters of public
A judgment of Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has employment, while sub-sections 4 and 4A pertain to
extended enjoyment of civil rights, especially those pertaining to reservations to SCs/STs in appointments and
marriage to trans-persons.
reservations in promotions respectively.
The marriage between man and transwoman to be valid
• Article 16 Sub section (4A) was Added by
under Section 5 of Hindu Marriage Act 1955.
Constitution 77th Amendment.
WHAT WAS THE JUDGMENT?
►STATE CAN REGULATE MINORITY
• Article 16 (4) and 16 (4A) are in the nature of enabling
INSTITUTIONS provisions empowering the States to make reservation
The Supreme Court in a judgment in January held that the state is in matters of appointment and promotion in favour of
well within its rights to introduce a regulatory regime in the any backward class of citizens which may be
“national interest” to provide minority educational institutions inadequately represented in the services under the
with well-qualified teachers in order for them to “achieve State.
excellence in education.”

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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
• That states are not legally bound to provide
reservations. They can exercise their own discretion.
• Article 16(4) and 16 (4A) do not provide a
fundamental right to individuals to claim reservations.
• No mandamus can be issued by court directing state
government to provide reservations
• If a state wishes to provide reservation, it will have to
collect quantifiable data showing inadequacy of
representation of that class in public services.
►CONSTITUTION (ONE HUNDRED AND
THIRD AMENDMENT) ACT, 2019
• The proposed reservation of 10% will be over and above
the existing 50 per cent reservation enjoyed by the
members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and the
Other Backward Classes. This will take the total
reservation to 60 per cent.
• The proposed reservation intends to include such
members who do not avail the benefits of reservation.
This includes members in the general category as well
as members of the minority communities including
Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christian and other
communities who do not enjoy any kind of reservation.
• Who falls under EWS category? The following are the
criteria to avail the benefits of reservation of 10 per cent:
ο Persons whose family has gross annual income of less
than Rs. 8 lakh per annum.
ο Persons possess less than 5 acres land
ο Have agricultural land of less than 5 acres
ο Have a house smaller than 1,000 square feet
ο In a municipality – a residential plot smaller than 100
yards
ο In a non-notified municipality – a residential plot of less
than 200 yards.
Note* "Economically Weaker Sections" shall be notified by
the State from time to time on the basis of family income and
other indicators of economic disadvantage.’
AMENDMENT IN ARTICLE 15
• Article 15 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination
against any citizen on the grounds of race, religion, caste,
sex, or place of birth.
• However, as per Article 15(4), the government may make
any special provision for the advancement of any socially
and educationally backward classes of citizens or for
the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
• The Act inserts a new provision – Article 15(6), whereby
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
(a) State can make any special provision for the
advancement of any “economically weaker sections
of citizens”
(b) State can make any special provision for the
advancement of any “economically weaker sections of
citizens” relate to their admission to educational
institutions including private educational institutions,
whether aided or unaided by the State.
(c) However, such reservation will not apply to minority
educational institutions.
(d) Reservation to such educational institutions would be
in addition to the existing reservations and subject to
a maximum of 10 per cent.
AMENDMENT IN ARTICLE 16
• Article 16 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination in
employment in any government office. However, as per
Article 16(4), the state may make any provision for the
reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any
backward class of citizens which, in the opinion of the
State, is not adequately represented in the services
under the State.
• The Act amends Article 16 by inserting a new provision
Article 16(6) where the state may make any provision for
the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any
economically weaker sections of citizens in addition to the
existing reservation and subject to a maximum of ten per
cent.
• The reservation of up to 10% for “economically weaker
sections” in educational institutions and public
employment will be in addition to the existing reservation.
• The central government will notify the “economically
weaker sections” of citizens on the basis of family income
and other indicators of economic disadvantage.
►SEC 144 OF CRPC
Article 19 provides the following rights:
• 19.1(b) - Assemble peaceably and without arms
• 19.1(d) - To move freely throughout the territory of India.
However, reasonably restrictions can be imposed for
maintaining public order and maintaining unity and integrity
of the country.
Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) of 1973
authorizes the Executive Magistrate (DM and/or SDM etc)
to issue an order to prohibit the assembly of four or more
people in an area. According to the law, every member of
such 'unlawful assembly' can be booked for engaging in
rioting.
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
• Every member of such unlawful assembly can be booked
for engaging in rioting.
• Restricts carrying any sort of weapon in that area where it
has been imposed and people can be detained for
violating it.
• The maximum punishment for such an act is three years.
• Duration: No order under Section 144 shall remain in
force for more than two months but the state
government can extend the validity for two months and
maximum up to six months. It can be withdrawn at any
point of time if situation becomes normal.
• It can be used to order mobile companies to block voice,
SMS, or Internet communications in one or more
geographical areas.
PARLIAMENT AND STATE
LEGISLATURE
►DISQUALIFICATION OF MLAs
Speaker of Karnataka Assembly in July 2019 had disqualified 17
MLAs and they were also barred from contesting any election till
the current tenure of the present government. This decision of
Karnataka Speaker was challenged in Supreme Court. The SC in
its judgment has upheld the decision of Speaker on
disqualification but has allowed these members to contest
Assembly by-polls.
ANTI-DEFECTION LAW – XTH SCHEDULE - ADDED BY 52
ND
AMENDMENT
As per this process, a Member of Parliament or state
legislature can be disqualified on the following grounds:
MEMBERS OF A POLITICAL PARTY
• When voluntarily resigned from his party or disobeyed the
directives of the party leadership on a vote.
• When does not vote/abstains in accordance to party’s
whip.
• However, if the member has taken prior permission, or is
condoned by the party within 15 days from such voting or
abstention, the member shall not be disqualified.
INDEPENDENT MEMBERS
• If a member has been elected as “Independent”, he/she
would be disqualified if joined a political party.
NOMINATED MEMBERS
• Such a member becomes disqualified if he joins a political
party after the expiry of six months from the date on
which he takes the seat in the house.
EXCEPTIONS TO THESE GENERAL RULES
• Merger: If a member leaves the party as a result of the
merger of party with another party the rule of defection
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
does not apply (A merger is said to take place when two
third of the members have agreed for merger). This was
modified by 91st amendment, previously it was one
third.
• Presiding officer: If a member leaves his party
temporarily on account of being elected as the presiding
officer of the house to maintain the dignity of the position,
he is not considered as a defecting member.
►SHOULD THE STRENGTH OF LOK
SABHA BE INCREASED
Former President Pranab Mukherjee recently pitched for raising
the number of Lok Sabha constituencies to 1,000 from the
existing 543 and for a corresponding increase in Rajya Sabha's
strength.
STRENGTH OF LOK SABHA AND ALLOCATION OF SEATS
• Article 81 of the Constitution defines the composition of
the House of the People or Lok Sabha. It states that the
House shall not consist of more than 550 elected
members of whom not more than 20 will represent
Union Territories.
• At present, the strength of the Lok Sabha is 543, of which
530 have been allocated to the states and the rest to the
Union Territories.
• Article 81 also mandates that the number of Lok Sabha
seats allotted to a state would be such that the ratio
between that number and the population of the state
is, as far as possible, the same for all states. This is to
ensure that every state is equally represented. However,
this logic does not apply to small states whose population
is not more than 60 lakhs.
• As per Article 81, population, for the purpose of allocation
of seats, means “population as per the last published
Census.
WHEN WAS IT CHANGED?
• The strength of the Lok Sabha hasn’t always been 543
seats. Originally, Article 81 provided that the Lok Sabha
shall not have more than 500 members. The first House
constituted in 1952 had 497.
• Since the Constitution provides for population as the basis
of determining allocation of seats, the lower House’s
composition (total seats as well as readjustment of seats
allocated to different states) has also changed with each
Census up to 1971.
• A temporary freeze was imposed in 1976 on ‘Delimitation’
until 2001.
WHY WAS IT FROZEN?
• The population-to-seat ratio, as mandated under Article
81, should be the same for all states. Although unintended,
this implied that states that took little interest in
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
population control could end up with a greater ascertained by the practice and law that is in force In
number of seats in Parliament. England.
• The southern states that promoted family planning faced PRIVILEGES MAY BE CLASSIFIED INTO TWO GROUPS
the possibility of having their seats reduced.
INDIVIDUAL PRIVILEGES COLLECTIVE PRIVILEGES that
• To allay these fears, the Constitution was amended are enjoyed by the belong to each House of the
during Indira Gandhi’s Emergency rule in 1976 to suspend members individually Parliament collectively
delimitation until 2001.
o Freedom of speech, o Right to publish debates and
• Although the freeze on the number of seats in Lok Sabha proceedings
o Freedom from arrest
and Assemblies should have been lifted after the Census
and o Right to exclude strangers
of 2001, another amendment postponed this until 2026.
This was justified on the ground that a uniform o Exemption from o Right to punish members
population growth rate would be achieved throughout attendance as jurors and outsiders for breach of
the country by 2026. and witnesses. its privileges.

ARGUMENT FOR INCREASING THE SIZE

• India has a "disproportionately large size" of electorate for
elected representatives. Each MP currently represents an
average 16-18 lakh Indians — too large a number to be
kept in touch with in a meaningful way.
• The last time the strength of Lok Sabha was revised was in
1977, which was based on the 1971 census that put the
total population at 55 crore.
• The population since then has more than doubled, and
there is a "strong case" to remove the freeze in the
delimitation exercise. It should be ideally increased to
1,000.
• With the total seats remaining the same since the 1970s, it
is felt that states in north India, whose population has
increased faster than the rest of the country, are now
underrepresented in the Parliament.
• It is frequently argued that had the original provision of
Article 81 been implemented today, then states like Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh would have gained
seats and those in the south would have lost some.
►PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGES
Kerala CM accused of Breach of parliamentary privileges
WHAT ARE PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGES ?
• Parliamentary privileges (Art 105 & 194) are special
rights, immunities, exceptions enjoyed by the members of
the two houses of Parliament and their committees.
• These rights are also given to those individuals who speak
and participate in any committee of the Parliament, which
includes the Attorney General of India and the Union
Ministers.
• It must be noted that President, who is integral part of the
parliament, does not enjoy these privileges.
• The Parliament has not yet codified its privileges. In fact,
the privileges rest on conventions and they may be
►IMPEACHMENT OF US PRESIDENT
Recently, Donald Trump became the third US President to be
impeached with a majority of Representatives voting in favour of
the two articles of impeachment drawn up by House Democrats.
The articles, essentially the charges against the President, accuse
him of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, both related
to the Ukraine scandal.
IMPEACHMENT IN US
• Impeachment is an accusation, similar to a criminal
charge, brought by the House of Representatives.
• It does not directly result in removal from office.
• The US House of representative (435 members) needs
to pass the impeachment motion by a simple majority,
after investigation by judiciary committee.
• The motion of Impeachment then goes to the Senate
(Upper House consisting of 100 members), where a trial
presided by Chief Justice takes place with representative
from House acting as prosecutors and the President & his
attorneys presenting his defence.
• A two-third majority in Senate is necessary to convict and
remove the President.
• If the President is convicted, the Vice-President takes over
the White House for remaining period of tenure.
• As of 2019, three presidents have been impeached by
the House of Representatives: Andrew Johnson in 1868, Bill
Clinton in 1998, and Donald Trump in 2019.
• No president has ever been removed from office via
the impeachment process.
IMPEACHMENT IN INDIA
• In India, President can only be impeached for violation of
the Constitution (Article 61)
• The motion for impeaching President can be introduced
in any House of Parliament.

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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
• The charges need to be signed by 1/4th of the members of
the House and a 14 d ay notice should be given to the
President.
• After the impeachment resolution is passed by a majority
of not less than two-thirds of the total membership of
that House, it is sent to the other to investigate upon the
charges.
• If the other house also passes the resolution for
impeachment by a majority of two-thirds of the total
membership of that House, the President then stands
impeached from his office from the date on which the
resolution has been passed.
►PARDONING POWER OF THE
PRESIDENT
In the case of death sentence to perpetuators of Nirbhaya rape
case, the pardoning power of the President was discussed. The
President has rejected every single mercy plea of the guilty
criminals.
CLEMENCY POWER OF THE PRESIDENT
Article 72 of the Indian Constitution says that the President
shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites
or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or
commute the sentence of any person convicted of any
offence.
The scope of the pardoning power of the President under
Article 72 is wider than the pardoning power of
the Governor under Article 161. The power differs in the
following two ways:
a) The power of the President to grant pardon extends in
cases where the punishment or sentence is by a Court
Martial but Article 161 does not provide any such power
to the Governor.
b) The President can grant pardon in all cases where the
sentence given is sentence of death but pardoning power
of Governor does not extend to death sentence cases.
IMPORTANT POINTS
• The power to pardon of the president is exercised on the
advice of council of ministers.
• The SC has held that the pardoning powers of the
President shall be exercised in a resonabe time frame.
• There is no proviosn in the constitution to challenge
the legality of pardoning power, however, the SC in Epuru
Sudhakar case has given a small window for judicial
review.
►RECONSTITUTION OF CABINET
COMMITTEES - 2019
Under the Transaction of Business Rules, the Government has

1. Pardon – Completely absolves the offender from all reconstituted Cabinet Committees. According to the constitution

sentences and punishment and disqualifications and (Art 77) the Prident can allocate various business of the

places him in the same position as if he had never government based on the Transaction of Business Rules.

committed the offence. CABINET COMMITTEES HEADED BY

2. Commutation – Exchange of one thing for another or to
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet Prime Minister
replace the punishment with less severe punishment.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Prime Minister
3. Reprieve – Temporary suspension of death sentence.
4. Respite – Awarding a lesser punishment on some special Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs Prime Minister
grounds like pregnancy etc.
Cabinet Committee on Security Prime Minister
5. Remissions – Reduction of the amount of sentence
Cabinet Committee on Investment and Prime Minister
without changing its character.
Growth
THE PRESIDENT CAN EXERCISE THESE POWERS
Cabinet Committee on Employment & Prime Minister
1. In all cases where the punishment or sentence is by a
Skill Development
court martial;
2. In all cases where the punishment or sentence is for an Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Union Home
offence against any law relating to a matter to which the Affairs Minister
executive power of the Union extends;
Cabinet Committee on Accommodation Union Home
3. In all cases where the sentence is a sentence of death. Minister
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PARDONING POWERS OF
A cabinet form of government is a mechanism of
PRESIDENT AND GOVERNOR
parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective
responsibility of the givernmnet to the people (Article 75).

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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
LANGUAGE
►HINDI AS A COURT LANGUAGE IN
ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi has included Hindi as the third official language to
be used in its COURTS.
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has announced
that it has extended the adoption of interactive forms of
statement of claims filed before courts by including the Hindi
language alongside Arabic and English in labour cases.
HINDI IS AN OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF FIJI.
GoI has been seeking the status of an official language for
Hindi at the United Nations. Presently, there are six official
languages of the UN - Arabic, English, Russian, French,
Spanish and Chinese.
►CASE FOR TULU LANGUAGE TO BE
INCLUDED IN SCHEDULE 8
There has been a plea to include Tulu Language in the Eight
Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• Article 29 protects the interests of the minorities by
making a provision that any section of citizens having a
distinct language, script or culture has the right to
conserve the same.
• Article 29 mandates that no discrimination would be done
on the ground of religion, race, caste, language or any of
them.
►ARTICLE 351 AND THE LANGUAGE
FORMULA
Draft National Education Policy, 2019, prepared by a committee
headed by Dr Kasturirangan has recommended the proper
implementation of the three-language formula.
SALIENT FEATURES
• It is commonly understood that the three languages
referred to are Hindi, English and the regional language of
the respective States.
• Though the teaching of Hindi across the country was part
of a long-standing system, it was crystallized into a policy
in an official document only in the NEP, 1968.
• This document said regional languages were already in use
as the medium of education in the primary and secondary
stages.
• At the secondary stage, State governments should adopt
and vigorously implement the three-language formula.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• It included the study of a modern Indian language,
preferably one of the southern languages, apart from
Hindi and English in the Hindi-speaking States.
FOR NON-HINDI SPEAKING STATES
• In such States Hindi should be studied along with the
regional language and English.
• It added: Suitable courses in Hindi and/or English should
also be available in universities and colleges with a view to
improving the proficiency of students in these languages
up to the university standards.
• Article 351 gives power to the union government to issue a
directive for development of the Hindi language.
JUDICIARY
►SUPREME COURT STRENGTH
INCREASED
Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act of 2019 has added
four judges to strength. It increased the judicial strength from 31
to 34, including the CJI.
• Article 124 (1): There shall be a Supreme Court of India
consisting of a Chief Justice of India and, until Parliament
by law prescribes a larger number, of not more than seven
other Judges.
• Thus, strength of Supreme Court Judges can be increased
through Simple Majority of the Parliament i.e more than
50% of member present and voting each house
respectively
• Accordingly, the Parliament passed the SC (No. of judges)
Act 1956 providing for a maximum of 10 judges excluding
the CJI.
• In 2009 the law was last amended to increase strength of
Supreme Court Judges from 26 to 31 (including CJI).
• The Supreme Court of India came into existence on 26th
of January 1950 and its first sitting was held on 28 January
1950.
NOTE: However, the numbe rof judges of HC will be
determined by the order of the president as provided under
Article 216.
APPOINTMENT OF SUPREME COURT JUDGES
• Article 124: Every SC judge shall be appointed by the
President by warrant under his/her hand and seal after
consultation with such other Judges of the Supreme Court
and of the High Court in the States as President may deem
necessary for the purpose and shall hold office until he
attains the age of 65 years.
• The other judges are appointed by the President
after consultation with the CJI and such other judges of
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
the Supreme Court and the high courts as he deems
necessary. The consultation with the chief justice
is obligatory in the case of appointment of a judge other
than Chief justice.
SEAT OF THE SUPREME COURT
• Delhi is the seat of the Supreme Court as per the
Constitution.
• It also authorises the CJI to appoint other place or places
as seat of the Supreme Court with the approval of the
President.
• No court can give any direction either to the President or
to the Chief Justice to appoint any other place as the seat
of the Supreme Court.
►CURATIVE PETITION (ART 137)
Curative petitions were filed in the SC by two convicts in the
Nirbhaya case recently, after their review petition was rejected
by the SC and mercy petition rejected by the President of India.
WHAT IS A CURATIVE PETITION?
• A curative petition may be filed after a review plea
against the final conviction is dismissed. It is meant to
ensure there is no miscarriage of justice, and to prevent
abuse of process. A curative petition is usually decided by
judges in chamber, unless a specific request for an open-
court hearing is allowed.
• Curative petition can be entertained if the petitioner
establishes there was a violation of the principles of
natural justice, and that he was not heard by the court
before passing an order.
• It will also be admitted where a judge failed to disclose
facts that raise the apprehension of bias.
• SC has held that curative petitions must be rare rather
than regular and entertained with circumspection.
• A curative petition must be accompanied by certification
by a senior advocate, pointing out substantial grounds
for entertaining it. It must be first circulated to a bench of
the three senior-most judges, and the judges who passed
the concerned judgment, if available. Only when a majority
of the judges conclude that the matter needs hearing
should it be listed — as far as possible, before the same
Bench.
►CENTRE-STATE DISPUTES AND
ARTICLE 131
Recently, Kerala became the first state to challenge
the Citizenship (Amendment) Act before the SC. under Article
131 of the Constitution.
WHAT IS ARTCILE 131?
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
Article 131 is the original and the exclusive jurisdiction of the
SC when it is looking at the disputes which have risen
between the
• Union vs State
• Sate vs States
• Union & State Vs State or States
NEED FOR ARTICLE 131
• In Indian Constitution, SC has been mentioned as the
guardian of the Fundamental Rights guaranteed to us
under Article 13, thus, for any kind of violation of our
fundamental rights we can go directly to the Supreme
Court under Article 32 of the Constitution.
• But when there is a dispute which arises between the
States of India or between the State Government and the
Union Government then it is the jurisdiction of the
Supreme Court under Article 131 of the Constitution that
gives it the power to resolve these kinds of disputes.
• Article 32 gives the Supreme court original jurisdiction but
not exclusive jurisdiction because of the reason that even
the High Courts have that jurisdiction under Article 226 of
the Constitution. It is only Article 131 that gives the
court original and an exclusive jurisdiction as it can
solve disputes which arise out of the Presidential and vice-
presidential elections.
• We say that a court enjoys original jurisdiction when it has
got the authority to hear the case in its first instance, but
when we say that it also enjoys exclusive jurisdiction then
it means that it is the whole and sole authority to hear and
determine the case and that no other court has the power.
• No High court has such jurisdiction.
REQUIREMENT FOR THE INVOKING OF ARTICLE 131
• Parties to the dispute
o It must involve dispute between the Centre and a state;
the Centre and a state on the one side and another
state on the other side; and two or more states.
o It cannot be used to resolve dispute which involves a
private party and a Government on the other side
• Subject matter
o It must involve a question of law or fact on which the
existence of a legal right of the state or the Centre
depends.
o It cannot be used to settle political differences
THE EXCEPTIONS UNDER ARTICLE 131
• Jurisdiction under Article 131 does not extend to the
dispute arising out of any treaty, agreement, covenant,
engagement, sand or other similar instruments in which
India entered before the commencement of the
Constitution, which continues in operation after the
commencement of the Constitution. If such dispute arises,
it is the exclusive domain of the executive.
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
NOTE: Interstate river water disputes fall within the Non-Bailable Offence -When a person is accused of non-
jurisdiction of Art 262 (not 131). bailable offence, then in such case, bail can only be granted
by the Court and not by an officer. Application for bail has to
be made in Court in such cases of non-bailable offence.
►ANTICIPATORY BAIL NOT TIME
BARRED – SUPREME COURT
►ANDHRA GETS NEW HIGH COURT AT
The SC ruled that no time limit could be fixed while granting
anticipatory bail, and that it could continue till the end of trial. AMRAVATI
The court could extend pre-arrest bail, with suitable conditions, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana to have separate High Courts.
under Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
WHAT IS ANTICIPATORY BAIL • The High Court for Telangana will function from

Anticipatory Bail has been defined under Section 438 of Hyderabad.

Code of Criminal Procedure – When any person has reason to
• The High Court for Andhra Pradesh will start functioning
believe that he may be arrested on an accusation of having
committed a non- bailable offence, he may apply to the from Amaravati.
High Court or the Court of Session for a direction under this
section; and that Court may, if it thinks fit, direct that in the • The High Court for Telangana is the 25th High Court in
event of such arrest, he shall be released on bail. the country.

LIST OF STATE AND UT’s THAT SHARE HIGH COURTS

Year Name of High courts Territorial Jurisdiction Seat Bench

1862 Kolkata High Court (oldest high Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kolkata Port Blair
court in India) West Bengal
1862 Chennai High Court Pondicherry,Tamil Nadu Chennai Madurai
1862 Mumbai High Court Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Mumbai Aurangabad, Nagpur,
Daman and Diu, Maharashtra Panaji
1947 Punjab and Haryana High Court Chandigarh,Haryana,Punjab Chandigarh
1948 Guwahati High Court ArunachalPradesh,Assam,Mizoram, Guwahati Aizwal, Itanagar, Kohima
Nagaland
1928 Jammu and Kashmir High Court Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh Srinagar & Jammu

►NEW DELHI INTERNATIONAL • International Centre for Alternative Dispute

Resolution (ICADR): The ICADR is a registered society to
ARBITRATION CENTRE (NDIAC) ACT, promote the resolution of disputes through alternative
2019 dispute resolution methods (such as arbitration and
New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC) is being mediation). The Bill seeks to transfer the existing ICADR to
developed to make India a hub of institutionalised arbitration. the central government. Upon notification by the central
government, all the rights, title, and interest in the ICADR
• It has been the endeavor of the GoI to establish an
will be transferred to the NDIAC.
independent and autonomous institution for resolving
International and domestic commercial disputes • Composition: Under the Bill, the NDIAC will consist of
expeditiously by Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) seven members including:
mechanism. (i) a Chairperson who may be a Judge of the Supreme
• For this purpose, New Delhi International Arbitration Court or a High Court, or an eminent person with
Centre Act, 2019 has been passed to develop NDIAC as an special knowledge and experience in the conduct or
Institution of National Importance. administration of arbitration;
(ii) two eminent persons having substantial knowledge
KEY FEATURES OF THE BILL INCLUDE
and experience in institutional arbitration;
• To provide for the establishment of the NDIAC to conduct
(iii) three ex-officio members, including a nominee from
arbitration, mediation, and conciliation
the Ministry of Finance and a Chief Executive Officer
proceedings. The Bill declares the NDIAC as an institution
of national importance.

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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
(responsible for the day-to-day administration of the
NDIAC); and
(iv) a representative from a recognised body of commerce
and industry, appointed as a part-time member, on a
rotational basis.
• Term and superannuation: The members of NDIAC will
hold office for three years and will be eligible for re-
appointment. The retirement age for the Chairperson is
70 years and other members is 67 years.
• Objectives and functions of the NDIAC: The key
objectives of the NDIAC include (i) promoting research,
providing training and organising conferences and
seminars in alternative dispute resolution matters; (ii)
providing facilities and administrative assistance for the
conduct of arbitration, mediation and conciliation
proceedings; (iii) maintaining a panel of accredited
professionals to conduct arbitration, mediation and
conciliation proceedings. Key functions of the NDIAC will
include: (i) facilitating conduct of arbitration and
conciliation in a professional, timely and cost-effective
manner; and (ii) promoting studies in the field of
alternative dispute resolution.
• Finance and audit: The NDIAC will be required to
maintain a fund which will be credited with grants received
from the central government, fees collected for its
activities, and other sources. The accounts of the NDIAC
will be audited and certified by the Comptroller and
Auditor-General of India.
• Institutional support: The Bill specifies that the NDIAC
will establish a Chamber of Arbitration which will maintain
a permanent panel of arbitrators. Further, the NDIAC may
also establish an Arbitration Academy for training
arbitrators and conducting research in the area of
alternative dispute resolution. The NDIAC may also
constitute other committees to administer its functions.
Arbitration, a form of alternative dispute resolution, is a
way to resolve disputes outside the courts. The dispute will
be decided by one or more persons, which renders the
"arbitration award". An arbitration award is legally binding
on both sides and enforceable in the courts.
CRIMINAL LAW REFORM
► INDIAN PENAL CODE (IPC)
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked all state governments
to send their suggestions for a major overhaul and recasting of
the Indian Penal Code.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is the official criminal code of
India. It is a comprehensive code intended to cover all
substantive aspects of criminal law.
• The code was drafted in 1860 on the recommendations of
first law commission of India established in 1834 under the
Charter Act of 1833 under the chairmanship of Macaulay.
• It came into force in British India during the early British
Raj period in 1862.
• However, it did not apply automatically in the Princely
states, which had their own courts and legal systems until
the 1940s.
KEY SECTIONS IN NEWS
SECTIONS PROVISIONS
Section Lays down the punishment for
124(a) sedition against the state.
Lays down the punishment for every
member of unlawful assembly guilty of
Section 149
offence committed in prosecution of
common object.
Lays down the punishment for deliberate
Section and malicious acts intended to outrage
295(a) religious feelings of any class by insulting
its religion or religious beliefs.
Section 499 Lays down the punishment for Criminal
and 500 defamation
►NATIONAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY
(AMENDMENT) ACT, 2019
WHAT IS THE NIA ACT 2008?
• The law governs the functioning of India’s premier
counter-terror agency. It was introduced by then home
minister P Chidambaram in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai
terrorist attacks and was passed in Parliament with very
little opposition.
• The Act makes the National Investigation Agency the only
truly federal agency in the country, along the lines of the
FBI in the United States, more powerful than the CBI.
• It gives the NIA powers to take Suo motu cognizance of
terror activities in any part of India and register a case,
to enter any state without permission from the state
government, and to investigate and arrest people.
CHANGES INTRODUCED IN THE NIA (AMENDMENT) ACT,
2019
There are three major amendments to the National
Investigation Agency (NIA) Act of 2008:
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
1) Change in the type of offences that the NIA can
investigate and prosecute: Under the existing Act, the
NIA can investigate offences under Acts such as the
Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Unlawful Activities
Prevention Act, 1967. The latest amendments will enable
the NIA to additionally investigate offences related to
human trafficking, counterfeit currency, manufacture
or sale of prohibited arms, cyber-terrorism, and
offences under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.
2) NIA’s jurisdiction: Under the 2008 Act, for the offences
under its purview, NIA officers have the same power as
other police officers and these extend across the country.
The amendment gives NIA officers the power to
investigate offences committed outside India.
However, NIA’s jurisdiction will be subject to
international treaties and domestic laws of other
countries.
3) Special trials courts for the offences that come under
NIA’s purview or the so-called “scheduled offences”: The
existing Act allows the Centre to constitute special courts
for NIA’s trials. But the amendment enables the Central
government to designate sessions courts as special courts
for such trials.
►UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES
(PREVENTION) AMENDMENT ACT,
2019
Introduced to amend the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,
1967. The Act provides special procedures to deal with
terrorist activities:
• Under the original Act, the central government may
designate an organisation as a terrorist organisation if
it:
I. commits or participates in acts of terrorism,
II. prepares for terrorism,
III. promotes terrorism, or
IV. is otherwise involved in terrorism.
The Amedement additionally empowers the government to
designate individuals as terrorists on the same grounds.
• Approval for seizure of property by NIA: Under the
original Act, an investigating officer is required to obtain
the prior approval of the Director General of Police to seize
properties that may be connected with terrorism. The
Amendment adds that if the investigation is conducted by
an officer of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the
approval of the Director General of NIA would be
required for seizure of such property.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• Investigation by NIA: Under the original Act, investigation
of cases may be conducted by officers of the rank of
Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner of
Police or above. The Amendment additionally empowers
the officers of the NIA, of the rank of Inspector or above, to
investigate cases.
• Insertion to schedule of treaties: The original Act defines
terrorist acts to include acts committed within the scope of
any of the treaties listed in a schedule to the Act. The
Schedule lists nine treaties, including the Convention for
the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings (1997), and the
Convention against Taking of Hostages (1979). The
Amendment adds another treaty to the list. This is the
International Convention for Suppression of Acts of
Nuclear Terrorism (2005).
►PREVENTION OF DAMAGE TO
PUBLIC PROPERTY ACT, 1984
In its crackdown on protesters against the Citizenship
Amendment Act, the Uttar Pradesh government has directed
district administrations to serve notices on persons allegedly
involved in arson and damage of public property, and direct
them to pay a penalty.
SOURCE OF POWER FOR THE GOVERNMENT
• While issuing these notices, the administration has said it
derives such powers on the basis of an Allahabad High
Court order of December 2, 2010 in Mohammad
Shujauddin vs State of Uttar Pradesh.
• It has said the police are empowered to take penal action
under The Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act,
1984.
• The High Court order, due to lacunae in the 1984 Act, has
also empowered the civil administration to take action
against the accused.
THE PREVENTION OF DAMAGE TO PUBLIC PROPERTY ACT,
1984
• It punishes anyone “who commits mischief by doing any
act in respect of any public property” with a jail term of
up to five years and a fine or both. Provisions of this law
can be coupled with those under the Indian Penal Code.
• Public property under this Act includes “any building,
installation or other property used in connection with the
production, distribution or supply of water, light, power or
energy; any oil installation; any sewage works; any mine or
factory; any means of public transportation or of
telecommunications, or any building, installation or other
property used in connection therewith”.
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
►PREVENTIVE DETENTION
Preventive detention has come under wide criticism for its alleged
misuse.
Preventive detention is to detain a person without trial and
conviction by a court. Its purpose is not to punish a person
for a past offence but to prevent him from committing an
offence in the near future.
Article 22 of the Constitution grants protection to persons
who are arrested or detained under a preventive detention
law. This protection is available to both citizens as well as
aliens and includes the following:
• The detention of a person cannot exceed three months
unless an advisory board reports sufficient cause for
extended detention. The board is to consist of judges of a
high court.
• The grounds of detention should be communicated to the
detenu subject to certain exceptions.
• The detenu should be afforded an opportunity to make a
representation against the detention order.
PREVENTIVE DETENTION HAVE BEEN INVOKED UNDER
LAW
• National Security Act, 1980
• Public Safety Act, 1978
• Prevention of Black Marketing & Maintenance of Supplies
of Essential Commodities Act, 1980
• Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs
Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988
►NATIONAL CRIME RECORDS BUREAU
(NCRB): CRIME IN INDIA
NCRB has recently released its annual ‘Crime in India’ report for
the year 2017.
SOME OF THE FEATURES OF THIS YEAR’S REPORT ARE
• List of crimes have remained more or less same this year
as well except for the inclusion of cyber-crimes and
crimes against the state.
IMPORTANT FINDINGS OF THE REPORT
CASE REGISTRATION
• Report records an increase in the crime rate of around
3.6% in the number of cases registered against 2016.
• Highest crime rate in India was recorded in Delhi (almost
four times the national average).
• The national average of crime rate was 238 IPC crime
incidents per lakh of the city’s population.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
CRIME/OFFENCE AGAINST THE STATE
• In the crimes/offences against the state, which includes
sedition, waging war against the country and damage to
public property, recorded a rise of 30% in comparison to
2016.
• Highest number of cases in crime against the state has
been recorded from Haryana, followed by Uttar Pradesh.
CYBER-CRIMES
• In cases of cyber-crimes, Bengaluru has recorded
maximum number of cases followed by the Mumbai and
Jaipur respectively.
ABOUT NCRB
• NCRB was set-up in 1986 to function as a repository of
information on crime and criminals so as to assist the
investigators in linking crime to the perpetrators, based on
the recommendations of the National Police Commission
(1977-1981) and the MHA’s Task force (1985).
• Its headquarter is in Delhi and it comes under the
Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The Bureau brings out the annual comprehensive statistics
of crime across the country and publishes it through
‘Crime in India’ report.
►AUTOMATED FACIAL RECOGNITION
SYSTEM (AFRS)
National Crime Records Bureau is implementing the AFRS project.
and It will use police records. It will be accessible to only law
enforcement agencies. Salient Features:
• Would help in automatic identification and verification of
persons from digital images, photos, digital sketches,
video frames and video sources by comparison of
selected facial features of the image from an already
existing image database.
• Will have repository of photographs of criminals
• Enhanced ability to detect crime patterns and modus
operandi across the states and communicate to the state
police departments for aiding in crime prevention
• With the help of the software, the state police personnel
can check the suspect with the hotlist of criminals.
• Great investigation enhancer for identification of
criminals, missing children/persons. Unidentified dead
bodies and unknown traced children/persons.
OTHER FACIAL RECOGNITION SOFTWARES IN USE ARE:
1. Amazon Rekognition
2. Face Recognition and Face Detection by Lambda Labs
3. Microsoft FACE API
4. Google Cloud Vision
5. IBM Watson Visual Recognition
6. Chinese SenseTime, Cloudwalk and Yitu
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
►THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN
FROM SEXUAL OFFENCES (POCSO)
ACT, 2019
Union Cabinet approved amendments to strengthen the POCSO
Act by including death penalty for aggravated sexual assault on
children.
Key amendments suggested include:
• The act aims at making offences against children gender-
neutral.
• It extends definition of ‘Sexual Assault’ to incorporate
administration of hormones or chemical substances to
children to attain early sexual maturity for the purpose of
penetrative sexual assault.
• The amendment defines child pornography and makes it
punishable. It provides that those who use a child for
pornographic purposes should be punished with
imprisonment up to five years and fine. However, in the
event of a second or subsequent conviction, the
punishment would be up to seven years and fine.
• The amendments also penalize the transmitting of
pornographic material to children and propose to
synchronise it with the Information Technology Act.
• The Act seeks to enhance punishment for sexual offences
against children, with a provision of death penalty.
• Penetrative sexual assaults on a child below 16 years of
age would be punished with imprisonment up to 20 years,
which might extend to life imprisonment as well as fine.
• For aggravated penetrative sexual assault, the Act
increases the minimum punishment from ten years to 20
years, and the maximum punishment to death penalty.
►INDIA GETS FIRST WITNESS
PROTECTION SCHEME
Recently the Supreme Court has approved the draft witness
protection scheme. It has asked all the states to implement the
same till Parliament brings the legislation which can be
implemented across India.
Justice Malimath Committee (2003) on criminal justice
system and the law commission (in 2006) have
recommended for separate witness protection law.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DRAFT SCHEME
The witness protection scheme (draft) has been prepared in
consultation with
ο National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and
ο Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD)
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• The types of protection measures envisaged under the
scheme are to be applied in proportion to the
threat and they are not expected to go on for infinite time.
• There should be safeguards that witnesses and accused
do not come face to face during investigation or trial and
adequate security measures should be there for the safety
of the witnesses.
• The scheme provides for identity protection and giving a
new identity to the witness.
• Police escort will be provided to witnesses who are
threatened and, if needed, they would be relocated to a
safe house.
• Mails and phone calls of the witnesses would be
monitored to trace the person threatening them.
• Witness deposition complexes will be set up in all
district courts by the states and union
territories within a year where the witnesses could
fearlessly depose against the high and mighty without
coming face-to-face with the accused.
• It has three categories of witnesses based on the threat
perception:
ο Category ‘A’: Where the threat extends to life of
witness or his family members and their normal way
of living is affected for a substantial period, during
investigation/trial or even thereafter.
ο Category ‘B’: Where the threat extends to safety,
reputation or property of the witness or his family
members, only during the investigation process or trial.
ο Category ‘C’: Where the threat is moderate and
extends to harassment or intimidation of the witness
or his family member’s, reputation or property, during
the investigation process.
• Scheme provides for a State Witness Protection Fund
for meeting the expenses of the scheme. This fund
shall be operated by the Department/Ministry of Home
Affairs under State/UT Government and shall comprise of
the following:
ο Budgetary allocation made in the Annual Budget
by the State Government;
ο Receipt of amount of costs imposed/ ordered to be
deposited by the courts/tribunals in the Witness
Protection Fund;
ο Donations/ contributions from Philanthropist/
Charitable Institutions/ Organizations and
individuals permitted by the Government.
ο Funds contributed under Corporate Social
Responsibility.
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
CRITERIA FOR DEVOLUTION (2020-21)
COMMISSION th th
14 FC 15 FC
►CABINET APPROVES EXTENSION OF CRITERIA
2015-20 2020-21
TERM OF 15TH FINANCE COMMISSION
Income Distance 50.0 45.0
The interim report of the 15th Finance Commission (FC) has been
tabled in Parliament. Population (1971) 17.5 -

• The interim report was tabled because the economy is in a Population (2011) 10.0 15.0
downward spiral and hence, it is difficult to make
Area 15.0 15.0
calculations for growth and related projections. This makes
it difficult to distribute resources between the centre and Forest Cover 7.5 -
the states.
Forest and Ecology - 10.0
• Moreover, with the change of state status of J&K to that of
UT, commission has to recalibrate the distribution ratio for Demographic Performance - 12.5
the states. Tax Effort - 2.5
FOR FINANCE COMMISSION (refer Page No. 82)
TOTAL 100 100
TH
ABOUT 15 FINANCE COMMISSION
• It is headed by N K Singh.
►LAW COMMISSION OF INDIA
• The recommendations would be applicable for the period
Union Cabinet approves constitution of 22nd Law Commission
from 2020-2025.
of India for a period of 3 years.
• Its term of reference:
• Law Commission of India is neither a constitutional
ο The distribution of tax proceeds between the centre body nor a statutory body, it is an executive body
and states established by an order of the Government of India. Its
major function is to work for legal reforms.
ο Principles governing grant in aid to the states
• The Commission is established for a fixed tenure and
ο Measures to be taken to augment the consolidated fund
works as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and
of states
Justice.
ο Review the impact of the 14th Finance Commission
• Law Commission has 7 members in total which include
recommendations on the fiscal position of the centre
ο Chairman,
ο Review the debt level of the centre and states, and
ο 1 Permanent Member,
recommend a roadmap
ο 1 Member Secretary,
ο Study the impact of GST on the economy
ο 2 Part-time Members, and
ο Recommend performance-based incentives for states
ο 2 ex-officio members
based on their efforts to control population, promote
• The Reports of the Law Commission are considered by the
ease of doing business, and control expenditure on
Ministry of Law in consultation with the concerned
populist measures, among others administrative Ministries and are submitted to Parliament
ο Should there be a provision of revenue deficit grants? from time to time.

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE FIRST REPORT (2020-21 FUNCTIONS OF LAW COMMISSION

PERIOD) • To identify laws which are no longer needed or relevant
Devolution of taxes to states: The share of states in the and can be immediately repealed.

centre’s taxes is recommended to be decreased from 42%
during the 2015-20 period to 41% for 2020-21. The 1%
decrease is to provide for the newly formed union
territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh from the
resources of the central government.
• To examine the existing laws in the light of Directive
Principles of State Policy and suggest ways of
improvement and reform and also suggest such
legislations as might be necessary to implement the
Directive Principles and to attain the objectives set out in
the Preamble of the Constitution;

23
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
• To consider and convey to the Government its views on
any subject relating to law and judicial administration that
may be specifically referred to it by the Government
through Ministry of Law and Justice.
• To Consider the requests for providing research to any
foreign countries as may be referred to it by the
Government through Ministry of Law and Justice.
• To take all such measures as may be necessary to harness
law and the legal process in the service of the poor.
• To revise the Central Acts of general importance so as to
simplify them and remove anomalies, ambiguities and
inequities.
PROVISIONS ORIGINAL ACT
Composition • Retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
of NHRC • Two persons having knowledge of human
rights to be appointed as members.
• Chairpersons of various commissions such as
the National Commission for Scheduled
Castes, National Commission for Scheduled
Tribes, and National Commission for Women
are members.
Chairperson • Retired Chief Justice of a High Court
of SHRC
Term of • Five years or till the age of seventy years,
office whichever is earlier.
Powers of • Secretary-General of the NHRC and a
Secretary- Secretary of a SHRC to exercise powers as
General may be delegated to them.
Union
Territories
►NATIONAL MEDICAL COMMISSION
(AMENDMENT) ACT, 2019
The National Medical Commission Bill, 2019 was passed. It
seeks to regulate medical education and practice in India.
SALIENT FEATURES OF THE ACT
• Constitution of a National Medical Commission for
development and regulation of all aspects relating to
medical education, medical profession and medical
institutions.
• It provides for creation of Medical Advisory Council to
advise and make recommendations to the Commission.
• It aims to create 4 Autonomous Boards namely:
1. Under-Graduate Medical Education Board to set
standards and regulate education
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
►NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
COMMISSION (NHRC) & STATE HUMAN
RIGHTS COMMISSION (SHRC)
Major provisions of the PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
(AMENDMENT) ACT, 2019:
The amendment introduces changes to the Protection of
Human Rights Act, 1993. The Act provides for a National
Human Rights Commission (NHRC), State Human Rights
Commissions (SHRC), as well as Human Rights Courts.
NEW AMENDMENTS
• Retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, or a Judge of
the Supreme Court.
• Three members to be appointed, of which at least one
will be a woman.
• Chairpersons of the National Commission for Backward
Classes, the National Commission for the Protection of
Child Rights, and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with
Disabilities as members
• Retired Chief Justice or Judge of a High Court will be
chairperson of a SHRC.
• Three years or till the age of seventy years, whichever
is earlier.
• Secretary-General and Secretary to exercise all
administrative and financial powers (except judicial
functions), subject to the respective chairperson’s control.
• Central government may confer on a SHRC human rights
functions being discharged by Union Territories.
• Functions relating to human rights in the case of Delhi
will be dealt with by the NHRC.
2. Post-Graduate Medical Education Board to set
standards and regulate education
3. Medical Assessment and Rating Board to carry out
inspections and to assess and rate the medical
institutions.
4. Ethics and Medical Registration Board to regulate
professional conduct and promote medical ethics
amongst medical practitioners and medical professionals
and to maintain a national register of all licensed medical
practitioners and a separate national register of
Community Health Providers.
• Holding of a uniform National Eligibility-cum-Entrance
Test for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate
super-speciality medical education.
• Holding of a Uniform National Exit Test for granting
licence to practice medicine as medical practitioners and
24
 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
for enrolment in the State Register or the National
Register and it shall also be the basis for admission to the
postgraduate broad-speciality courses.
• Permission for establishment of new medical college, for
starting postgraduate courses and to increase number of
seats to be obtained by medical institutions.
• Recognition of medical qualifications granted by
universities and medical institutions in India and outside
India and also for recognition of medical qualifications
granted by statutory and other bodies in India as listed in
the Schedule.
• Maintenance of a National Register containing the name,
address, recognised qualifications possessed by a licensed
medical practitioner.
• Grant of limited licence to practice medicine at mid-level to
persons connected with modern scientific medical
profession to be called Community Health Providers.
• Constitution of a National Medical Commission Fund for
crediting government grants, fees, penalties and charges.
• The repeal of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 and for
dissolution of the Medical Council of India.
►NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SAFAI
KARMACHARIS (NCSK)
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for Extension of
tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis
(NCSK) beyond 31.3.2019 for three years.
ABOUT NCSK
• It is a non-statutory body.
• The tenure of the body has been extended from time to
time.
• Major beneficiaries of the proposal would be the Safai
Karamcharis and persons engaged in manual scavenging,
since the NCSK will work for their welfare and upliftment.
ROLE OF NCSK
• Recommend to the Central Government specific programs
of action towards elimination of inequalities in status,
facilities and opportunities for Safai Karamcharis
• Study and evaluate the implementation of programs and
schemes relating to the social and economic
rehabilitation of Safai Karamcharis and scavengers in
particular
• To study and monitor the working conditions, including
those relating to health, safety and wages of Safai
Karamcharis working under various kinds of employers
including Government, Municipalities and Panchayats, and
to make recommendations in this regard.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• Make reports to the Central or State Governments on any
matter concerning Safai Karamcharis, taking into account
any difficulties or disabilities being encountered by Safai
Karamcharis.
FUNCTIONS OF THE NCSK AS ENVISAGED UNDER THE
PROHIBITION OF MANUAL SCAVENGING ACT
1) Monitor the implementation of Prohibition of Manual
Scavenging Act
2) Enquire into complaints regarding contravention of the
provisions of Prohibition of Manual Scavenging Act and to
convey its findings to the concerned authorities with
recommendations requiring further action
3) Advise the Central and State Governments for effective
implementation of the provisions of this act
4) To take Suo-moto notice of matter relating to non-
implementation of this Act
NCSK will have power to call for information from any
Government or local or other authority with respect to any
matter specified.
ELECTION
►ELECTION COMMISSION (EC)
th
India’s 17 Lok Sabha general elections were held in April 2019
and recently in Delhi legislative election were held and election
commission has conducted its duties in a democratic fashion. EC
imposes MCC before the elections to ensure free amd fair
elections.
FOR ELECTION COMMISSION (refer Page No. 83)
►MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT (MCC)
• MCC is the set of guidelines issued by the Election
Commission of India (EC) for the conduct of political
parties and candidates during elections.
• The MCC is operational from the date that the election
schedule is announced till the date that results are
announced.
• The MCC is not enforceable by law. However, certain
provisions of the MCC may be enforced through invoking
corresponding provisions in other statutes such as the
Indian Penal Code, 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure,
1973, and Representation of the People Act, 1951.
• Kerala was the first state to adopt a code of conduct for
elections in 1960 assembly elections.
25
 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
KEY PROVISIONS OF THE MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT
• MCC prohibits the central and state government
ministers from using official machinery for election
work and combining official visits with electioneering.
• During the time the code is in force Ad hoc appointments
cannot be made in government or public undertaking.
• Ministers can’t enter any polling station or counting
centre except in their capacity as a voter or a
candidate.
• MCC prohibits the government or incumbent party
leaders from launching new welfare programmes.
• But the code does not stand in the way of on-going
schemes of development work or welfare, relief and
rehabilitation measures meant for people suffering from
drought, floods, and other natural calamities. EC forbids
the use of these works for election propaganda.
• It prohibits the issue of advertisement at the cost of
public exchequer in newspapers during the election
period.
• Code instructs that public spaces like meeting grounds,
helipads, government guest houses, and bungalows
should be equally shared among the contesting
candidates. These public spaces should not be
monopolised by a few candidates.
HAS THE MCC BEEN RECENTLY AMENDED?
• EC has amended the MCC prohibiting political parties from
releasing their manifestos in the last 48 hours leading up
to voting in each phase of the coming Lok Sabha elections.
• This change has been made in Part 8 of the MCC, which
deals with poll manifestos. The EC’s decision stems from
the recommendation of a 14-member panel to set up to
revisit the MCC.
►VVPAT (VOTER VERIFIABLE PAPER
AUDIT TRAIL)
• VVPAT is a specific machine that is used in elections to
verify that the citizen’s vote has been correctly placed.
• The Commission has decided to use VVPAT along with
Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at every polling station of
all the States and Union Territories to enhance the
transparency and credibility of the election process as
VVPAT allows the voter to verify his/her vote.
• After a voter presses the button confirming their vote for
their chosen candidate or NOTA, the VVPAT machine prints
a slip containing the name of the candidate and the
corresponding election symbol and automatically drops it
in a sealed box.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
►PWD, PEOPLE OVER 80 YEARS OF
AGE & IN ESSENTIAL SERVICES CAN
NOW VOTE THROUGH POSTAL
BALLOT
Postal Ballot facilities expanded.
• On the recommendation of the Election Commission, the
Ministry of Law and Justice has amended the Conduct of
Election Rules, 1961, allowing senior citizens, person
with disabilities as well as those who are left out due to
their engagements in discharge of essential services
e.g., railways, state transports and aviation etc, in
the ‘absentee voter’ list.
• The absentee voter refers to a vote cast by someone who
is unable to go to the polling station.
• Before this amendment, voting through postal ballot was
available to armed forces and those assigned poll
duties.
►ELECTRONICALLY TRANSMITTED
POSTAL BALLOT (ETPB)
• ETPBS is developed by Election Commission of India with
the help of Centre for Development of Advanced
Computing (C-DAC), for the use of the Service Voters.
• It is a fully secured system, having two layers of
security. Secrecy is maintained through the use of OTP
and PIN and no duplication of casted Electronically
Transmitted Postal Ballot (ETPB) is possible due to the
unique QR Code.
• Through this system the service voters cast their vote on
an electronically received postal ballot, from anywhere
outside their constituency, thus reducing the chances of
losing the voting opportunity.
►SERVICE VOTERS
In cases of close contests, service voters play crucial and
decisive role. Service voter are those who have service
qualification.
WHO IS A SERVICE VOTER?
1. People serving in the Armed Forces of the Union
2. Those serving in a Force to which Army Act 1950 applies -
members of Indian Army, Navy and Air Force and
personnel of General Reserve Engineer Force (Border
Road Organization), Border Security Force, Indo Tibetan
Border Police, Assam Rifles, National Security Guards,
Central Reserve Police Force, Central Industrial Security
Force and Sashastra Seema Bal are eligible to be
registered as service voters.
26
 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
3. Those employed under the Government of India, in a post
outside India.
4. Member of an Armed Police Force of a State, serving
outside that state.
CLASSIFIED SERVICE VOTER
• The Service Voter can either vote through: 1. Postal
Ballot or 2. Through a proxy. It means that they are
entitled to appoint any person as their proxy to cast vote
on their behalf and in their name at the polling station.
• A service voter who opts for voting through a proxy is
called Classified Service Voter (CSV).
ABOUT PROXY
• The proxy selected must be an ordinary resident of the
same constituency as that of the service voter.
• The proxy need not be a registered voter but must not be
disqualified to be a registered voter. The proxy appointed
by the service voter must fill Form 13F and must send the
form to the Returning Officer after getting it signed by
Notary or First-Class Magistrate.
• Once appointed, the proxy will continue until his/ her
appointment is revoked.
►VOTING RIGHTS OF PRISONERS
The Supreme Court is hearing a plea filed by a law student
questioning an electoral law which denies undertrials and
convicts their right to vote.
• The petition has been moved under Article 32 of the
Indian Constitution.
• Section 62(5) of the RP Act of 1951 mandates that “no
person shall vote at any election if he is confined in a
prison, whether under a sentence of imprisonment or
transportation or otherwise, or is in the lawful custody of
the police”.
• The provisions however exempt a person held under
preventive detention from this rigor.
• Article 326: The elections to the House of the People and
to the Legislative Assembly of every State shall be on the
basis of adult suffrage;
• Grounds of disqualification: On the ground of non-
residence, unsoundness of mind, crime or corrupt or
illegal practice, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter
at any such election.
►NOTA
Election Commission has released a report on NOTA votes cast in
recent elections.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• NOTA - None of the Above - If a voter chooses to press
NOTA it indicates that the voter has not chosen to vote
for any of the party.
• The option of NOTA for Lok Sabha and assembly
elections was prescribed by the SC in 2013. The option of
NOTA in RS polls was introduced by the EC in 2014.
• India became the 14th country to institute negative
voting.
• Earlier, in order to cast a negative ballot, a voter had to
inform the presiding officer at the polling booth. A NOTA
vote doesn’t require the involvement of the presiding
officer.
• State Election Commission of Haryana in compliance with
the Supreme Court’s directive in PUCL v Union of India, has
issued an order regarding application of NOTA option in
the local body elections. As per the notification, NOTA
shall be treated as a ‘Fictional Electoral Candidate’
while declaring the election results. So, in case, a
contesting candidate and the “Fictional Electoral Candidate’
i.e. NOTA receive highest equal number valid votes then
the contesting candidate (not NOTA) shall be declared as
elected. However, if in any election, all the contesting
candidates individually receive lesser votes than the
‘Fictional Electoral Candidate’ i.e. NOTA, then none of the
contesting candidates will be declared as elected and re-
election shall be held for the seat.
►ELECTORAL BOND
The Supreme Court has refused to withdraw electoral bonds but
directed all political parties to submit receipts of amounts
received and details of identity of donors in a sealed cover to the
Election Commission.
The concept of electoral bond was introduced in the Budget
of 2017-18 for political funding. Electoral Bond is a bearer
Banking Instrument to be used for funding eligible
Political Parties.
FEATURES OF ELECTORAL BOND
• Electoral Bonds may be purchased by a person, who is a
citizen of India or incorporated or established in India.
A person being an individual can buy Electoral Bonds,
either singly or jointly with other individuals.
• The purchaser would be allowed to buy Electoral Bonds
only on fulfilment of all KYC norms and by making
payment from a bank account. It will not carry the name of
payee.
• Political parties are allotted a verified account by the
Election Commission and all the electoral bond
transactions are done through this account only.
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
• Only political parties registered under Section 29A of
the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951 and has
secured no less than one per cent votes in the last Lok
Sabha elections are eligible to receive electoral bonds.
• Bond(s) would be issued/purchased for any value, in
multiples of Rs.1,000, Rs.10,000, Rs.1,00,000, Rs.10,00,000
and Rs.1,00,00,000 from the Specified Branches of the
State Bank of India (SBI).
• Electoral Bonds shall be valid for fifteen days from the
date of issue.
►SYSTEMATIC VOTERS’ EDUCATION
AND ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION
PROGRAM (SVEEP)
ECI highlighted its flagship program, SVEEP in Conference on
‘Making our Elections Inclusive and Accessible’
• SVEEP, is the flagship program of the Election Commission
of India started in 2009 for voter education, spreading
voter awareness and promoting voter literacy in India.
• SVEEP is designed according to the socio-economic,
cultural and demographic profile of the state as well
as the history of electoral participation in previous
rounds of elections and learning thereof.
►INDELIBLE INK
Indelible Ink was in news with respect to the Lok Sabha Elections.
• Indelible Ink (also called voting ink) refers to the violet-
coloured ink in India that is applied on a voter’s
forefinger after they exercises their vote.
• Indelible Ink is put on the left hand finger nail of the voter.
• It is a solution of Silver Nitrate which stains the skin on
exposure to ultraviolet. Silver nitrate reacts with the salt
present on our skin to form silver chloride which is not
soluble in water and hence cannot be easily washed or
removed. It stays for a few months.
• In India, Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited (MPVL)
specializes in manufacture and supply of quality Indelible
Ink. This is done in association with the Election
Commission of India, National Physical Laboratory and
National Research Development Corporation.
• MPVL is the sole authorized supplier of this type of
foolproof Indelible Ink in India having exclusive license
granted by National Research Development Corporation
(NRDC), New Delhi since 1962.
• The company is the sole supplier of indelible ink for civic
body, Assembly and Parliamentary polls.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
►POLITICAL PARTIES REGISTRATION
TRACKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
(PPRTMS)
The Election Commission has launched an online system to allow
political parties track their applications for the registration with
the poll panel on a real-time basis.
WHAT IS PPRTMS?
• PPRTMS is being implemented through an online portal,
to facilitate tracking of status of application by
applicants.
• Applicants, applying for the party registration from
January 1, 2020 will be able to track the progress of
his/her application and will get the status update through
SMS and e-mail.
• The registration of political parties is governed by the
provisions of section 29A of the Representation of the
People Act, 1951.
• An association seeking registration has to submit an
application to the Commission within a period of 30 days
from the date of its formation.
►SPECIAL EXPENDITURE OBSERVERS
For elections to the Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra, the
ECI has appointed two Special Expenditure Observers (SEO).
• The Special Expenditure Observers are appointed in the
exercise of the powers conferred on ECI under Article 324
of the Constitution and the Representation of the
People Act, 1951.
• The SEO would be required to watch the conduct of
Elections with special emphasis on controlling the abuse of
money power, in consultation with the Chief Electoral
Officer.
• The SEO will be supervising and monitoring the work being
done by the electoral machinery and ensure that stringent
and effective enforcement action is undertaken.
• Their actions would be based on intelligence inputs and
complaints received through C-VIGIL (voter’s helpline
app), Voter Helpline no. (1950) against all
persons/entities trying to induce voters by distributing
cash, liquor & freebies etc. in order to vitiate the poll
process.
GOVERNANCE
► RIGHT TO INFORMATION (RTI) ACT
• Amendment to RTI Act, 2005 proposed via legislation.
• RTI ambit expanded via Supreme Court rulings
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
 KEY FEATURES OF RIGHT TO INFORMATION ► CENTRALIZED PUBLIC GRIEVANCE
(AMENDMENT) ACT, 2019
REDRESS AND MONITORING SYSTEM
• The Bill changes the terms and conditions of service of the
Central Information Commission (CIC) and Information (CPGRAMS)
Commissioners (ICs) at the centre and in states. • CPGRAMS is an online web-enabled system developed
• Term & Conditions of Service: The Amendment Act by National Informatics Centre (Ministry of Electronics &
allows Central government to notify term of office for CIC IT [MeitY]), in association with Directorate of Public
and ICs while as per RTI Act, 2005, CIC at the central level Grievances (DPG) and Department of Administrative
and ICs at state level will hold office for a term of 5 years.
Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
• Quantum of Salary: According to the Act the salaries,
• The platform based on web technology aims to enable
allowances, and other terms and conditions of service of
CIC and ICs will be determined by central government. submission of grievances by the aggrieved citizens from
While as per RTI Act the salary of CIC and ICs will be anywhere and anytime (24×7).
equivalent to the salary paid to the Chief Election
Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (EC)
►AADHAAR AMENDMENT ACT, 2019
respectively.
Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed
AMBIT OF RTI EXPANDED
by the Parliament. Now, no individual can be compelled to
The following are “public authorities” as per the RTI Act of
provide proof of Aadhaar number unless provided by the
2005 and therefore fall under its ambit:
law, and that Aadhaar number on voluntary basis shall
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) “substantially”
financed by the government be accepted as KYC document. Key highlights are:

• Office of the Chief Justice of India (CJI)

THE AADHAAR ACT PROVIDED FOR CHANGES VIA THE AMENDMENT

OFFLINE VERIFICATION OF AADHAAR NUMBER HOLDER
An individual’s identity may be verified by
Aadhaar ‘authentication’.
Authentication involved submitting the
Aadhaar number, and their biometric or
demographic information to the Central
Identities Data Repository for verification.
VOLUNTARY USE OF AADHAR
Use of Aadhaar number as proof of
identity of a person, subject to
authentication.
AADHAAR NUMBER CANCELLATION FOR YOUNG ADULTS
A young adult did not have the provision
of opting out.
DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION IN CERTAIN CASES
• Restrictions on security and
Offline Verification is also allowed without ‘authentication’ through modes
specified by the UIDAI by regulations. During offline verification, the agency must
• obtain the consent of the individual,
• inform them of alternatives to sharing information, and
• not collect, use or store Aadhaar number or biometric information.
• It is not mandatory to use Aadhaar for availing services/ benefits. An
Individual may voluntarily use his Aadhaar number to establish his identity,
by authentication or offline verification.
• Authentication of an individual’s identity via Aadhaar, for the provision of any
service, may be made mandatory only by a law of Parliament.
• The Bill amends the Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act, 2002. Telecom companies & Banking companies and FIs
may verify the identity of their clients by:
• authentication or offline verification of Aadhaar,
• passport, or
• any other documents notified by the central government.
• The client has the choice to use either mode to verify his identity and no
person shall be denied any service for not having an Aadhaar number.
Option to apply for cancellation of Aadhaar number by its holder, within six
months of attaining 18 years of age
• Such disclosure is only for orders by High Courts (or above).

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confidentiality of Aadhaar related
information did not apply in case the
disclosure is pursuant to an order of a
District Court (or above).
• An officer not below the rank of a Joint
Secretary may issue directions for
disclosing information in the interest of
national security.
 NEW UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION AUTHORITY OF INDIA FUND
UIDAI fee/revenue to be credited to the
Consolidated Fund of India.
 COMPLAINTS
Courts can take cognizance of an offence
only if the UIDAI registers a complaint.
NEW AADHAAR ECOSYSTEM
Aadhaar ecosystem was not a part of the
Act originally
 PENALTIES
CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
• Such disclosure to be made on directions of officers not below the rank of a
Secretary.
All fees, grants, and charges received by the UIDAI shall be credited to the new
UIDAI Fund.
Individual are allowed to register complaints in certain cases, including
impersonation or disclosure of their identity.
Aadhaar ecosystem is defined to include enrolling agencies, requesting agencies,
and offline verification-seeking entities. It allows the UIDAI to issue directions to
them, if necessary, for the discharge of its functions under the Act.
• UIDAI may initiate a complaint against an entity in the Aadhaar ecosystem for
failure to
(i) comply with the Act or the UIDAI’s directions, and
(ii) furnish information required by the UIDAI.
• Adjudicating Officers appointed by the UIDAI shall decide such matters, and
may impose penalties up to one crore rupees on such entities.
• The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal shall be the
appellate authority against decisions of the Adjudicating Officer.

► FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION • The Act prohibits acceptance and utilization of foreign

contributions or foreign hospitality for any activities
(REGULATION) ACT/ FCRA detrimental to national interest.
Several foreign-funded NGOs were stalling India’s economic
• It also barred several organizations, including those of a
growth by their obstructionist activism, as per an Intelligence
political nature from receiving foreign funding.
Bureau (IB) report, submitted to the PMO in June 2019. The
• Organizations of ‘political nature’ can accept foreign
report accused Greenpeace of attempting to destabilize India’s
contribution only upon prior permission from the Ministry
energy mix in collusion with a US-based anti-coal lobbying group.
of Home Affairs.
• Earlier, in 2015, the Home Ministry had cancelled the FCRA
• For other organisations like NGOs it is mandatory to
licenses of 10,000 organisations.
register under FCRA to receive foreign contribution.
THE FCRA 1976
2014 RULING OF THE DELHI HIGH COURT
• It prohibits any financial contribution from any foreign
The Delhi High Court in 2014 had directed the Centre and the
source or company to a political party registered in India.
Election Commission to take appropriate action against the
• This prevented the companies owned by foreign nationals
Congress and the BJP for allegedly accepting foreign funds in
or Indian-origin people based abroad and with foreign
violation of the law.
citizenship, to fund political parties in India.
FINANCE ACT 2016
THE FCRA 2010
• Changed the definition of a foreign company.
• It repealed the FCRA 1976
o A firm with less than 50% of share capital held by a
• Gave more authority to enforcement agencies to regulate
foreign entity would no longer be a foreign source any
donations from abroad.
more.
o This left room for some categories of foreign funding of
political parties.

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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
• This amendment also came into effect retrospectively from
September 2010.
• However, the foreign funds received by political parties
before 2010 are open to scrutiny.
FINANCE ACT 2018
The Finance Bill 2018 sought to push this year to 1976. In
effect the foreign funding from 1976 came out of the purview
of scrutiny of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
NGOs AND FCRA
• NGOs having a definite cultural, economic, educational,
religious or social programme can get foreign contribution,
with prior permission.
• An NGO must be in existence for at least three years for
registration.
• All funds received by a NGO must be used only for the
purpose for which they were received.
• Every registered NGO must file an annual report with
income and expenditure statement, receipt and payment
account, and balance sheet for the relevant financial year.
• All the members and office bearers of an NGO will have to
file an affidavit regarding abiding by FCRA provisions, as
per Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules.
►LOKPAL
After six years of coming into effect of Lokpal and Lokayukta Act,
2013, it is yet to play a significant role in tackling corruption in
the country.
• It establishes Lokpal for the Union and Lokayukta for
States to inquire into allegations of corruption against
certain public functionaries.
• It provides for an Enquiry Wing and a Prosecution
Wing to deal with cases of corruption.
• The Inquiry wing conducts preliminary inquiry into
alleged cases of corruption against public servants
under Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 whereas
the Prosecution Wing file cases before the Special
Court to prosecute public servants under Prevention of
Corruption Act, 1988.
ESTABLISHMENT OF LOKPAL
• Lokpal shall consist of a Chairperson, who is or has been
a Chief Justice of India or is or has been a Judge of the
Supreme Court or an eminent person
• It shall have a maximum of eight members of which half
shall be judicial members and minimum 50% of the
Members will be from SC/ ST/ OBC/ Minorities and
women.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• The Search Committee is constituted for the purpose of
recommending a panel of names for the appointment of
Chairperson and members of Lokpal.
• The Names proposed by the search committee would be
scrutinised by the selection committee, consisting of—
ο the Prime Minister—Chairperson;
ο the Speaker of the House of the People—Member;
ο the Leader of Opposition in the House of the People—
Member (The Lokpal and Lokayuktas (Amendment)
Act, 2016 - enabled the leader of the single largest
opposition party in the Lok Sabha to be a member of
the selection committee in the absence of a recognized
Leader of Opposition)
ο the Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the Supreme
Court nominated by him—Member;
ο one eminent jurist, as recommended by the
Chairperson and Members
• The Chairperson and every Member shall, on the
recommendations of the Selection Committee,
be appointed by the President by warrant under his
hand and seal and hold office as such for a term of five
years or until he attains 70 years of age (whichever is
earlier).
JURISDICTIONS AND POWERS OF LOKPAL
• Lokpal have jurisdiction to inquire allegations of corruption
against Prime Minister, Ministers, members of Parliament,
officers belonging to Group A, B, C and D and officials of
Central Government.
• The Lokpal on receipt of a complaint, may order
preliminary inquiry against any public servant by its
Inquiry Wing or any agency including the Delhi Special
Police Establishment.
• Lokpal shall refer complaints of corruption against public
servants to Central Vigilance Commission and the CVC
after making preliminary enquiry –
ο In respect of public servants belonging to Group A and
Group B - shall submit its report to the Lokpal.
ο In case of public servants belonging to Group C and
Group D - the Commission shall proceed in accordance
with the provisions of the Central Vigilance
Commission Act, 2003.
• Lokpal can also inquire against any society or trust or body
that receives foreign contribution above Rs.10 lakh.
• Lokpal Act creates Special Courts to hear and decide the
cases arising out of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
or under the Lokpal Act involving public servants.
• The Special Courts shall ensure completion of each trial
within a period of one year from the date of filing of the
case in the Court.
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
• According to section 46 of the Act, if the ombudsman finds
that the complaint is false and frivolous, then it can pass
order to punish the person or group of persons or an
entity with imprisonment extending up to one year and a
fine which may exceed to maximum of Rs 1 lakh.
PROBE AGAINST PRIME MINISTER
The Lokpal cannot inquire into any corruption charge against
the Prime Minister if the allegations are related
to international relations, external and internal security,
public order, atomic energy and space unless a full Bench of
the Lokpal, consisting of all members, considers the initiation
of a probe necessary and is approved by at least two-thirds of
the members of Lokpal. Such a hearing should be held
privately and if the complaint is dismissed, the records shall
not be published or made available to anyone.
MOTTO OF LOKPAL: “मा गध
ृ ः क�यि�व�नम ्” (Do not be greedy
for anyone's wealth)
►NATIONAL DATA AND ANALYTICS
PLATFORM (NDAP)
• It is an initiative of the NITI Aayog that aims at
democratic access to public government data through a
world class user experience.
• It will host the latest datasets from various government
websites, present them coherently, and provide tools
GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
1. High Powered Steering Committee under the
Chairmanship of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog will oversee
the program.
2. First version of National Data and Analytics Platform is
proposed to be released in 2021.
►CENSUS OF INDIA 2021
Indian Census is one of the largest administrative and statistical
exercise in the world. It is conducted once in every 10 years
under the legal provisions of Census Act, 1948 and Census rules,
1990. Census is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General
and Census Commissioner, India, under the Ministry of Home
Affairs, GoI.
CENSUS FACTS
• First Census was conducted in 1872 non-synchronously
across the country under the Viceroy ship of Lord Mayo.
Regular Census has been conducted from 1881.
• The responsibility of conducting the decennial Census
rests with the Office of the Registrar General and Census
Commissioner, India under Ministry of Home Affairs,
Government of India. This office also responsible for
implementation of Registration and Birth and Deaths Act,
1969. It also publishes Sample Registration Survey.
Regular.

for analytics and visualization. • Census process involves visiting each and every household
• NDAP will follow a user-centric approach and will enable and canvassing separate questionnaire for House listing
data access in a simple and intuitive portal tailored to the and Housing Census and Population Enumeration.

needs of a variety of stakeholders. NEW INITIATIVES TAKEN FOR CENSUS 2021

• NDAP will spearhead the standardization of formats in 1) Mix mode approach for data collection: Data would be
which data is presented across sectors and will cater to a collected either on paper or through smart phone as per
wide audience of policymakers, researchers, innovators, the Enumerator's convenience.
data scientists, journalists and citizens. 2) Census monitoring and management portal as a single
FEATURES source for all officers/officials involved in Census activities
to provide multi language support.
Data export in machine Facilitate analysis in R,
1. 3) It collects data on SC and ST households. However, data on
readable format Tableau, SAS
OBC is not collected in Census. States like Odisha and
Maharastra are demanding for enumeration of OBC
Common scheme across
2. Enable cross sectoral analysis castes (sub categoristation) as well in Census 2021.
sectors
4) For the first time, geo-referencing using maps at the time
Showcase innovative uses and of house listing might be undertaken.
Database of innovation
3. top research articles for every
with public data
search result
►CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 2019
User friendly search Enable easy access to data The Act replaces the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Key
4. features of the Act include:
engine from different sectors
• Definition of consumer: A consumer is defined as a
Encourage discussion on social person who buys any good or avails a service for a
5. Social Media share
media consideration. It does not include a person who obtains

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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
a good for resale or a good or service for commercial
purpose. It covers transactions through all modes
including offline, and online through electronic means,
teleshopping, multi-level marketing or direct selling.
• Rights of consumers: Six consumer rights have been
defined in the Act, including the right to:
(i) be protected against marketing of goods and services
which are hazardous to life and property;
(ii) be informed of the quality, quantity, potency, purity,
standard and price of goods or services;
(iii) be assured of access to a variety of goods or services
at competitive prices; and
(iv) seek redressal against unfair or restrictive trade
practices.
(v) To be heard and assured that consumers interest will
receive due consideration
(vi) Right to consumer awareness.
• Central Consumer Protection Authority:
o The central government will set up a Central
Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote,
protect and enforce the rights of consumers.
o It will regulate matters related to violation of
consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and
misleading advertisements.
o The CCPA will have an investigation wing, headed by a
Director-General, which may conduct inquiry or
investigation into such violations.
CCPA WILL CARRY OUT THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS,
INCLUDING
(i) inquiring into violations of consumer rights, investigating
and launching prosecution at the appropriate forum;
(ii) passing orders to recall goods or withdraw services that
are hazardous, reimbursement of the price paid, and
discontinuation of the unfair trade practices, as defined in
the Act;
(iii) issuing directions to the concerned trader/ manufacturer/
endorser/ advertiser/ publisher to either discontinue a
false or misleading advertisement, or modify it;
(iv) imposing penalties, and;
(v) issuing safety notices to consumers against unsafe goods
and services.
• Penalties for misleading advertisement:
ο The CCPA may impose a penalty on a manufacturer or
an endorser of up to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment for
up to two years for a false or misleading advertisement.
ο In case of a subsequent offence, the fine may extend to
Rs 50 lakh and imprisonment of up to five years.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• CCPA can also prohibit the endorser of a misleading
advertisement from endorsing that particular product or
service for a period of up to one year.
• For every subsequent offence, the period of prohibition
may extend to three years.
• However, there are certain exceptions when an endorser
will not be held liable for such a penalty.
• Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission:
ο Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (CDRCs) will
be set up at the district, state, and national levels.
ο A consumer can file a complaint with CDRCs in relation
to: (i) unfair or restrictive trade practices; (ii) defective
goods or services; (iii) overcharging or deceptive
charging; and (iv) the offering of goods or services for
sale which may be hazardous to life and safety.
ο Complaints against an unfair contract can be filed with
only the State and National CDRCs.
ο Appeals from a District CDRC will be heard by the State
CDRC. Appeals from the State CDRC will be heard by the
National CDRC. Final appeal will lie before the Supreme
Court.
• Jurisdiction of CDRCs:
ο The District CDRC will entertain complaints where value
of goods and services does not exceed Rs one crore.
ο The State CDRC will entertain complaints when the
value is more than Rs one crore but does not exceed Rs
10 crore.
ο Complaints with value of goods and services over Rs 10
crore will be entertained by the National CDRC.
• Product liability:
ο Product liability means the liability of a product
manufacturer, service provider or seller to compensate
a consumer for any harm or injury caused by a defective
good or deficient service.
ο To claim compensation, a consumer has to prove any
one of the conditions for defect or deficiency, as given
in the Act.
►GOVERNMENT E MARKETPLACE
(GeM)
Recently the government launched SWAYATT and GeM Start-up
Runway.
SWAYATT is an initiative to promote Start-ups, Women and Youth
Advantage Through eTransactions on Government e Marketplace
(GeM). This will bring together the key stakeholders within the
Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem to Government e-Marketplace
the national procurement portal.
33
 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
GeM Start-up Runway is an initiative of GeM in association with
Start -up India to facilitate Start-ups registered with Start-up
India to access the public procurement market and sell
innovative products and services to government buyers.
WHAT IS GOVERNMENT E-MARKETPLACE?
• Public procurement forms a very important part of
Government activity and reform in Public Procurement is
one of the top priorities of the present Government.
• Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is a bold step of the
Government with the aim to transform the way in which
procurement of goods and services is done by the
Government Ministries/Departments, PSUs, autonomous
bodies etc.
• GeM is a completely paperless, cashless and system
driven e-market place that enables procurement of
common use goods and services with minimal human
interface.
►PRAGATI PLATFORM
In first PRAGATI meeting of the new term, PM strongly reiterates
commitment for "Housing for All" by 2022, reviews progress of
flagship schemes of Ayushman Bharat and Sugamya Bharat
Abhiyan, and calls upon States to put in maximum efforts
towards water conservation, especially during the current
monsoon season.
• PRAGATI stand for Pro-Active Governance and Timely
Implementation. It is a unique multi-purpose and
multi-modal integrating and interactive platform.
OBJECTIVES
• The IT-based redressal and monitoring system has been
designed with the three objectives of:
o Grievance Redressal
o Programme Implementation and
o Project Monitoring
KEY FEATURES
• The PRAGATI platform uniquely bundles three latest
technologies: Digital data management, video-
conferencing and geo-spatial technology.
• It is a three-tier system (PMO, Union Government
Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries of the States).
• Prime Minister will hold a monthly programme where he
will interact with the Government of India Secretaries, and
Chief Secretaries through Video-conferencing enabled by
data and geo-informatics visuals.
• The first such programme was launched on 25th March,
2015.
• Then onwards, it is held once in every month on Fourth
Wednesday to be known as PRAGATI Day.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• Issues to be flagged before the PM are picked up from the
available database regarding Public Grievances, on-
going Programmes and pending Projects.
• The system rides on, strengthens and re-engineers the
data bases of the CPGRAMS for grievances, Project
Monitoring Group (PMG) and the Ministry of Statistics
and Programme Implementation. PRAGATI provides an
interface and platform for all these three aspects.
• It will also take into consideration various
correspondences to PM’s office by the common people or
from high dignitaries of States and/or developers of public
projects.
• A built-in feature of PRAGATI is that the directions given
by the PM will remain in the system for further follow up
and review till the finality of the matter.
IMPORTANCE OF THE PRAGATI PLATFORM
• It offers a unique combination in the direction of
cooperative federalism since it brings on one stage the
Secretaries of Government of India and the Chief
Secretaries of the States.
• It is also an innovative project in e-governance and good
governance. It combines Data Management and Analysis,
Geo-spatial Applications as well as Video-conferencing. The
application will be accessible to the Secretaries of the
Government of India and the State Chief Secretaries.
►SHILLONG DECLARATION ON E-
GOVERNANCE ADOPTED AT NCEG
2019
At the conclusion of 22nd National Conference on e-Governance
2019, ‘Shillong Declaration’ on e-Governance was adopted after
intensive deliberations during the sessions held over two days.
22ND NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON E-GOVERNANCE 2019
• The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public
Grievances (DARPG), in association with Ministry of
Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government
of India and the State Government of Meghalaya
nd
organized the 22 National Conference on e-Governance
th
(NCeG) 2019 on 8-9 August, 2019 at Shillong, Meghalaya.
• The theme of this Conference was “Digital India: Success
to Excellence”.
SHILLONG DECLARATION’ ON E-GOVERNANCE
The Conference resolved that Government of India and State
Governments shall collaborate to:
1. Improve the citizen’s experience with Government
services by promoting timely implementation of India
Enterprise Architecture (IndEA) and implementing a
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
single sign-on for interoperability and integration among
e-Government applications throughout the country.
2. Consolidate the plethora of successful State level e-
Governance projects and domain-based projects with a
focus to replicate them as a common application software
with configurable features.
3. Ensure improvement inease of living and ease of doing
business by making a big shift in the role of government
from Service Provider to Service Enabler, thus moving
from development of applications to making available
public digital platforms where multiple competitive
applications can be developed.
4. Take steps to further improve connectivity in North
Eastern States by addressing the issues and challenges
of telecommunications connectivity at grassroot level and
formulate and implement a comprehensive telecom
development plan.
5. Take steps to enhance the activities of Electronics
Sector Skill Council in North Eastern States and explore
the possibility for opening an electronics skill center in
Shillong.
6. Promote use of e-Office and move towards less paper
State Secretariats in the North-Eastern States and in the
District level offices.
7. Improve the quality of delivery of e-Services in the
North East to fulfil the vision of improved citizen
experience.
8. Develop India as a global cloud hub and facilitate
development of Government applications and databases
on Cloud by default.
9. Adopt emerging technologies for finding e-Governance
solutions
10. Promote the Digital India Projects with focus on Smart
Cities and Smart Villages through Startups and Smart
Entrepreneurship
►POLICE COMMISSIONERATE SYSTEM
Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the Commissionerate
system of policing for state capital Lucknow and for NOIDA.
The system gives more responsibilities, including magisterial
powers, to IPS officers of Inspector General of Police (IG) rank
posted as commissioners.
WHAT IS POLICE COMMISSIONERATE SYSTEM?
• Police has been listed under Entry 2 of State List Seventh
Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• Thus, states have jurisdiction and power to legislate and
control administration of police according to their specific
needs and requirements.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• In the arrangement in force at the district level, a ‘dual
system’ of control exists, in which the Superintendent of
Police (SP) has to work with the District Magistrate (DM) for
supervising police administration.
• However, at the metropolitan level, many states have
replaced the dual system with the Commissionerate
system, as it is supposed to allow for faster decision-
making to solve complex urban-centric issues.
• In the Commissionerate system, the Commissioner of
Police (CP) is the head of a unified police command
structure, is responsible for the force in the city, and is
accountable to the state government. The office also has
magisterial powers, including those related to regulation,
control, and licensing.
• The CP is drawn from the Deputy Inspector General rank
or above, and is assisted by Special/Joint/Additional/
Deputy Commissioners.
HOW MANY STATES HAVE COMMISSIONERATE SYSTEM?
• Almost all states apart from Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Union
Territory of Jammu &Kashmir, and some Northeastern
states have a Commissionerate system.
• The British brought the system first in Kolkata and
followed it in Mumbai and Chennai presidencies. Delhi
turned into a Commissionerate during the Morarji Desai
regime. In 1978, an initiative to introduce the system in UP,
beginning with Kanpur, never materialised.
• As per the Police Act, 1861, the system is to be
implemented in cities with more than 10 lakh population
but it is not always the case for all cities having population
of 10 lakhs or more.
VULNERABLE SECTION
►SCHEDULED CASTES AND THE
SCHEDULED TRIBES (PREVENTION OF
ATROCITIES) AMENDMENT ACT, 2018
Dealing with the misuse of provisions of SC/ST Act and
lodging of false cases. Three-judge bench in 2018 directed a
preliminary enquiry may be conducted by a DSP-rank officer
to find out whether the allegations qualify for a case under
the SC/ST Act and whether the allegations are frivolous or
motivated.
In response to massive outcry and protests but SC/ST
organisations, Parliament passed the Scheduled Castes and
the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment
Act, 2018
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
THE AMENDMENT INTRODUCES:
• Section 18A has been inserted to nullify conduct of a
preliminary enquiry before registration of an FIR, or to
seek approval of any authority prior to arrest of an
accused
• The provisions of Section 438 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure — which deals with anticipatory bail — shall
not apply to a case under this Act
►TRANSGENDER PERSONS
(PROTECTION OF RIGHTS) ACT, 2019
Issues related to transgender persons are dealt
the Department of Social Justice
Empowerment under Ministry of Social Justice
Empowerment.
• Definition of a transgender person: The Act defines a
transgender person as one whose gender does not match
the gender assigned at birth.
• It includes trans-men and trans-women, persons with
intersex variations, gender-queers, and persons with
socio-cultural identities, such as Kinnar and Hijra. Intersex
variations is defined to mean a person who at birth shows
variation in his or her primary sexual characteristics,
external genitalia, chromosomes, or hormones from the
normative standard of male or female body.
• Prohibition against discrimination: The Act prohibits the
discrimination against a transgender person, including
denial of service or unfair treatment in relation to: (i)
education; (ii) employment; (iii) healthcare; (iv) access to, or
enjoyment of goods, facilities, opportunities available to
the public; (v) right to movement; (vi) right to reside, rent,
or otherwise occupy property; (vii) opportunity to hold
public or private office; and (viii) access to a government
or private establishment in whose care or custody a
transgender person is.
• Right of residence: Every transgender person shall have a
right to reside and be included in his household. If the
immediate family is unable to care for the transgender
person, the person may be placed in a rehabilitation
centre, on the orders of a competent court.
• Employment: No government or private entity can
discriminate against a transgender person in employment
matters, including recruitment, and promotion.
establishment is required to designate a person to be a
complaint officer to deal with complaints in relation to the
Act.
• Education: Educational institutions funded or recognised
by the relevant government shall provide inclusive
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
education, sports and recreational facilities for
transgender persons, without discrimination.
• Health care: The government must take steps to provide
health facilities to transgender persons including separate
HIV surveillance centres, and sex reassignment
surgeries. The government shall review medical
curriculum to address health issues of transgender
persons, and provide comprehensive medical insurance
schemes for them.
• Certificate of identity for a transgender person: A
transgender person may make an application to the
District Magistrate for a certificate of identity, indicating
by
the gender as ‘transgender’. A revised certificate may be
and
obtained only if the individual undergoes surgery to
and
change their gender either as a male or a female.
• Welfare measures by the government: The Act states
that the relevant government will take measures to ensure
the full inclusion and participation of transgender persons
in society. It must also take steps for their rescue and
rehabilitation, vocational training and self-employment,
create schemes that are transgender sensitive, and
promote their participation in cultural activities.
• Offences and penalties: The Act recognizes the following
offences against transgender persons: (i) forced or bonded
labour (excluding compulsory government service for
public purposes), (ii) denial of use of public places, (iii)
removal from household, and village, (iv) physical, sexual,
verbal, emotional or economic abuse. Penalties for these
offences vary between six months and two years, and a
fine.
• National Council for Transgender persons (NCT): The
NCT will consist of: (i) Union Minister for Social Justice
(Chairperson); (ii) Minister of State for Social Justice (Vice-
Chairperson); (iii) Secretary of the Ministry of Social Justice;
(iv) one representative from ministries including Health,
Home Affairs, and Human Resources Development.
• Other members include representatives of the NITI Aayog,
and the National Human Rights Commission. State
governments will also be represented.
• The Council will also consist of five members from the
transgender community and five experts from non-
governmental organisations.
Every • The Council will advise the central government as well as
monitor the impact of policies, legislation and projects with
respect to transgender persons.
• It will also redress the grievances of transgender persons.
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
►THE MUSLIM WOMEN (PROTECTION
OF RIGHTS ON MARRIAGE) ACT, 2019
This act aims to protect the rights of married Muslim women
and to prohibit divorce by pronouncing talaq by their
husbands.
SALIENT PROVISIONS
• Talaq-e-biddat or any other similar form of talaq having
the effect of instantaneous and irrevocable divorce
pronounced by a Muslim husband upon his wife by words,
either spoken or in electronic form or in any other manner
will be void and illegal.
• The husband pronouncing such a talaq will be punished
with imprisonment for a term of three years, and shall
be liable to fine also. It will be cognizable and
compoundable offence.
• No bail for the accused under the act unless
Magistrate on an application filed by accused and after
hearing the married Muslim women upon whom talaq is
pronounced, is satisfied that there reasonable grounds for
granting bail to such person.
Married Muslim women upon whom instantaneous talaq is
pronounced shall be entitled to:
1) receive from her husband such amount of subsistence
allowance, for her and dependent children, as may be
determined by Magistrate.
2) custody of her minor children in the event
pronouncement of talaq by her husband, in such manner
as may be determined by Magistrate.
►GOVT TO SET UP ANTI-HUMAN
TRAFFICKING UNITS IN ALL
DISTRICTS WITH NIRBHAYA FUND
On October 22nd 2019, the Empowered Committee (EC) under
Nirbhaya Framework, chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Women
and Child Development, favourably appraised proposal for
expansion of Anti-Human-Trafficking-Units (AHTUs) to all
districts.
EXPANSION AND STRENGTHENING OF AHTUS
100% cost of setting up of these AHTUs has been
recommended to be borne by the Central Government under
Nirbhaya Fund as per the MHA proposal.
ABOUT NIRBHAYA FUND
• The Nirbhaya Fund was created in 2013 to be utilised for
projects specifically designed to improve the safety and
security of women in public places. Over the past six years,
the corpus has increased to Rs 3,600 crore.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development
(MWCD) is the nodal Ministry to appraise/recommend
proposals and schemes to be funded under Nirbhaya
Fund.
• The key schemes under which the states have been
allocated money include emergency response support
system, central victim compensation fund, cybercrime
prevention against women and children, one-stop centre
scheme, mahila police volunteers and universalisation of
women helpline scheme.
►PENCIL PORTAL
• It is a separate online portal Platform for Effective
Enforcement for No Child Labour (PENCIL) launched to
ensure effective enforcement of provisions of Child Labour
Act and smooth implementation of National Child Labour
Project (NCLP) Scheme.
• Components of PENCIL Portal: include Child Tracking
System, Complaint Corner, State Government, National
Child Labour Project and Convergence.
• Online complaints in regard to child labour can also be
filed by anybody on Pencil Portal.
• Administrative ministry – Ministry of Labour and
employement.
►“GO TRIBAL” CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
of
TRIFED, a Multi-State Co-operative Society under the Ministry of
Tribal Affairs has launched the “Go Tribal” campaign.
• Objective is to create awareness and promote tribal arts
and crafts as well as help in socio-economic welfare of
more than 700 Indian tribes, by promoting and making
available tribal handcrafted textiles, jewellery, and other
accessories via global online market spaces.
• Products available under Tribes India brand & outlets can
also be procured through Online retailers like Amazon,
Flipkart, etc. with whom TRIFED has entered into
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
►SAFE CITY PROJECT
Empowered Committee of Officers for Nirbhaya funds scheme
has approved pilot Safe City projects in eight selected
metropolitan cities
It is being implemented by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in
consultation with Ministry of Women and Child Development
(MoW&CD), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of
Information Technology (MeitY), respective Municipal & Police
Commissioners of cities and civil society organizations.
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
The project would be implemented as a Centrally Sponsored
Scheme with Centre and State sharing the funding in 60:40
ratio.
It was approved with total cost of Rs.194.44 crore
under Nirbhaya Fund Scheme (by empowered Committee
of officers for Nirbhaya funds).
MAJOR COMPONENT OF SAFE CITY PROJECT
• Setting an Integrated Smart Control Room.
• Improving Street Lighting in identified crime Hotspot
areas.
• Setting up Pink Toilets.
• Integrating Women power-help line with single Emergency
number ‘112’
• Setting Pink Out-posts (exclusively administered by
Women police) for facilitating ease of filing complaint by
women; Pink Patrols of Women police.
• Setting Women Help Desks in all Police Stations with
Counsellors.
• Augmentation of existing Asha Jyoti Kendra.
• Implementing Safety measures in buses, including
Cameras.
►GOI ORGANISES “HUNAR HAAT”
The Ministry of Minority Affairs will organize more than 100
HunarHaat in the next five years.
• Its aim is to increase employment opportunities to
craftsmen, artisans and culinary experts and also to
increase their market exposure.
• HunarHaat is an exhibition of handicrafts and traditional
products made by artisans from the Minority communities.
• The scheme aims to establish Hunar Hub in all the states
where programs like HunarHaati and other cultural events
are to be organized.
• HunarHaat is organized under USTTAD (Upgrading the
Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for
Development) scheme.
HEALTH
►RESTRUCTURING OF EXISTING
“NATIONAL HEALTH AGENCY” AS
“NATIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY”
Done for better implementation of Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya
Yojana (PM-JAY).
• the existing society "National Health Agency" has been
dissolved and will be replaced by National Health Authority
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
as an attached office to Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare.
• The existing multi-tier decision making structure has been
replaced with the Governing Board chaired by the
Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India,
while its members will include NITI Aayog CEO and NHA
CEO.
THE MANDATE OF NATIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY
• It is envisaged that the National Health Authority shall
have full accountability, authority and mandate to
implement PM-JAY through an efficient, effective and
transparent decision-making process.
• The NHA will be responsible for its operational guidelines,
fixing the ceiling of premium amounts, and developing
mechanisms for strategic purchase of healthcare from the
private sector.
• It is also tasked with building a health information
technology platform, and working with the Insurance
Regulatory and Development Authority.
IMPACT OF THE RESTRUCTURING
• This takes the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-
JAY) out of the ambit of the Ministry of Health. The
ministry’s role will now be limited to acting as the nodal
ministry for NHA in parliamentary matters, like the
presentation of annual reports.
• It will enable the decision making at a faster pace, required
for seamless implementation of the scheme.
►BIS: WATER QUALITY REPORT FOR
STATE CAPITALS AND NEW DELHI
• The Water Quality Report was released by the Union
Minister of Consumer Affairs.
• The report is in line with the Jal Jeevan Mission that was
launched to provide clean and safe drinking water to all by
2024.
PARAMETERS
The tests were conducted on parameters such as Chemicals,
Toxic substances, Organoleptic tests, Bacteriological tests and
physical tests.
►AYUSHMAN BHARAT
Ayushman Bharat –Pradhan Mantri Jan AarogyaYojana (AB-
PMJAY)
• Ayushman Bharat, a flagship scheme of GoI launched as
recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to
achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
• This initiative has been designed on the lines as to meet • The app will augment the government vision to provide
SDG and its underlining commitment, which is "leave no affordable healthcare to all Indians through the Pradhan
one behind". Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
2 COMPONENTS (PMBJP) Kendras across the country and this had already
led to substantial savings to poor on medicines.
(1) Health and wellness centres (HWC) –
• “Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-Biodegradable Sanitary
a. creation of 1,50,000 HWCs
Napkin” will now be available at only One Rupee per pad.
b. these centres to provide comprehensive preimary
healthcare covering both maternal and child care health
services and non communicable diesesases including ► EAT RIGHT MOVEMENT CAMPAIGN
free eseential drugs and diagnostic services. Recently as part of ‘The Eat Right Movement’, ‘Eat Right Station’
(2) Pradhan Mantra Jan AarogyaYojana (PM JAY) aims at was launched and ‘Eat Right Mela’ was organized.
providing health insurance cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family
ABOUT THE EAT RIGHT MOVEMENT
per yearfor secondary and tertiary care hospitalization
• To improve public health in India and combat negative
across public and private empaneled hospitals in India.
nutritional trends to fight lifestyle diseases, FSSAI
• PM-JAY is the world’s largest health insurance/ assurance
launched 'The Eat Right Movement’
scheme fully financed by the government.
• The strength of the ‘The Eat Right Movement’ lies in its
• PM-JAY provides cashless access to health care services for
holistic and collaborative approach, with stakeholders
the beneficiary at the point of service, that is, the hospital.
on both the demand and supply-side joining to make a
• No restrictions on family size, age or gender. All pre– difference through some clearly identified steps.
existing conditions are covered from day one.
o On the demand side, the Eat Right Movement focuses
• Benefits of the scheme are portable across the country i.e. on empowering citizens to make the right food choices.
a beneficiary can visit any empaneled public or private
o On the supply side, it nudges food businesses to
hospital for cashless treatment.
reformulate their products, provide better nutritional
• Services include approximately 1,393 procedures covering information to consumers and make investments in
all the costs related to treatment, including but not limited healthy food as responsible food businesses.
to drugs, supplies, diagnostic services, physician's fees,
• ‘The Eat Right Movement’ brings together three ongoing
room charges, surgeon charges, OT and ICU charges etc.
initiatives of FSSAI:
• This scheme was earlier known as National Health
(i) Safe and Nutritious Food Initiative , focused on
Protection Scheme (NHPS) before it was rechristened to
social and behavioural change around food safety and
PM-JAY.
nutrition at home, school, workplace and on-the-go;
• PM-JAY is completely funded by the Government, and cost
(ii) The Eat Healthy Campaign, focused on reduction of
of implementation is shared between Central and State
high fat, sugar and salt foods in the diet; and
Governments.
(iii) Food Fortification, focused on promoting five staple
• PM-JAY has been rolled out for the bottom 40% of poor
foods-wheat flour, rice, oil, milk and salt that are added
and vulnerable population as well as the active families
with key vitamins and minerals to improve their
under the RashtriyaSwasthyaBima Yojana (RSBY).
nutritional content.
• Approximately 10.74 crore identified families
(approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) will be entitled to
get the benefits. There is no cap on family size and age as
►EAT RIGHT MELA
well as restriction on pre-existing conditions. In December, 2019, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health
& Family Welfare inaugurated 2nd Edition of “Eat Right Mela”at
Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
►JANAUSHADHI SUGAM
ABOUT EAT RIGHT MELA
Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers has launched
• As part of the Eat Right India movement, Eat Right Melas
“Janaushadhi Sugam”, a mobile application, which will help
have been envisioned for massive outreach to build
people locate nearby Janaushadhikendras.
awareness on safe food and healthy diets through an
• Anaushadhi Sugam” mobile application would help
interactive and informative model.
people to analyse product comparison of Generic vs
• The Eat Right India movement is anchored on three
Branded medicine in form of MRP & overall savings, etc.
pillars: Eat Safe, Eat Healthy & Eat Fortified. The Melas

39
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
are a platform to incorporate these three core elements
along with aspects of Indian culture, traditions, creative
expression and infotainment.
►EAT RIGHT INDIA MOVEMENT: FOOD
SAFETY MITRA SCHEME
On World Food Day, October 16, the Health and Family Welfare
Ministry launched the Food Safety Mitra Scheme
• Objective of the scheme is to scale up Eat Right India
movement.
• The ‘Food Safety Mitra (FSM)’ scheme will support small
and medium scale food businesses to comply with the
food safety laws and facilitate licensing and registration,
hygiene ratings and training.
• The FSMs would undergo training and certification by
FSSAI to do their work and get paid by food businesses for
their services.
• The “Eat Right Jacket” was introduced for the field staffs.
The jacket is designed to hold smart phone, RFID tag, QR
code for identification and tracking purposes. This will help
to bring in efficiency and transparency in food safety
administration
• The “Eat Right Jhola” is a reusable cloth bag. The purpose
is to replace plastic with these bags.
►HOPE (HEALTHCARE
ORGANIZATIONS’ PLATFORM FOR
ENTRY-LEVEL-CERTIFICATION)
PORTAL
National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare
Organizations (NABH) has revamped Entry-Level Certification
Process of hospitals to make it simpler, digital, faster and
user-friendly.
• The revamped certification process is driven through a
new portal called HOPE – Healthcare Organizations’
Platform for Entry-Level-Certification.
• HOPE also enables them to comply with quality protocols,
improve patient safety and the overall healthcare facility of
the organization.
• It is an online platform for smooth and secure registration
which provides a self-explanatory questionnaire to be
filled by the HCO/SHCOs.
• It ensures quality at nascent stages by enrolling a wide
range of hospitals across the country including Healthcare
Organizations (HCOs).
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
EDUCATION
►RTE (AMENDMENT ACT), 2019
The Parliament passed the Right of Children to Free and
Compulsory Education (Amendment) Act, 2019 that empowers
state governments to scrap the No Detention Policy (NDP).
• Under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory
Education (RTE) Act, 2009, all children between the ages
of six and 14 years have the right to elementary
education (class 1-8) in a neighbourhood school.
• Among other provisions, the RTE Act, 2009 states that a
child cannot be detained in any class till the
completion of elementary education. This automatic
promotion to the next class is to ensure that detention
would not lead to them dropping out of school.
AMENDMENT
• It would be left to the states to decide whether to
continue the no-detention policy. (wrt Classes V and VIII)
• The Amendment provides for regular examination in
classes V and VIII, and if a child fails, the amendment bill
grants a provision to give her or him additional
opportunity to take a re-examination within two months.
• Such children will be provided with two-month remedial
teaching to perform better in the re-examinations. If
the students still do not pass the exam, the state
government may decide to detain them.
►HRD MINISTRY LAUNCHES KARTVYA
PORTAL
On the occasion of 70th Constitution Day also known as
Samvidhan Divas observed on 26 November 2019, Union Human
Resource Development (HRD) Minister launched
the kartavya.ugc.ac.in portal
About Nagrik Kartavya Paalan Abhiyan
The year 2019 marks the 70th year of adoption of Indian
Constitution. The Centre government thus decided to run a
Nagrik Kartavya Palan Abhiyan from 26 November 2019 to 26
November 2020, to create mass awareness about
Fundamental Duties as enshrined in our Constitution.
►NATIONAL DIGITAL LIBRARY OF
INDIA
Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has
launched National Digital Library of India project.
• National Digital Library of India (NDLI) is a project of the
Ministry of Human Resource Development under the aegis
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
of National Mission on Education through Information
and Communication Technology (NMEICT).
• The objective of NDL is to make digital educational
resources available to all citizens of the country to
empower, inspire and encourage learning.
• National Digital Library of India is developed by IIT
Kharagpur.
SALIENT FEATURES
• Educational materials ranging from primary to post-
graduate levels is available for users.
• It has been designed to benefit all kinds of users like
students (of all levels), teachers, researchers, librarians,
library users, professionals, differently abled users and all
other lifelong learners.
• Information can be personalized based on the education
level, choice of language, difficulty level, media of content
and such other factors.
• This is thus like a ‘customised service’ provided in a 24x7
integrated environment where learners can find out the
right resource with least effort and in minimum time.
• Repository hosts contents from multiple subject domains
like Technology, Science, Humanities, Agriculture and
others.
• More than 60 types of learning resources are available -
books, articles, manuscripts, video lectures, thesis, etc.
• Items are available in more than 70 languages.
►NEAT (NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL
ALLIANCE FOR TECHNOLOGY)
SCHEME
Ministry of Human Resource Development has announced a new
PPP Scheme National Educational Alliance for Technology
(NEAT) to use technology for better learning outcomes in Higher
Education.
The objective is to use Artificial Intelligence to make learning
more personalised and customised as per the requirements
of the learner.
• This requires development of technologies in Adaptive
Learning to address the diversity of learners.
• There are a number of start-up companies developing this
and MHRD would like to recognise such efforts and bring
them under a common platform so that learners can
access it easily.
• MHRD proposes to create a National Alliance with such
technology developing EdTech Companies through a PPP
model.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• MHRD would act as a facilitator to ensure that the
solutions are freely available to a large number of
economically backward students. MHRD would create and
maintain a National NEAT platform that would provide
one-stop access to these technological solutions.
• EdTech companies would be responsible for developing
solutions and manage registration of learners through the
NEAT portal. They would be free to charge fees as per their
policy.
• As their contribution towards the National cause, they
would have to offer free coupons to the extent of 25% of
the total registrations for their solution through NEAT
portal.
• MHRD would distribute the free coupons for learning to
the most socially/economically backward students.
• AICTE would be the implementing agency for NEAT
programme.
►SKILLS BUILD PLATEFORM
Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the aegis Ministry of
Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has launched Skills Build
platform in Collaboration with IBM.
WHAT IS SKILLS BUILD PLATFORM?
• Skills Build is a digital platform developed by IBM
enabling holistic learning and aligning it with Skills
India initiative by Government of India.
• India is the 4th country where this Skills Build platform
has been launched on 4th Nov’19, in alliance with the
Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill
Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), after being
launched in UK, Germany and France.
• It will be accessible online through bharat skills
(https://bharatskills.gov.in) – a Learning Management
System for ITI/NSTI Students and Teachers) and free to
use.
ROLE OF THE PLATFORM
• Skill Build will focus on personalised coaching and
experiential learning and will help develop the skills
required to join the workforce in these “New Collar” roles.
• Also bring untapped talent to the fore, opening roles to
individuals often excluded from the labour market due to
disadvantaged backgrounds, or because of lack of
knowledge, skill or experience that has seen them become
under-employed or unemployed.
• As part of the programme, a two-year advanced diploma
in Information Technology (IT), Networking and Cloud
computing will be offered at the Industrial Training
Institutes (ITI) and the National Skill Training Institutes
(NSTIs).
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 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
• The platform will also be extended to train ITI and NSTI
faculty in basic Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills.
• This Skill Build platform will also provide personal
assessment for cognitive capabilities and personality via
MyInnerGenius to youths/students.
• They will learn basics about digital technologies as well
as professional skills like resume writing, problem solving
and communication.
►PREVENTION OF CORRUPTION ACT, 2018
►HIMAYAT MISSION
The Jammu & Kashmir administration is working on effective
implementation of Himayat Mission.
• The project aims to generate sustainable livelihood
opportunities through self-employment for the youth
of Jammu and Kashmir.
• It aims at providing entrepreneurial skills for sustainable
livelihood to 10,000 youth of J&K and facilitates access to
finance and support services to at least 50% of them over
a period of 3.5 Years.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• Youths/Students will also be received recommendations
on role-based education for specific jobs that include
technical and professional learning.
• Also it will be collaborated with other Indian and global
partners.
• IBM has agreed for the placement support for some of the
students/youths those who are completing the two-year
advanced diploma in IT, Networking and Cloud computing
course in IBM/through its channel partners based on
merits.
• It is implemented by Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship
Development Institute (JKEDI) with Entrepreneurship
Development Institute of India (EDI) Ahmedabad, as
coordinating /monitoring agency.
►SANKALP SCHEME
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has
called for SANKALP Scheme to focus on district-level skilling
ecosystem through convergence and coordination.
42
 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
• SANKALP scheme is an outcome-oriented centrally
sponsored programme of Ministry of Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship (MSDE) with a special focus
decentralized planning and quality improvement.
• The project is implemented with the support of World
Bank monetarily in line with the objectives of National
Skills Development Mission (NSDM).
• It focuses on the overall skilling ecosystem covering both
Central & State agencies.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME ARE
• Convergence: Creating convergence among all skill
training activities, both State-led and Government of India
funded, at the state level.
• Quality: Improving the quality of skill development
programs through building a pool of quality trainers,
developing model curriculum and content and
standardizing assessment and certification.
• Evaluation System: Establishing a robust monitoring and
evaluation system for skill training programs.
• Inclusiveness & Opportunity: Providing access to skill
training opportunities to the disadvantaged sections.
Creating industry-led and demand-driven skill training
capacity.
►FIVE-YEAR VISION PLAN
“EDUCATION QUALITY UPGRADATION
AND INCLUSION PROGRAMME
(EQUIP)” FINALISED
The Higher Education Department of the Union Ministry of
Human Resource Development has finalized and released a 5-
year Vision Plan titled as Education Quality Upgradation and
Inclusion Programme (EQUIP).
This Vision Plan by HRD Ministry is in accordance with Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s direction for finalizing a 5-year
Vision plan for each Ministry.
10 Focus Areas: EQUIP report has been prepared after a
detailed exercise done by Experts covering following ten
areas:
• Strategies for expanding access
• Assessment, Accreditation & Ranking systems
• Promotion of research & innovation
• Employability & entrepreneurship
• Using Technology for better reach
• Towards global best teaching/learning process
• Promoting Excellence
• Governance reforms
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• Internationalisation
• Financing higher education
on
►SHODH SHUDDHI
The union Ministry of HRD has launched the Plagiarism Detention
Software (PDS) “ShodhShuddhi”.
• This service is being implemented by Information and
Library Network (INFLIBNET), an Inter University Centre
(IUC) of UGC.
• PDS will significantly help to improve the quality of
research outcome by ensuring the originality of ideas and
publication of the research scholars.
►NATIONAL MISSION “NISHTHA”
LAUNCHED IN J & K
National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic
Advancement (NISHTHA) has been launched in the Union
Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is a pioneer scheme that was earlier launched across
country by HRD Ministry on August 2019. This National
Mission aims at improving learning outcomes at Elementary
level through integrated Teacher Trainings.
“NISHTHA” aims to build capacities of 42 lakh participants
covering all teachers and Heads of Schools at elementary
level in all Government Schools across India as well as faculty
members of State Institute of Education (SIE)/ State Council of
Educational Research and Training (SCERTs), District Institute
of Education and Training (DIET) etc.
MISCELLANEOUS
►PROMULGATION OF MINERAL LAWS
(AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 2020
The ordinance amended the Mines and Minerals (Development
and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), and the Coal Mines
(Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (CMSP Act). This shall open up the
coal mining sector completely, enabling anyone with finances
and expertise to bid for blocks and sell the coal freely to any
buyer of their choice.
MAJOR PROVISIONS
• Removal of restriction on end-use of coal: Companies
will be allowed to carry on coal mining operation for own
consumption, sale or for any other purposes, as may be
specified by the central government. They may also utilise
such coal in their subsidiaries’ plants.
• Eligibility for auction of coal and lignite blocks: The
Ordinance clarifies that the companies need not possess
43

any prior coal mining experience in India in order to
participate in the auction of coal and
blocks. Further, the competitive bidding process for
auction of coal and lignite blocks will not apply to mines
considered for allotment to: (i) a government company or
its joint venture for own consumption, sale or any other
specified purpose; and (ii) a company that has been
awarded a power project on the basis of a competitive bid
for tariff.
• Composite license for prospecting
mining: Currently, separate licenses are provided for
prospecting and mining of coal and lignite, called
prospecting license, The Ordinance adds a new type of
license, called prospecting license-cum-mining lease.
• Non-exclusive reconnaissance permit holders to get
other licenses: Currently, the holders of non-exclusive
reconnaissance permit for exploration of certain specified
minerals are not entitled to obtain a prospecting license or
mining lease. Reconnaissance operations
preliminary prospecting of a mineral through certain
surveys. The Ordinance provides that the holders of such
permits may apply for a prospecting license-cum-mining
lease or mining lease.
• Transfer of statutory clearances to
bidders: Currently, mining leases for specified minerals
(minerals other than coal, lignite, and atomic minerals) can
be transferred to new persons through auction upon
expiry. Such new persons are required to obtain statutory
clearances before starting mining operations.
Ordinance provides that the various approvals, licenses,
and clearances given to the previous lessee will be
extended to the successful bidder for a period of two
years. During this period, the new lessee will be allowed to
continue mining operations. However, the new lessee
must obtain all the required clearances within this two-
year period.
• Reallocation after termination of the allocations: The
original Act provides for termination of allotment orders of
coal mines in certain cases. The Ordinance adds that such
mines may be reallocated through auction or allotment as
may be determined by the central government. The
central government will appoint a designated custodian to
manage these mines until they are reallocated.
• Prior approval from the central government: Under the
orignal Act, state governments require prior approval of
the central government for granting reconnaissance
permit, prospecting license, or mining lease for coal and
lignite. The Ordinance provides that prior approval of the
central government will not be required in granting these
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
licenses for coal and lignite, in certain cases. These include
lignite cases where: (i) the allocation has been done by the central
government, and (ii) the mining block has been reserved
by the central or state governments to conserve a mineral.
• Advance action for auction: Under the orignal Act,
mining leases for specified minerals (minerals other than
coal, lignite, and atomic minerals) are auctioned on the
expiry of the lease period. The Ordinance provides that
state governments can take advance action for auction of
and a mining lease before its expiry.
►PARLIAMENT PASSES JALLIAWALA
BAGH NATIONAL MEMORIAL
(AMENDMENT) BILL, 2019
Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial (Amendment) Bill, 2019 has
been passed by the Parliament after it was passed in Rajya
Sabha. The Bill was earlier passed in Lok Sabha.
means • It amends the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Act,
1951.
• The Act provides for the erection of a National Memorial
in memory of those killed or wounded on April 13, 1919, in
Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar. In addition, it creates a Trust to
new manage the National Memorial.
• Composition of Trustees: Under the 1951 Act, the
Trustees of the Memorial include:
(i) the Prime Minister as Chairperson,
(ii) President of the Indian National Congress,
The
(iii) Minister in-charge of Culture,
(iv) Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha,
(v) Governor of Punjab,
(vi) Chief Minister of Punjab, and
(vii) three eminent persons nominated by the central
government
• The amendment seeks to make apolitical the trust that
runs Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial by removing the
clause pertaining to the President of INC as a
permanent member of the trust.
• Further, it clarifies that when there is no Leader of
Opposition in Lok Sabha, then the leader of the single
largest opposition party will be the Trustee.
• The Act provides that the three trustees nominated by
the central government will be trustees for a period of
five years and will be eligible for re-nomination. The Bill
allows the central government to terminate the term of a
nominated trustee before the expiry of the period of his
term without assigning any reason.
44
 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
►DISTRICT MINERAL FOUNDATIONS
Ministry of Mines organized the 1st National level workshop on
District Mineral Foundation (DMF)/Pradhan Mantri
KhetriyaKhanij Kalyan Yojna (PMKKKY). The main objective of the
workshop was to discuss various issues to expedite
implementation of DMF and developing strategies to address the
challenges, etc.
WHAT IS DMF?
• District Mineral Foundation (DMF) is a trust set up as a
non-profit body, in those districts affected by the mining
works, to work for the interest and benefit of persons and
areas affected by mining related operations.
• It is funded through the contributions from miners. Its
manner of operation comes under the jurisdiction of the
relevant State Government.
• Setting up of District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) in all
districts in the country affected by mining related
operations was mandated through the Mines and
Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act,
(MMDRA) 2015. On 16 September 2015, Central
Government issued a notification directing states to set up
DMF.
The Rates of Contribution Payable by Miners to the DMFs
1. 10% of royalty in respect of mining leases granted on or
after 12.1.2015; and
2. 30% of royalty in respect of mining leases granted before
12.1.2015.
THE PRADHAN MANTRI KHANIJ KSHETRA KALYAN YOJANA
(PMKKKY)
• The Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana
(PMKKKY) was launched by the Government which will be
implemented through funds collected under DMF.
• At least 60% of PMKKKY funds will be utilized for high
priority areas like: (i) drinking water supply; (ii)
environment preservation and pollution control measures;
(iii) health care (iv)education; (v) welfare of women and
children; (vi) welfare of aged and disabled people; (vii) skill
development; and (viii) Sanitation. The rest of the funds
will be utilized undertaking works like for: (i) physical
infrastructure; (ii) irrigation; (iii) energy and watershed
development; and (iv) any other measures for enhancing
environmental quality in mining district.
►NATIONAL RECRUITMENT AGENCY
(NRA)
Finance Ministry has approved the proposal for creation of
a National Recruitment Agency (NRA).
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• A new National Recruitment Agency (NRA) will be set up to
conduct the Common Eligibility Test (CET) for all the
competitive examinations, in which an estimated 2.5 crore
candidates appear annually.
• This is expected to streamline recruitment of Group-B
(non-gazetted), Group-C (non-technical) and clerical
posts in the government along with various equivalent
recruitment in Public Sector Banks (PSBs).
• NRA will conduct preliminary examinations for all these
recruitment, which are at present conducted by the Staff
Selection Commission (SSC) and the Institute of Banking
Personnel Selection (IBPS).
►ENEMY PROPERTIES
The Centre has allowed state governments to put to public use
some enemy properties that were left behind by people who
migrated to Pakistan since the Partition and to China after the
1962 Sino-Indian war.
WHAT IS ENEMY PROPERTY?
• Enemy properties are those properties that were left
behind by the people who took citizenship of Pakistan
and China. There are 9,280 such properties left behind by
Pakistani nationals and 126 by Chinese nationals.
• The Enemy Property Act was enacted in 1968 and it
regulates such properties and lists the custodian's powers.
• The act was amended in 2017 to ensure that the
successors of those who migrated to Pakistan and
China will have no claim over the properties left
behind in India.
►SWATCH SURVEKSHAN AWARDS
Recently President Ram Nath Kovind presented Swachh
Survekshan Awards 2019. Indore has been awarded the
cleanest city in the country in the Swachh Survekshan 2019
(SS 2019) awards while Bhopal has been declared as the
cleanest capital.
ABOUT SWACHH SURVEKSHAN 2019
• Swachh Survekshan 2019, like its three predecessors, was
conducted to study the progress of Swachh Bharat
Mission (Urban) and rank Urban Local Bodies in India on
the basis of cleanliness and sanitation.
• Apart from Lakshadweep, which has always remained
outside of the ambit of Swachh Survekshans, the state of
West Bengal (barring the three CBs within it) had also
opted not to participate.
45
 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
EVOLVING FOCUS OF SUCCESSIVE SURVEKSHANS
• In 2016 and 2017, the Swachh Survekshan indicators were
constructed with the purpose of monitoring progress of
ULBs towards Swachh Bharat targets.
• In 2018, the focus (and the indicator constructs) shifted
from process and outputs to outcomes.
• In the current round, having already reached an advanced
stage of achieving most of its targets, the Swachh Bharat
Mission – Urban had mandated that Swachh Survekshan
2019 focus on sustainability.
• The measurement indicators within the Survekshan were
redesigned to capture whether initiatives taken by cities
are sustainable in the long run, thus going beyond ODF
status and looking into usability of toilets and unit level
faecal sludge management, levels of cleanliness and waste
management protocols in place in every ward of a ULB,
and bylaws and regulatory compliance.
• Towards this end, over and above the three pillars of the
earlier Survekshans, viz. Service Level Progress and
Independent Validation, Direct Observation, and
Citizen feed-back, this year a fourth assessment
protocol was introduced by SBM – U, viz. certification
of cities on ODF+/ODF++ and Star Rating of Garbage Free
Cities by independent third parties.
►6th SCHEDULE OF THE
CONSTITUTION
The tribal areas under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution have
been exempted from the application of the Citizenship
Amendment Act, 2019. Also, the National Commission for
Scheduled Tribes (NCST) recently recommended ‘tribal area’
status for Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
WHAT IS SIXTH SCHEDULE?
• The Sixth Schedule under Article 244 (2) provides for the
creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADC) in an
Autonomous District and Regional Councils for
autonomous regions, and accords a host of legislative,
executive and judicial powers to these autonomous
bodies.
• It applies to certain tribal areas of the States of Assam,
Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
POWERS OF THE GOVERNOR IN RELATION TO 6TH
SCHEDULE
• The Governor has the power to annul or suspend any
act or resolution of a District or Regional Council which
he finds likely to endanger the safety of India or to be
prejudicial to public order.
• The Governor can suspend the Council and exercise all
the powers vested in the Council. However, the Governor
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
has to lay such an order before the State legislature as
soon as possible and the order shall, unless revoked by the
legislature, continue for a period of twelve months from
the date on which it was made.
• The Governor has the power to appoint a Commission at
any point of time to examine and report on any matter
relating to the administration of the autonomous districts
and regions in the State or may appoint a Commission to
inquire into and report on the administration of
autonomous districts and autonomous regions.
• Further, the Governor has the power to dissolve a
District or a Regional Council with the recommendation
of such a Commission
► BODO PEACE ACCORD 2020
In a significant step to end violence, a tripartite agreement
has been signed by the Bodos led by National Democratic
Bodo Front, Central government and the State government.
The agreement will pave the way for reorganization of
Bodoland Territorial Administrative District into wider
Bodoland Territorial Region.
ABOUT BODOLAND TERRITORIAL COUNCIL
• Bodo is one of the languages mentioned in VIIIth Schedule
to the Indian Constitution
• Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) is an autonomous
district council for Bodoland region of Assam constituted
under Sixth Schedule to the Indian Constitution. It has
46 executive members and is headed by the Chief
Executive Member.
• Area under BTC jurisdiction is officially called Bodoland
Territorial Area Districts (BTAD).
►GRAM PANCHAYAT DEVELOPMENT
PLAN-SABKI YOJANA, SABKA VIKAS
The central government to launch the People's Plan
Campaign, also known as “Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas”.
Objective: Is to draw up a development plan for each Gram
Panchayat (GP) in the country and place it on a website where
anyone can see the status of the government’s flagship
schemes such as SBM and PM Awas Yojana.
►VILLAGE SECRETARIAT
PROGRAMME
Village Secretariat system launched in Andhra Pradesh.
• Under the new system, the AP government, one Village
Secretariat has been set up for every population of 2,000,
46
 CURRENT AFFAIRS & RELATED CONCEPTS – INDIAN POLITY
with each one comprising close to a dozen village officials
from various departments like police, revenue, etc.
• The idea behind it is to ensure that its services reach
people on the ground, and also to strengthen the existing
Panchayat Raj system.
►GOAL (GOING ONLINE AS LEADERS)
INITIATIVE
Second phase of GOAL (Going Online as Leaders) initiative.
• GOAL (Going Online as Leaders) is a digitally-enabled
mentorship initiative of Facebook for empowering tribal
youth to become leaders for tomorrow in the respective
fields.
• GOAL Project is stated to aim at identifying and mobilizing
renowned people from industry (policy makers and
influencers), known for their leadership skills or roles, to
digitally empower and personally mentor tribal youth from
tribal communities across multiple locations of India.
• The initiative has been designed to identify and attach 1
Mentor who is expert in their respective fields, to four
tribal youth, who will be trained and mentored.
• Facebook had started a pilot project on its own in March
2019 in 5 states of India i.e. Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand,
West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra, wherein they have
identified 100 Tribal Mentees and 25 Mentors. Further,
Facebook envisages to identify 5000 tribals from various
fields to be mentored by 1250 mentors in 5 years in a
phased manner.
►INSTRUMENT OF ACCESSION
From 2020, people in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
had a public holiday on October 26 for the first time. The day,
which will be observed as Accession Day, marks the signing of the
Instrument of Accession by the last Dogra ruler of J&K, Maharaja
Hari Singh, with the then Governor-General of India, Lord
Mountbatten.
WHAT IS INSTRUMENT OF ACCESSION?
• As per the Indian Independence Act, 1947, British India
was divided into India and Pakistan and the roughly 580
princely states that had signed subsidiary alliances with
the British had their sovereignty restored to them.
• In essence, these princely states were given the option to
remain independent or to join the Dominion of India or
Pakistan.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
• According to Section 6(a) of the Act, before joining India
or Pakistan, these states had to sign an Instrument of
Accession, in which they would specify the terms on which
they were becoming part of the new dominions.
INSTRUMENT OF ACCESSION WITH JAMMU & KASHMIR
• Such an Instrument of Accession was signed by the
Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu & Kashmir on October 26,
1947- essentially, a treaty between the state of Jammu and
Kashmir and India. Mountbatten accepted it on October
27, 1947.
• Initially, the Maharaja had decided to remain independent
and sign standstill instruments with India and Pakistan, but
after tribesmen and army men from Pakistan invaded, he
sought India’s help, which sought the accession of the
state to the Dominion of India.
• The Schedule appended to the Instrument of Accession
gave Parliament the power to legislate in respect of J&K
only on Defence, External Affairs and Communications.
►KVIC’S INITIATIVES TO GENERATE
EMPLOYMENT
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and Goa
Government and have joined hands with an aim to generate
employment opportunities in Goa
ABOUT
• KVIC: The Khadi and Village Industries Commission is a
statutory body that was established under the Act of
Parliament, 'Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act
of 1956'.
• It is an apex organisation under the Ministry of Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises, with regard to khadi and
village industries within India, which seeks to - "plan,
promote, facilitate, organise and assist in the
establishment and development of khadi and village
industries in the rural areas in coordination with other
agencies engaged in rural development wherever
necessary.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF KVIC ARE AS FOLLOWS:
• To provide social employment.
• To produce saleable articles.
• To create self-reliance amongst the poor.
47
SECTION 2
ORE
 CORE – INDIAN POLITY
• Regulating act is considered the first significant step of the
CONSTITUTIONAL British Parliament to interfere into the affairs of the India.

DEVELOPMENT UNDER • Before the passage (and implementation) of the Regulating

Act (1773), British Parliament was primarily interested in
BRITISH RULE getting maximum revenue from the East India Company.
• After the Regulating Act, Civil and Criminal laws for India
►REGULATING ACT OF 1773 were also defined.
• It was first step taken by the British Parliament to
control and regulate the affairs of the EIC in India.
►PITT’S INDIA ACT OF 1784
• The Governor of Bengal (Fort William) was designated as
• The Pitt’s India Act, 1784 also called the East India
the Governor-General (of Bengal).
Company Act, 1784 was passed by the British Parliament
• Warren Hastings became the first Governor-General of to correct the defects of the Regulating Act of 1773.
Bengal.
• Company’s political functions were differentiated from its
• Executive Council of the Governor-General was commercial activities for the first time.
established (Four members). There was no separate
• For political matters, Board of Control was created and
legislative council.
for commercial affairs, the Court of Directors was
• It subordinated the Governors of Bombay and Madras to appointed.
the Governor-General of Bengal.
• It resulted in dual control or joint government in India by
• The Supreme Court was established at Fort William Crown in Great Britain and the British East India Company,
(Calcutta) as the Apex Court in 1774.Sir Elijah Imphey was with crown having ultimate authority.
the first Chief Justice of this Supreme Court.
• This act made the company directly subordinate to the
Why regulating act (1773) is considered the start of British government.
constitutional development of India?
• The Governor-General was given the right of veto.

►CHARTER ACTS
CHARTER ACT 1793 CHARTER ACT,1813 CHARTER ACT,1833 CHARTER ACT,1853

EIC’s Commercial EIC’s rule in India was Again rule was extended for 20 It extended companies Rule but
Privileges were extended for another years but Company’s monopoly in did not specify the time period.
extended for 20 Years 20 years. Trade trade was totally abolished.
Monopoly was ended
except for the trade in
tea and with China.

The company’s dividends The company’s dividend Governor of Bengal made Separated Legislative & executive
were allowed to be was fixed at 10.5%. Governor General of function of G.G’s council. Governor
raised to 10%. India.(William bentinck was the General’s Legislative council
st
1 G.G of India).deprived Governor came to be known as Indian
of Bombay & Madras of their Legislative Council.
Legislative power.

The salaries of the staff
and the Board of Control
were also now charged
to the company.
Granted permission to This act permitted the English to First time, local representation
the missionaries to settle freely in India. This act was introduced into the legislative
come to India and legalised the British colonisation council in the form of 4 members
engage in religious of the country. from the local governments of
proselytization. Bengal, Bombay, Madras and
North Western Provinces

This Act separated the Rs.1 Lakh were to be Attempted to introduce a system of It introduced an open competition
revenue administration set aside for spread of open competition for selection of for civil service. Civil service was
and the judiciary education and Civil servants. thrown open for Indians also.(

49
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functions of the
company leading to the
disappearance of Maal
Adalats (revenue courts).
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
knowledge in India. India’s first law commission was Macaulay committee on civil
set up under Charter act of 1833 services was appointed in 1854.)
and Lord Macaulay was made its
Chairman.

►INDIAN COUNCIL ACTS

INDIAN COUNCIL ACT 1861 INDIAN COUNCIL ACT 1892 INDIAN COUNCIL ACT 1909

The 1861 Act restored the legislative
powers of Bombay and Madras
Presidencies taken away by the
Charter Act of 1833.So It initiated
the process of decentralization.
The act increased the number of
additional or non-official members in the
legislative councils
This act is also known as Morley Minto
Reforms. (Lord Morley was secretary of
State and Lord Minto was Viceroy of India)
The size of legislative councils at the Centre
and the provinces increased.

It provided for representation of
Indians in viceroy’s Legislative council
i.e. central Legislative council which
was created by Charter Act, 1853.
It was the first step towards a
representative form of government in
modern India. It made provision for
indirect election of some of the members
of Central Legislative Council through
provincial council. However word
‘election’ was not mentioned in Act.
The legislative councils at the Centre and the
provinces increased in size.
The elected members were elected
indirectly.
The elected members were from the local
bodies, the chambers of commerce,
landlords, universities, traders’ communities
and Muslims. It introduced separate
electorates for the Muslims.

The legislative council had limited Members were given the right to ask The members could discuss the budget and
role.It was chiefly advisory. No questions on the budget (which was move resolutions. They could also discuss
discussion on finance was barred in the Councils Act 1861)or matters of public interest.
permitted. matters of public interest but had to give They could also ask supplementary
notice of 6 days for it.They cant vote the questions.
budget.They could not ask
No discussions on foreign policy or on
supplementary questions.
relations with the princely states were
permitted.

Provided for establishment of new
Legislative council in the provinces of
Bengal (1862), NWFP (1866) and
Punjab (1897)
The principle of representation was Lord Minto appointed (on much persuasion
initiated through this act. The district by Morley) Satyendra P Sinha as the first
boards, universities, municipalities, Indian member of the Viceroy’s Executive
chambers of commerce and zamindars Council.
were authorised to recommend
members to the provincial councils.

Lord Canning nominated three
Indians to the Council in 1862
namely, the Raja of Benares, the
Maharaja of Patiala and Sir Dinkar
Rao.
The legislative councils were empowered Two Indians were nominated to the Council
to make new laws and repeal old laws of the Secretary of State for Indian affairs.
with the permission of the Governor-
General.

►GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ACTS

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ACT,1919 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ACT,1935

The Dyarchy introduced in the Provincial Governments.The
provincial subjects were divided into two categories viz.
reserved and transferred. The reserved subjects were kept
with the Governor and transferred subjects were kept
with Governor acting with the Indian Ministers.
Abolition of provincial dyarchy and introduction of dyarchy
at centre.
With the abolition of Dyarchy at provinces, the entire provincial
administration was instructed to the responsible ministers who
were controlled and removed by the provincial legislatures.

50
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A bicameral legislature was set up at centre with two
houses viz. Legislative Assembly and Council of State.
Legislative Assembly was the lower house with three years as
its tenure. The tenure of Council of State was five years.
Under the Government of India Act 1919, the franchise was
restricted. There was no universal franchise, no adult
suffrage and no voting powers for women.
The act provided for the establishment of a Public Service
Commission in India for the first time.
The communal representation was extended and Sikhs,
Europeans and Anglo Indians were included.
►SIMON COMMISSION, 1927
• The Act of 1919, had provided for the appointment of a
Commission to review the provisions of the act. The British
Government announced the appointment of a Seven-
Member Statutory Commission under the Chairmanship
of Sir John Simon.
• All the members of the commission were British and
hence, all the parties of India boycotted the Commission.
Congress and Muslim League boycotted it where as the
Justice party of south India supported the government.
• Lord Birkenhead was responsible for setting up the
Commission.
• Clement Atlee was a member of the Commission. He
would later become Britain’s Prime Minister during Indian
independence and partition in 1947.
• In Lahore, Lala Lajpat Rai, who was leading the
demonstration against the Simon Commission, was
brutally lathi-charged. He died later that year due to
injuries sustained then.
►NEHRU REPORT, 1928
• Simon Commission was vehemently opposed by Indians
especially the Congress Party for the lack of a single Indian
in the Commission.
• So, the Secretary of State for India, Lord Birkenhead
challenged the Indian leaders to draft a constitution
for India, implicitly implying that Indians were not capable
of finding a common path and drafting a constitution.
• An All Party Conference was held and a committee
appointed with the task of drafting a constitution.
• This committee was headed by Motilal Nehru with
Jawaharlal Nehru as the Secretary.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
It introduced bicameralism in six out of eleven provinces.
Thus, the legislatures of Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Bihar,
Assam and the United Provinces were
made bicameral consisting of a legislative council (upper
house) and a legislative assembly (lower house).
The act extended the franchise. This act introduced for the
first time the direct elections. About 10% of the total
population got the voting rights.
Provided for establishment of Reserve Bank of India, separate
Public Service Commission for Federation and Provinces and
Federal Court.
Extended separate electorates for scheduled castes,
Women and Labors.
• The draft constitution prepared by the committee was
called the Nehru Committee Report or Nehru Report.
►INDIAN INDEPENDENCE ACT OF
1947
• The Indian Independence Act which came into force on
18th July, 1947, divided British Indian territory into two
new states: India and Pakistan, which were to be
dominions under the Commonwealth of Nations until their
constitutions came into effect. The Constituent Assembly
was divided into two separate states.
• To demarcate boundary line between India and Pakistan a
commission was constituted under the chairmanship of Sir
Cyril Radcliffe.
• The Act abolished the office of viceroy and provided for
each dominion, a Governor-General.
• Lord Mountbatten became the first Governor-General
of dominion India. Later, the Constituent Assembly
elected C Rajagopalachari as the Governor-General of
independent India.
India’s colonial past is divided into three distinct phases:
a) Under East India Company, which had charters from the
British Crown for trade and commerce
b) When the Viceroy was the administrative head of India and
c) When the British Parliament made rules of its Indian
Subjects.
The legal rulings during the first period were names as the
Charter Acts, When Viceroy was the administrative head, then
these were known as the Councils Act (India Council Act of
1861 etc) and when affairs of India were regulated by the
British Parliament directly these were called as the
Government of India Acts (GoI Act of 1919 and 1935).
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 CORE – INDIAN POLITY

► FRAMING OF THE Steering Committee Rajendra Prasad

Ad hoc Committee on the Rajendra Prasad

CONSTITUTION OF INDIA National Flag
• The idea of “Constituent Assembly” for India was mooted Finance and Staff Committee Rajendra Prasad
for the first time by MN Roy in 1934.
Credential Committee Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar
• The Constituent Assembly’s demand was first accepted
by the British in August Offer (1940). However, it was in House Committee B. Pattabhi Sitaramayya
Cripps Mission, that the British accepted for the
Order of Business Committee K.M. Munsi
Constitution Assembly consisting entirely of Indians.
The Constituent Assembly was set-up in November, 1946 Committee on the Functions of G.V. Mavalankar
as per the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946. the Constituent Assembly
• The elections to the Constituent Assembly was indirect. States Committee Jawaharlal Nehru
• There were a total of 389 members in the Constituent
Advisory Committee on Vallabhbhai Patel
Assembly of which 296 were elected by the members of
Fundamental Rights, Minorities
the provincial assemblies and the rest were nominated by
and Tribal and Excluded Areas
the Princely States.
• The strength of Constituent Assembly war reduced to 299 Minorities Sub-Committee H.C. Mookherjee
after the partition. Its first meeting was held on 9th Fundamental Rights Sub- J.B. Kripalani
December, 1946 with Sachidanand Sinha as the interim Committee
President.
North-East Frontier Tribal Areas Gopinath Bardoloi
• On 11th December, 1946, Dr Rajendra Prasad was
and Assam Exluded & Partially
elected as the President of the Constituent Assembly.
Excluded Areas Sub-Committee
Objective Resolution was moved by Jawaharlal Nehru.
• The Drafting Committee was appointed, with Dr BR Union Constitution Committee Jawaharlal Nehru
Ambedkar as the Chairman. Drafting Committee B.R. Ambedkar
• The Constituent Assembly took almost 2 Years, 11
Months and 18 days to complete its historic task of
drafting the Constitution for Independent India. ►SOURCES OF INDIAN
• On 26th November, 1949, the people of India through the
Constituent Assembly adopted, enacted and gave
CONSTITUTION
themselves the Constitution of India.
Fundamental rights, independence of
• The Constitution came into full operation with effect from judiciary, judicial review, impeachment
26th January, 1950. US Constitution of the President, removal of supreme
• When the Constitution of India came into force on 26th court and high court judges and post of
January, 1950, it repealed the Indian Independence Act. Vice President
India ceased to be a dominion of the British Crown and
Parliamentary government, Rule of Law,
became a sovereign, democratic and republic.
Legislative procedure, single citizenship,
FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY THE CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY British
cabinet system, prerogative writs,
Constitution
• It adopted the National flag on 22nd July, 1947. Parliamentary privileges and
• It ratified India's, membership of Commonwealth in the bicameralism.
May, 1949. Irish Directive Principles of State Policy,
• It elected Dr Rajendra Prasad as the first President of Constitution nomination of members
India on 24th January, 1950.
Concurrent List, freedom of trade,
• It adopted the National Anthem and National song on Australian
commerce and inter-course and joint
24th January, 1950. Constitution
sitting of the two Houses of Parliament
Committee on the Rules of Rajendra Prasad Federation with a strong Center, vesting
Procedure Canadian
of residuary powers in the center,

52
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 CORE – INDIAN POLITY
Constitution appointment of State governors by the • The Preamble does not grant any power but it gives a
Center and advisory jurisdiction of the direction purpose to the Constitution and also outlines its
Supreme Court objectives.

Weimar • The Preamble contains the fundamentals of the

Suspension of Fundamental Rights Constitution and serves the following important purposes:
Constitution of
during Emergency
Germany ο It contains the enacting clause which brings the
constitution into force
Concurrent List, freedom of trade,
Australian ο It declares the rights and freedoms intended for its
commerce and inter-course and joint
Constitution people
sitting of the two Houses of Parliament.
ο It declares the basic type of government and polity
Soviet
Fundamental duties and the ideal of which is sought to be established in India
Constitution
justice (social economic and political) in ο It throws light on the source of the Constitution viz. the
(USSR, now
the Preamble People of India
Russia)
• Thus, the source of the Constitution are the people
French Republic and the ideals of liberty,
themselves from whom the Constitution derives its
Constitution equality and fraternity in the Preamble.
ultimate sanction. The People of India thus constitutes the
Procedure for amendment of the sovereign political body who hold the ultimate power and
South African
Constitution and election of members of who conduct the government of the country through their
Constitution
Rajya Sabha elected representatives.
IS THE PREAMBLE PART OF THE CONSTITUTION?
Federal Scheme, Office of Governor,
Government of Judiciary, Public Service Commission • The Preamble of the constitution was added after rest of
India Act 1935 Emergency provisions and the constitution was already enacted.
administrative details • The Supreme Court in the Berubari Union Case (1960) said
that the preamble in not the part of the constitution.
Japanese
Procedure established by Law. • However, in the Keshwavand Bharti case (1973), the
Constitution
Supreme Court overturned its previous decision and held
that preamble is a part of constitution and can be
►PREAMBLE amended under article 368.
• Again, in the LIC of India case, the Supreme Court held that
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to
the preamble of Indian constitution is its part.
constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR
• In the SR Bommai case, the Supreme Court held that
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
preamble indicates basic structure of the constitution.
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
NOTE: “Objectives resolution” introduced by Jawahar Lal
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
Nehru was later Modified as a preamble of India.
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
WHAT PROVISIONS OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION CAME INTO
and to promote among them all th
FORCE FROM 26 NOVEMBER 1949?
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the
• Some provisions of the Constitution pertaining to
unity and integrity of the Nation;
citizenship, elections, provisional parliament, temporary
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of and transitional provisions, and short title contained in
November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO Articles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 60, 324, 366, 367, 379, 380, 388, 391,
OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION. 392 and 393 came into force on November 26, 1949 itself.
• The vision given in the Preamble of our Constitution is the • The remaining provisions (the major part) of the
guiding light for ensuring the spread and reach of the Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950. This day
political, economic and social democracy in the country. is referred to in the Constitution as the ‘date of its
• The word Socialist, Secular, & integrity were added by commencement’, and celebrated as the Republic Day.
nd
Constitution 42 Amendment. (The preamble has been
amended only once so far)

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►PART-III: FUNDAMENTAL
RIGHTS (F.R.)
• Rights can be classified into Natural Rights, Human Rights,
Fundamental Rights, Constitutional Rights and Staututory
Rights
• Natural Rights – Natural Rights are universal in nature
inherent to all living things.
• Human Rights – They are similar to natural rights i.e. they
are universal in nature but inherent only to humans.
• Constitutional Rights – These are rights provided by the
constitution to the people. Example: Article 326 provides
for inversal adult franchise.
• Statutory Rights – These are rights provided to people by
various laws passed by the legislature. Example:
NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY ACT, MGNREGA etc.
• Fundamental Rights – These are provided in Part-III of
the Indian Constitution.
• The entrenched Fundamental Rights have a dual aspect.
One, they confer justiciable rights on the people which can
be enforced through the Courts against the government.
Second, they also constitute restrictions and limitations on
government actions. Thus, a government cannot take any
action, administrative, legislative or punitive by which any
fundamental right is infringed.
• Entrenchment means that the guaranteed rights under
Part III of the Constitution cannot be taken by ordinary law
and such law curtailing any fundamental rights would be
declared unconstitutional on judicial review.
• As per Supreme Court has pointed out, the purpose of
enumerating fundamental rights in the Constitution “is to
safeguard the basic human rights from the vicissitudes of
political controversy and to place them beyond the reach of
political parties who by virtue of their majority, may come to
form the government at the Centre or the State.”
• However, fundamental rights are not absolute rights and
are subject to reasonable restrictions imposed in the
interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the
security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States,
public order, decency or morality, or in relation to
contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.
The Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution have
been grouped under the following heads:
Right to Equality Article 14 - 18
Right to Freedom Article 19 - 22
Right Against Exploitation Article 23 - 24
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
Right to Freedom of Religion Article 25 - 28
Cultural and Educational Article 29 - 30
Rights
Right to Constitutional Article 32 – 35
Remedies
►STATE (ARTICLES 12)
• According to Article 12, ‘the state’ includes the
ο Government and Parliament of India.
ο Government and Legislature of States.
ο All local or state authorities such as municipalities,
panchayats, district boards, improvement trusts, etc
within the territory of India or under the control of
Government of India.
• Over the years, the concept of state has been expanded
through the various judgments of Supreme Court.
Supreme Court have emphasised that the concept of
agency or instrumentality of the Government is not limited
to a corporation created by a statute but is equally
applicable to a company or a society.
• In the case of Ajay Hasia v. Khalid Mujib Sehravardi, the
Supreme Court laid down the relevant tests to determine
the existence of State agency or instrumentality:
ο If the entire share capital of the corporation is held by
Government, it would go a long way towards indicating
that the corporation is an instrumentality or agency of
Government.
ο Where the financial assistance of the State is so much
as to meet almost entire expenditure of the
corporation, it would afford some indication of the
corporation being impregnated with governmental
character.
ο Whether the corporation enjoys a monopoly status
which is State conferred or State protected.
ο Whether the State has a ‘deep and pervasive’ control
over it.
ο If the functions of the entity are of public importance
and closely related to governmental functions.
ο If a department of Government itself is transferred to a
corporation.
However, the Supreme Court added that these tests were not
exclusive and were merely indicative. The matter must be
decided on case basis whether on facts the body is
financially, functionally, and administratively dominated
by, or under the control of the Government and such control
must be pervasive and not mere regulatory. If these
54

conditions are met, then a body can be called ‘State’ under
Article 12.
►LAWS INCONSISTENT WITH
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS & JUDICIAL
REVIEW (ARTICLES 13)
ARTICLE 13 - LAWS INCONSISTENT WITH OR IN
DEROGATION OF THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
• Article 13 gives teeth to the fundamental rights and makes
them justiciable.
• Article 13(1) declares that all pre-Constitution laws shall be
void to the extent to the extent of their inconsistency with
Fundamental Rights.
• Article 13(1) - All laws in force in the territory of India
immediately before the commencement of this Constitution, in
so far as they are inconsistent with the provisions of this Part,
shall, to the extent of such inconsistency, be void.
• According to Article 13(2), the State ‘shall not make any
law’ which takes away or abridges the fundamental rights
and any law made by the state contravening any
fundamental right shall to the extent of such inconsistency
be void. This provision deals with post-Constitutional laws.
• So, we can say that Article 13 empowers judiciary,
especially the Supreme Court to act as the guardian,
protector and the final interpreter of the Fundamental
Rights. Supreme Court has also said that judicial review is
also one of the ‘basic feature’ of the Constitution.
• Parliament cannot curtail the power of judicial review by
passing any legislation or through a constitutional
amendment.
►RIGHT TO EQUALITY (ARTICLES 14-
18)
ARTICLE 14 (EQUALITY BEFORE LAW)
• Article 14 says that state shall not deny to any person
equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws
within the territory of India.
• Art. 14 is available to any person including legal persons
viz. statutory corporation, companies, etc.
• Art. 14 is taken from the concept of equal protection of
laws has been taken from the Constitution of USA.
• The concept of the rule of law is a negative concept while
the concept of equal protection of laws is a positive
concept.
• The concept of equality before the law is equivalent to the
second element of the concept of the ‘rule of law’
propounded by A.D. dicey, the British jurist. But certain
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
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exceptions to it are, the president of India, state governors,
Public servants, Judges, Foreign diplomats, etc., who enjoy
immunities, protections, and special privileges.
ARTICLE 15
• Article 15 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination
against any citizen on the grounds of race, religion, caste,
sex, or place of birth.
• However, as per Article 15(4), the government may make
any special provision for the advancement of any socially
and educationally backward classes of citizens or for
the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
• Article 15(5) provides that state may make law for the
advancement of any socially and educationally
backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled
Castes or the Scheduled Tribes in so far as such special
provisions relate to their admission to educational
institutions including private educational institutions,
whether aided or unaided by the State, other than the
minority educational institutions (referred in Article 30).
• The Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment)
Act, 2019 has added a new provision – Article 15(6),
whereby
(a) State can make any special provision for the
advancement of any “economically weaker sections of
citizens”
(b) State can make any special provision for the
advancement of any “economically weaker sections of
citizens” relate to their admission to educational
institutions including private educational institutions,
whether aided or unaided by the State.
(c) However, such reservation will not apply to minority
educational institutions.
(d) Reservation to such educational institutions would be in
addition to the existing reservations and subject to a
maximum of 10 per cent.
ARTICLE 16
• Article 16 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination in
employment in any government office. However, as per
Article 16(4), the state may make any provision for the
reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any
backward class of citizens which, in the opinion of the
State, is not adequately represented in the services
under the State.
• The Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment)
Act, 2019 has added a new provision - Article 16(6) where
the state may make any provision for the reservation of
appointments or posts in favour of any economically
weaker sections of citizens in addition to the existing
reservation and subject to a maximum of 10 per cent.
55

• The reservation of up to 10% for “economically weaker
sections” in educational institutions and public
employment will be in addition to the existing reservation.
ARTICLE 17 (ABOLITION OF UNTOUCHABILITY)
Article 17 says that Untouchability is abolished and its
practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any
disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offense
punishable by law.
ARTICLE 18 (ABOLITION OF TITLES)
• Article 18 says that no title, not being a military or
academic distinction, shall be conferred by the State. No
citizen of India shall accept any title from any foreign state.
• The awards, Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhuhan, Padma
Bhushan and Padma Shri, called as The National Awards
would not amount to title within the meaning of Article 18.
►RIGHT TO FREEDOM (ARTICLES 19-
22)
ARTICLE 19 FREEDOM & RESTRICTIONS
• All citizens shall have the right
ο to freedom of speech and expression.
ο to assemble peacefully and without arms.
ο to form associations or unions and cooperatives
ο to move freely throughout the territory of India.
ο to practice any profession or to carry on any
occupation, trade or business.
• However, the freedoms guaranteed by Article 19 (1) are
not absolute and each of these rights is liable to be
controlled, curtailed and regulated to some extent by laws
made by Parliament or respective State Legislatures.
• Accordingly clauses (2) to (6) of Article 19 lay down the
grounds and the purposes for which a legislature can
impose ‘reasonable restrictions’ on the rights guaranteed
by Article 19(1).
• Restrictions imposed under Article 19 (2) to (6) serves two
purpose:
i. they specify that these freedoms are not absolute but are
subject to regulation
ii. they put a limitation on the power of a legislature to
restrict these freedoms.
• Three important characteristics of reasonable restrictions
imposed are:
1. The restrictions can be imposed only by or under the
authority of law. No restriction can be imposed by
executive action alone without a corresponding law
2. Each restriction must be reasonable
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
3. There must be a purpose for which such restrictions are
imposed
• Reasonable Restriction open to Judicial Review -
Whether a restriction is reasonable or purposeful is to be
determined finally by Courts when a law is challenged as
unconstitutional. Hence, restrictions imposed by the
legislature on freedom are not final or conclusive and is
open to Judicial Review.
IS RIGHT TO INTERNET ACCESS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT?
• The Supreme Court declared that access to the internet is
protected under Article 19 of the Constitution.
• A three-judge bench of the Court affirmed that the right to
freedom of speech and expression, as guaranteed to all
citizens under the first section of that article, covers the
right to go online.
• In effect, even if left unsaid, this would make net access a
fundamental right.
ARTICLE 20 (PROTECTION IN RESPECT OF CONVICTION FOR
OFFENSES)
• No person shall be convicted of any offence except for
violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of
the Act.
• No person shall be prosecuted and punished for the same
offence more than once.
• No person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be
a witness against himself.
ARTICLE 21
• No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty
except according to procedure established by law.
• However, procedure established by law will have the same
meaning as that of due process of law as held in Maneka
Gandhi case 1978.
ARTICLE 21A
The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all
children of the age of 6-14 years in such manner as the State
may, by law, determine.
ARTICLE 22
• Any person who is arrested and detained in custody must
be informed about the grounds of his arrest. The person
arrested shall not be denied the right to consult, and to be
defended by a legal practitioner of their choice.
• Every person who is arrested and detained in custody shall
be produced before the nearest magistrate within a
period of twenty-four hours of such arrest.
• However, the protection guaranteed under Article 22 shall
not be allowed to
ο any person who for the time being is an enemy alien
56

ο to any person who is arrested or detained under any
law providing for preventive detention
• Preventive detention shall not be authorised for a period
longer than three months unless approved by an Advisory
Board.
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
ARTICLE 27
Freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of any
particular religion — No person shall be compelled to pay
any taxes, the proceeds of which are specifically appropriated
in payment of expenses for the promotion or maintenance of
any particular religion or religious denomination.

►RIGHT AGAINST EXPLOITATION ARTICLE 28

(ARTICLES 23-24) Freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious

worship in certain educational institutions
ARTICLE 23
Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour - Institution Religious Instruction
Traffic in human beings and beggar and other similar forms Government Not Permitted
of forced labour are prohibited and any contravention of this
provision shall be an offence punishable in accordance with Private (Aided) Permitted (Voluntary Basis)
law. Private (unaided) Permitted (Voluntary Basis)
ARTICLE 24
Administred by State Religious Instruction can be
Prohibition of employment of children in factories, etc.— (Established under religious indoctrinated. Eg.:
No child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed Endowment Act) Madrases, Christian
to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other Missionary Schools
hazardous employment.

►CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL

►RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF RELIGION
(ARTICLES 25-28)
ARTICLE 25
Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and
propagation of religion - All persons are equally entitled to
freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess,
practise and propagate religion. However, this right is subject
to subject to public order, morality and health.
RIGHTS (ARTICLES 29-30)
ARTICLE 29
Protection of interests of minorities
• Any section of the citizens residing in the territory of India
or any part thereof having a distinct language, script or
culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the
same.

However, the state can make any law to • No citizen shall be denied admission into any educational
institution maintained by the State or receiving aid out of
• regulate or restrict any economic, financial, political or
State funds on grounds only of religion, race, caste,
other secular activity which may be associated with
language or any of them.
religious practice;
ARTICLE 30
• provide for social welfare and reform or the throwing open
of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all Right of minorities to establish and administer
classes and sections of Hindus. educational institutions

The wearing and carrying of kirpans shall be deemed to be
included in the profession of the Sikh religion.
ARTICLE 26
Freedom to manage religious affairs – Subject to public
order, morality and health, every religious denomination or
any section thereof shall have the right
(a) to establish and maintain institutions for religious and
charitable purposes;
(b) to manage its own affairs in matters of religion;
(c) to own and acquire movable and immovable property; and
(d) to administer such property in accordance with law
• All minorities, whether based on religion or language, shall
have the right to establish and administer educational
institutions of their choice.
• The State shall not, in granting aid to educational
institutions, discriminate against any educational
institution on the ground that it is under the management
of a minority, whether based on religion or language.
ARTICLE 31
th
• Repealed by 44 CAA 1978; placed under Art. 300A
Providing for ordinary Legal Rights; Art. 31A; 31B; 31C were
inserted into the Constitution.
• Article 31A

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• Inserted by 1st CAA saves certain categories of Laws
(related to Agrarian reforms) on grounds of being violative
of Article 14; 19 & 31.
• (Presently only Art. 14 & 19)
ARTICLE 31B
• 1st CAA 1951; IXth schedule; completely immune fro
Judicial review; any category of law, I.R. Coelho case 2007;
complete Blanket immunity against Basic Structure;
subject to Judicial review post 24th March 1973 on grounds
of Basic structure Doctrine
ARTICLE 31C
th
• 25 CAA 1971; Laws to give effect to Article 39(b) & (c)
saved even if violative of Article of Article 14, 19 & 31
(presently Article 14 & 19); scope of Article 31C enlarged to
entire DPSP by 42nd CAA; Minerva mills case struck down
the enlarged scope; Doctrine of Harmonics Balance.
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
territory of India. It empowers the Parliament to indemnify
any government servant or any other person for any act done
by him in connection with the maintenance or restoration of
order in any area where martial law was in force. The
Parliament can also validate any sentence passed,
punishment inflicted, forfeiture ordered or other act done
under martial law in such area.
►RIGHTS OUTSIDE PART III
Besides the Fundamental Rights included in Part III, there are
certain other rights contained in other parts of the
Constitution. These rights are known as constitutional
rights or legal rights or non-fundamental rights. They are:
1. No tax shall be levied or collected except by authority of
law (Article 265 in Part XII).
2. No person shall be deprived of his property save by
authority of law (Article 300-A in Part XII).

►RIGHT TO CONSTITUTIONAL 3. Trade, commerce and intercourse throughout the territory

of India shall be free (Article 301 in Part XIII)
REMEDIES ARTICLE 32
4. The elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative
It deals with the right to move to the supreme court for the
Assembly shall be on the basis of adult suffrage (Article
enforcement of Fundamental Rights including the Writs of (i)
326 in Part XV).
Habeas corpus, (ii) Mandamus, (iii) Prohibition, (iv) Certiorari
and (iv) Quo warranto. Even though the above rights are also equally justiciable, they
are different from the Fundamental Rights. In case of
LOCUS violation of a Fundamental Right, the aggrieved person can
WRIT AGAINST WHOM
STANDI directly move the Supreme Court for its enforcement under
Habeas Corpus No State & Private Individuals Article 32, which is in itself a fundamental right. But, in case
of violation of the above rights, the aggrieved person
Mandamus No Public Authorities
cannot avail this constitutional remedy. He can move the
Prohibition Yes Judicial & Quasi Judicial High Court by an ordinary suit or under Article 226 (writ
Certiorari Yes Judicial & Quasi-Judicial jurisdiction of high court).

Quo Warranto No Public Authorities

►ARMED FORCES AND FUNDAMENTAL
RIGHTS ARTICLE 33
By article 33 of the Constitution, Parliament is empowered to
enact laws determining to what extent any of the rights
conferred by Part III of the Constitution shall, in their
application to the members of the Armed Forces or the
Forces charged with the maintenance of public order, be
restricted or abrogated so as to ensure the proper discharge
of their duties and the maintenance of discipline among
them.
►MARTIAL LAW AND FUNDAMENTAL
RIGHTS ARTICLE 34
Article 34 provides for the restrictions on fundamental
rights while martial law is in force in any area within the
►DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF
STATE POLICY (DPSP)
• The Directive Principles of State Policy are contained in
Part IV, Articles 36-51 of the Indian constitution.
• The idea of directives being included in the constitution
was borrowed from the constitution of Ireland.
• The fundamental rights and the directive principles have a
common origin but are differentiated on grounds of
justifiable and non-justifiable rights respectively.
• Basically, the idea is that the “state” should keep these
DPSPs in mind while framing laws, policies, ordinances etc.
They are basically a code of conduct for the legislature and
administrators of the country.

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 CORE – INDIAN POLITY

►DPSP CLASSIFICATION AMENDMENTS TO DPSP

The Directive Principles may be classified into 3 broad CONSTITUTIONAL

ARTICLE YEAR
AMENDMENT ACT (CAA)
categories—Socialistic, Gandhian and Liberal-intellectual. th
Article 38(2) 44 1978
SOCIALISTIC Article 39 (f); 42
nd
1976
Principal among this category of directives are: Article 39 A;
Article 43 A;
a) securing welfare of the people (Art. 38) Article 48 A
th
b) securing proper distribution of material resources of the Article 45 86 2002
th
community as to best sub serve the common-good, equal Article 43B 97 2011
pay for equal work, protection of childhood and youth
against exploitation. etc. (Art.39),
c) Equal justice and free legal aid (Art. 39A, added by 42
nd
►DIRECTIVES OUTSIDE
Amendment) PART IV
d) securing right to work, education etc. Art. (41),
Apart from the Directives included in Part IV, there are some
e) securing just and humane conditions of work and other Directives contained in other Parts of the Constitution.
maternity relief (Art. 42) etc. They are:
f) Participation of workers in management of industries (Art 1. Claims of SCs and STs to Services: The claims of the
nd
43A, added by 42 Amendment) members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes
shall be taken into consideration, consistently with the
g) Promotion of Co-operative societies (Art 43B, added by
th maintenance of efficiency of administration, in the making of
97 Amendment)
appointments to services and posts in connection with the
GANDHIAN affairs of the Union or a State (Article 335 in Part XVI).
Principal among such directives are: 2. Instruction in mother tongue: It shall be the endeavour
a) to organize village panchayats (Art. 40), of every state and every local authority within the state to
provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother-
b) to secure living wage, decent standard of life, and to
tongue at the primary stage of education to children
promote cottage industries (Art.43),
belonging to linguistic minority groups (Article 350-A in Part
c) to provide free and compulsory education to all children XVII).
up to 14 years of age (Art. 45),
3. Development of the Hindi Language: It shall be the duty
d) to promote economic and educational interests of the of the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language
weaker sections of the people, particularly, the scheduled and to develop it so that it may serve as a medium of
castes and scheduled tribes, expression for all the elements of the composite culture of
e) to enforce prohibition of intoxicating drinks and cow- India (Article 351 in Part XVII). The above Directives are
also non-justiciable in nature. However, they are also given
slaughter and to organize agriculture and animal
equal importance and attention by the judiciary on the
husbandry on scientific lines (Arts. 46-48).
ground that all parts of the constitution must be read
LIBERAL-INTELLECTUAL together.
Principal among such directives are
a) to secure uniform civil code throughout the country
►FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES
(Art.44),
b) Protection and improvement of environment and (F.D.)
safeguarding of forests and wildlife (Art48A, added by
• The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the
nd
42 Amendment) Constitution by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the
c) to separate the judiciary from the executive (Art.50), recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.
d) to protect monuments of historic and national • It was on the Soviet model that fundamental duties were
importance, and added.

e) to promote international peace and security.

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• They were originally ten in number, the Fundamental
Duties were increased to eleven by the 86th Amendment
in 2002.
• They are mentioned in the Article 51A, Part IVA of the
Indian Constitution.
• The Fundamental Duties noted in the constitution are as
follows:
It shall be the duty of every citizen of India —
1. to abide by the constitution and respect its ideal and
institutions;
2. to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our
national struggle for freedom;
3. to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity
of India;
4. to defend the country and render national service when
called upon to do so; They are non-justiciable in nature.
5. to promote harmony and the spirit of common
brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending
religious, linguistic and regional diversities, to renounce
practices derogatory to the dignity of women;
6. to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite
culture;
7. to protect and improve the natural environment including
forests, lakes, rivers, and wild-life and to have compassion
for living creatures;
8. to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit
of inquiry and reform;
9. to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;
10.to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual
and collective activity, so that the nation constantly rises to
higher levels of endeavor and achievement.
11.Who is a parent or guardian, to provide opportunities for
education to his child, or as the case may be, ward
th
between the age of 6 to 14 years. (added by 86
amendment act)
►PRESIDENT
• There shall be a President in whom the executive power of
the Union shall be vested.
• The President shall be elected by the members of an
electoral college consisting of:
ο Elected members of both Houses of Parliament; and
ο The elected members of the Legislative Assemblies (LA)
of the States including LA of National Capital Territory of
Delhi and the Union territory of Pondicherry.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
OATH OR AFFIRMATION
President shall make and subscribe before the Chief Justice of
India or, in his absence, the senior-most Judge of the
Supreme Court an oath or affirmation.
TENURE
The President shall hold office for a term of five years from
the date on which he enters upon his office and can be
eligible for re-election to that office.
QUALIFICATIONS
Is a citizen of India, has completed thirty-five years of age is
qualified for election as a member of the House of the
People.
RESIGNATION
President may, by writing under his hand addressed to the
Vice-President, resign his office.
IMPEACHMENT
• The charge to impeach the President shall be preferred by
either House of Parliament and the other House shall
investigate the charge; atleast 14 days-notice has to be
given in writing signed by not less than one-fourth of the
total number of members of the House.
• Such resolution has to be passed by a majority of not less
than two-thirds of the total membership of the House.
• If as a result of the investigation a resolution is passed by a
majority of not less than two-thirds of the total
membership of the House by which the charge was
investigated or caused to be investigated, declaring that
the charge preferred against the President has been
sustained, such resolution shall have the effect of
removing the President from his office as from the date on
which the resolution is so passed.
►VICE-PRESIDENT
There shall be a Vice-President of India who shall be the ex-
officio Chairman of the Council of States and shall not hold
any other office of profit.
ELECTION
Vice-President shall be elected by the members of an
electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses
of Parliament in accordance with the system of proportional
representation by means of the single transferable vote and
the voting at such election shall be by secret ballot.
QUALIFICATION
Shall be a citizen of India, must have completed 35 years of
age and is qualified for election as a member of Council of
States.
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 CORE – INDIAN POLITY
TENURE COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN PRIME MINISTER AND
Shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on CHIEF MINISTERS

which he enters upon his office. PRIME MINISTER CHIEF MINISTER

RESIGNATION Appointed by President Appointed by Governor
(Article 75) (Article 164)
Vice-President may, by writing under his hand addressed to
the President, resign his office. Based on advice of PM, Based on advice of CM,
President appoints other governor appoints other
REMOVAL
ministers. ministers.
Vice-President may be removed from his office by a Oath Administered by Oath Administered by
resolution of the Council of States passed by a majority of all President Governor
the then members of the Council and agreed to by the Holds Office during Pleasure of the Governor.
House of the People. However, at least fourteen days’ notice pleasure of the President
must be given of the intention to move such resolution.
Note : They can’t be removed by President and Governor as
OATH OR AFFIRMATION long as they enjoy majority in the Lok Sabha & State
Vice-President shall make and subscribe before the President Legislative Assembly.
an oath or affirmation.

 OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM

AND PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM
DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF ELECTIONS
PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM
All doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with
1. Political Party with President directly elected
the election of a President or Vice-President shall be inquired
majority forms the Govt. by the People
into and decided by the Supreme Court whose decision shall
Eg. PM leader of major
be final. party.
COUNCIL OF MINISTERS 2. Executives part of the Executives are not part of
• There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime legislature (No-separation the legislature.
Minister at the head to aid and advise the President who of Powers)
shall, in the exercise of his functions, act in accordance 3. Executive Accountable to Executives are not
with such advice Legislature Accountable.

• However, President may require the Council of Ministers 4. Lower House can be House can’t be dissolved.
dissolved before expiry of
to reconsider such advice.
the term.
• President shall act in accordance with the advice tendered
5. Less stable More stable
after such reconsideration.
6. Dual Executive Real Executive.
• The total number of Ministers, including the Prime
Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed
fifteen percent of the total number of members of the COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN INDIAN PARLIAMENTARY
House of the People. SYSTEM AND BRITISH PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM

• President shall administer to a Minister the oaths of office INDIAN PARLIAMENTARY BRITISH
and of secrecy according to the forms set out for the SYSTEM PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM

purpose in the Third Schedule. 1. Republic (Head of the Monarchy

State - Elected)
• The Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to
2. Supremacy of the Parliamentary Sovereignty
the House of the People.
Constitution
PRIME MINISTER
3. Any person can be Only MP can be appointed
The Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President and appointed as Ministers as Ministers.
the other Ministers shall be appointed by the President on (Max. 6 months)
the advice of the Prime Minister. 4. PM can be from any PM should be from only
House. Lower House.

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 CORE – INDIAN POLITY
5. No-tradition of Shadow Tradition of Shadow 3. Eligible to be Eligible to be appointed as
cabinet cabinet. appointed as Judge of Judge of H.C.
SC
4. Holds office during Holds office during Pleasure of
COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN UNION COUNCIL OF
the Pleasure of the the Governor.
MINISTERS AND STATE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
President
UNION COUNCIL OF STATE COUNCIL OF
5. Remuneration Remuneration decided by the
MINISTERS MINISTERS
decided by President Govenor.
1. Article 74 – Aid & Advice Article 163 – Aid and
6. Duties & Functions Duties & Functions of
President advice to Governor.
of Attorney General Advocate General
2. Article 75 : Article 164 –
(a) Advice GOI on (a) Advice concerned state govt.
(a) PM to be appointed by CM to be appointed by legal matters. (b) Represent concerned state.
President the Governor.
(b) Represent GOI in (c) Legal matters referred by
(b) Other Ministers on the (a) CM to be appointed by Courts Governor.
advice of the PM the Governor.
(c) Perform other
(c) Total Ministers not (b) Other Ministers by legal duties
more than 15% of the Governor on the assigned time to
total members of advice of CM. time by President.
House of People. (c) Total Ministers not
st
7. Privileges Privileges
[91 CAA, 2003] more than 15% of total
th
(a) Right to audience (a) Audience within the territory
(d) If disqualified under XI members of state
all courts in of the state (Article 177)
Schedule not to be Legislative Assembly
territory of India. (b) Similar position in State
appointed as Minister [Minimum at least 12]
st (b) Attend Legislature
for the term (or) till he [91 CAA, 2003]
Parliamentary
gets re-elected. (d) If disqualified under
Proceedings;
(e) Hold office during defection as minister
speak and take
pleasure of the for the term (or) till he
part in the
President gets re-elected
proceedings of the
(f) Oath administered by (whichever is earlier)
committee; No
President (e) Pleasure of the
right to vote.
(g) Salaries and allowances Governor
(c) Right to Private
to be determined by (f) Oath Administered by
practice (Criminal
Parliament. Governor case prior
(h) Collectively responsible (g) Salaries; allowances permission from
to House of People are determined by the govt.)
(i) Important decisions are State legislature
taken by cabinet (h) Collectively
responsible to state
legislative assembly.
►PARLIAMENT
(i) Important decisions There shall be a Parliament for the Union which shall consist
are taken by Cabinet of the President and two Houses to be known respectively as
the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the
People (Lok Sabha).
COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ATTORNEY GENERAL AND
ADVOCATE GENERAL
►LOK SABHA
ATTORNEY GENERAL ADVOCATE GENERAL
• Composition: representatives of the people chosen by
1. Article 76 – President Article 165 – governor appoints
direct election on the basis of the adult suffrage.
appoints
• The maximum strength of the House envisaged by the
2. Highest Law Officer of Highest Law officer of the State
Constitution is 552, which is made up by election of up-to
the Union Govt. Govt.
530 members to represent the States.

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• Up-to 20 members to represent the Union Territories
and not more than two members of the Anglo-Indian
Community to be nominated by the Hon'ble President, if
in his/her opinion, that community is not adequately
represented in the House.
• The total elective membership is distributed among the
States in such a way that the ratio between the number of
seats allotted to each State and the population of the State
is, so far as practicable, the same for all States.
• Lok Sabha shall continue for a period of five years unless
dissolved earlier. However, if proclamation of emergency
is in operation, the duration of Parliament may be
extended to not more than one year at a time and will
not extend beyond six months after the proclamation has
ceased to operate.
►RAJYA SABHA
• The origin can be traced to Montague-Chelmsford
Report of 1918.
• The Government of India Act, 1919 provided for the
creation of a ‘Council of State’ as a second chamber of the
then legislature with a restricted franchise which actually
came into existence in 1921.
• Article 80 of the Constitution lays down the maximum
strength of Rajya Sabha as 250, out of which 12 members
are nominated by the President and 238 are
representatives of the States and of the two Union
Territories of Delhi and Puducherry having state legislative
assembly.
• The members nominated by the President are persons
having special knowledge or practical experience in
respect of such matters as literature, science, art and
social service.
• The Fourth Schedule to the Constitution provides for
allocation of seats to the States and Union Territories in
Rajya Sabha.
• The allocation of seats is made on the basis of the
population of each State.
• The representatives of the States and of the Union
Territories in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the method of
indirect election.
• The representatives of each State and two Union
territories are elected by the elected members of the
Legislative Assembly of that State and by the members
of the Electoral College for that Union Territory, in
accordance with the system of proportional
representation by means of the single transferable
vote.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
• The Electoral College for the National Capital Territory of
Delhi consists of the elected members of the Legislative
Assembly of Delhi, and that for Puducherry consists of the
elected members of the Puducherry Legislative Assembly.
• The Council of States shall not be subject to dissolution,
but as nearly as possible one-third of the members
thereof shall retire as soon as may be on the expiration of
every second year.
QUALIFICATION FOR L.S.
is a citizen of India; not less than 25 years of age
QUALIFICATION FOR R.S.
is a citizen of India; not less than 30 years of age and makes
and subscribes before some person authorised in that behalf
by the Election Commission an oath or affirmation according
to the form set out for the purpose in the Third Schedule
DISQUALIFICATIONS
A person shall be disqualified for being chosen as, and for
being, a member of either House of Parliament if:
• if he holds any office of profit under the Government of
India or the Government of any State, other than an office
declared by Parliament by law
• if he is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a
competent court
• if he is an undischarged insolvent
• if he is not a citizen of India, or has voluntarily acquired the
citizenship of a foreign State, or is under any
acknowledgement of allegiance or adherence to a foreign
State
• If he is so disqualified by or under any law made by
Parliament.
• If he is disqualified under Tenth Schedule.
As per the Tenth Schedule, a member may be disqualified
• if he voluntarily gives up the membership of his political
party; or
• if he votes or abstains from voting in the House contrary to
any direction issued by the political party to which he
belongs, unless such voting or abstention has been
condoned by the political party within fifteen days.
• A member elected as an independent candidate shall be
disqualified if he joins any political party after his election.
►PRESIDING OFFICERS
• Chairman & Deputy Chairman of Council of States (Article
89)
ο Vice President is ex-officer chairman of Rajya Sabha.
ο Deputy Chairman is elected from among the members
of the council.
63

(a) May resign anytime by addressing resignation to
chairman.
(b) Removed by Effective majority; 14 days prior notice;
(Article 90)
• Vacancy of office of Chairman and Deputy Chairman
(Article 90 & 95)
ο Chairman Office vacant; Deputy Chairman acts as
Chairman.
ο Deputy Chairman also vacant; President may appoint
any Member of Rajya Sabha
ο During absence of Chairman and Deputy Chairman;
anyone according to rules of the House or anyone
determined by Rajya Sabha may preside.
• Chairman and Deputy Chairman not provide while
resolution for his removal is under consideration. (Article
92 & Article 96 - Speaker)
• While resolution for removal is introduced; No right to
Preside; Right to present; speaks and take part in the
proceedings without right to vote.
• Speaker and Deputy Speaker (Article 93)
ο Two members to be chosen from house speaker and
Deputy Speaker (as soon as possible)
• Vacation; Resignation and removal of Speaker & Deputy
Speaker (Article 94)
ο Shall vacate; if he ceases to be a member of the house.
ο Resign at anytime (speaker to Deputy Speaker and
Deputy Speaker to Speaker)
ο Removed by a resolution (effective majority)
• Article 98 – Secretariat of Parliament [common post
creation, law of parliament; until then rules made by
President in consultation with chairman and speaker]
• To take oath before assuming office (Every member)
• All question in any sitting of either house or joint sitting;
shall be decided by majority of votes of the members
present and voting; excluding speaker and chairman (or
someone acting as speaker and chairman) Eg. Selection of
speaker; Deputy Speaker; Deputy Chairman etc.
• Chairman / Speaker; not to vote in first Instance; vote in
case of equality of votes.
th
• Quorum (1/10 of the total members of the house); until
parliament by law otherwise provides.
• Presiding officer; adjourn or suspend until there is a
quorum.
• Penalty for sitting or voting (without oath, not qualified or
disqualified) (Article 104)
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
• Powers & Privileges (Article 105 & 194)
ο Rights and immunities enjoyed by members of
parliament collectively and individual capacity.
ο To maintain Independence and dignity of the Insittution
and also to carryout their functions effectively.
i) Right to freedom of speech
ii) Publication of the proceedings. Regulated by law of
parliament; until; similar to that at the Government
of the Constitution.
ο Such Privileges to other dignities as well
Eg. Attorney & Advocate General
Powers of the Presiding officers
Speaker
a) Complete powers to regulate proceedings of the House
(Article 122)
b) Certifying money bills
c) Presiding the joint sitting (Article 108)
d) Disqualification of members on grounds of Defection
e) Voting powers in case of Equality of vote.
Chairman: Chairman of Rajya Sabha enjoys almost similar
powers to that of Speaker, Lok Sabha.
Exceptions:
a) The chairman has no power to certify the Money Bills.
b) He has no power to preside over the joint sitting.
Note: Salaries; Allowances of members of Parliament are to
be determined by Parliament by a Law.
►CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY
PARLIAMENT
DURATION BETWEEN SESSIONS
• The parliament ordinarily meets in three sessions in a
year. These are the Budget Session, Monsoon session and
Winter session.
• The President shall from time to time summon each House
of Parliament but six months shall not intervene between
its last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its
first sitting in the next session.
SPECIAL ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT
• At the commencement of the first session after
ο Each general election to the House of the People and
ο At the commencement of the first session of each year,
• the President shall address both Houses of Parliament (LS
+ RS) assembled together and inform Parliament of the
causes of its summons.
64

ADJOURNMENT
• Adjournment of a house does not terminate the session of
the house.
• It merely postpones the proceedings of the house to a
future date. But prorogation brings an end to a session of
the house.
CHAIRMAN, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN
• The Presiding Officers of Rajya Sabha have the
responsibility to conduct the proceedings of the House.
• The Vice-President of India is ex-officio Chairman of Rajya
Sabha.
• Rajya Sabha also chooses from amongst its members, a
Deputy Chairman.
• There is also a Panel of Vice-Chairmen in Rajya Sabha,
the members of which are nominated by the Chairman,
Rajya Sabha.
• In the absence of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, a
member from the Panel of Vice-Chairmen presides over
the proceedings of the House.
REMOVAL OF DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL OF STATES
• He shall vacate his office if he ceases to be a member of
the Council
• He may at any time, by writing under his hand addressed
to the Chairman, resign his office.
• He may be removed from his office by a resolution of the
Council passed by a majority of all the then members of
the Council (Simple Majority).
• Atleast 14 days’ notice must be given of the intention to
move the resolution for his removal.
• Both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman shall not preside
over while any resolution for their removal is under
consideration.
• The Chairman shall have -
ο a right to speak,
ο take part in the proceedings of their removal but, shall not
be entitled to
ο vote at all on such resolution or
ο on any other matter during such proceedings.
RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS
• Every Minister and the Attorney-General of India shall have
the right to speak in, and otherwise to take part in the
proceedings of -
ο either House,
ο any joint sitting of the Houses, and
ο any committee of Parliament of which he may be
named a member.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
►BILLS
INTRODUCTION AND PASSING OF BILLS
A Bill is a draft statute which becomes law after it is passed by
both the Houses of Parliament and assented by the
President. All legislative proposals are brought before
Parliament in the forms of Bills.
Bills are broadly divided into two categories
a) Public bills: These bills are presented (necessarily) by a
minister. Public bill is a reflection of government policies. The
introduction of public/government bill requires seven days’
notice
b) Private bill: It is a type of bill which is introduced by any
member of the parliament other than a minister. It is a
reflection of stand of a political party or sentiment of the
opposition party. Introduction of private bill requires one
month’s notice. The first private member bill to become a law
was the Muslim Wakfs Bill, 1952
Procedurally, Bills can be classified as:
1. Ordinary Bill
2. Money Bill
3. Finance Bill
4. Ordinance replacing Bill
5. Constitution Amendment Bill
MONEY BILL
Under Article 110 (1) of the Constitution, a Bill is deemed to
be a Money Bill if it contains only provisions on all or any of
the following:
• imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of
any tax
• regulation of borrowing by the government;
• custody of the Consolidated Fund or Contingency Fund
of India, and payments into or withdrawals from these
Funds
• appropriation of moneys out of the Consolidated Fund of
India;
• declaring of any expenditure to be expenditure charged on
the Consolidated Fund of India or the increasing of the
amount of any such expenditure;
• receipt of money on account of the Consolidated Fund of
India or the public account of India or the custody or issue
of such money or the audit of the accounts of the Union or
of a State
MONEY BILL IN RAJYA SABHA
• Once a Money Bill is passed by Lok Sabha, it goes to Rajya
Sabha along with Speaker’s certificate that it is a Money Bill
for its recommendations.
65

• However, Rajya Sabha can neither reject nor amend such
Bill but can only recommend changes in the Bill.
• Rajya Sabha must return the Bill within 14 days, after
which Lok Sabha may accept or reject all or any of its
recommendations. In either case, the Bill is deemed to
have been passed by both Houses.
• Under Article 109 (5), if Rajya Sabha fails to return the Bill
to Lok Sabha within 14 days, it is deemed to have been
passed anyway.
FINANCE BILL
• Any Bill which deals with revenue or expenditure of the
Government is a Finance Bill.
• Finance Bill is accompanied by a Memorandum explaining
the provisions included in it.
• However, only those Finance Bills which are endorsed by
the Speaker under Article 110 (4) become a Money Bill.
• The rest can be categorised as
ο Financial Bill (I) and Financial Bill (II).
FINANCE BILL (I)
• As under Article 117(1) = [ includes any matters mentioned
in the Money Bill] + [any other matters related to revenue
or expenditure of the Government]
• Can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha on the
recommendation of the President.
• However, once it has been passed by the Lok Sabha, it is
like an ordinary Bill and there is no restriction on the
powers of the Rajya Sabha on such Bills.
FINANCE BILL (II)
• Is just like other Ordinary Bills that contain provisions
involving expenditure from the Consolidated Fund as
specified in Article 117 (3).
• Can be introduced in either House of Parliament.
ORDINARY BILL
Thus, every Bill other than a Money Bill and Financial Bill (I)
introduced in the Parliament acts like an Ordinary Bill.
ORDINANCE REPLACING BILL
• Ordinance replacing Bills are brought before Parliament to
replace an Ordinance, with or without modifications,
promulgated by the President under Article 123 of the
Indian Constitution.
• Ordinance to become a law needs to be passed by both
the Houses of Parliament and assented to by the President
within six weeks of the reassembly of Parliament.
CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT BILL
• A Constitution Amendment Bill under article 368 can be
introduced in either House of Parliament.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
• As per the procedure laid down in the Constitution under
Article 368, Constitution Amendment Bills can be of three
types:
1. Amendment requiring simple majority for their passage
in each House
2. Amendment requiring special majority for their passage
in each House.
Special Majority = Majority of the total membership of a
House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the
members of that House present and voting (article 368)
3. Amendment which needs to be passed by Legislatures of
not less than half of the States along with special
majority for certain constitutional provisions relating to
the federal character which may be categorised as
entrenched provisions.
ENTRENCHED PROVISION
It includes:
• Election of President, Manner of election of President,
Extent of executive power of the Union, Extent of executive
power of the State, High Courts for Union Territories
• Union Judiciary under The Union, The High Courts in the
States under The States or Legislative Relations under
Relations between the Union and the States, or
• Any of the Lists in the Seventh Schedule, or
• The representation of States in Parliament, or
• Any change in Article 368 itself.
►VARIOUS PROCESSES WHICH A BILL
GOES THROUGH
A bill has to pass through three stages. In each stage, there is
a reading of the bill, is why these three stages are known as
the first reading, the second reading and the third reading.
FIRST READING
• In the first stage, the bill is introduced in one of the Houses
of the Parliament.
• The mover of the bill just reads the title of the bill.
Normally there is no opposition at this stage. So usually
the bill is allowed to be introduced by a voice vote.
• If, in the stage of first reading, the bill is opposed, the
mover and the opposer of the bill are required to make
brief statements on the floor of the House. After that, the
vote is taken.
• Once the bill is cleared in the first stage, the presiding
officer of the House (the Speaker or the Chairman) sends
the bill for publication in the Gazette.
• Sometimes important bills are already published in the
Gazette before they are introduced in a House.
66

SECOND READING
This is considered the most important stage of law making in
the Parliament. At this stage there are several options.
• First, it may go straight to the House for consideration.
• Secondly, it may be referred to a Select Committee of the
House.
• Thirdly, it may also be sent to a Joint Committee of both
Houses.
• Fourthly, it may go for circulation for eliciting public
opinion.
In most of cases, the bill is referred to a Select Committee.
But, if the bill is of great importance, it is circulated among
the public to elicit their opinions and reactions.
Select Committee Stage: After initial discussion on the bill
during the second reading, the bill is usually sent to a Select
Committee for more critical considerations. The Chairman of
the Committee is appointed by the presiding officer of the
House (the Speaker or the Chairman). After a general
discussion, the bill is discussed clause by clause. Experts and
witnesses are invited to express their opinions.
The Report Stage: The Select Committee is expected to
submit a report to the House within three months. In the
Select Committee, the decision is taken by majority and the
report of the committee may include the recommendations
of the committee and the changes that it wants to be
incorporated in the bill.
Then the bill and the report of the Select Committee are
placed before the House for its consideration. At this stage,
amendments can be moved, but no member will be allowed
to move an amendment which seeks to defeat the main
purpose of the bill. The bill is discussed and put to vote clause
by clause. With the completion of this process the second
reading of the bill is over.
THIRD READING
• At the stage of third reading amendments are not allowed,
but the members are allowed to discuss the general
character of the bill.
• The bill, as a whole, is put to vote. If the bill is passed by a
majority, it is signed by the presiding officer (the Speaker
or the Chairman) and it is then sent to the other House in
which the bill has to pass through three identical stages.
• If the bill is cleared in all three stages by the other House, it
is sent to the President for his assent. If the other House
does not agree to the bill, already passed by one House, it
is free to make suggestions or propose amendments.
• But, if the amendments or changes suggested are not
acceptable to the House which had passed the bill, the two
Houses meet jointly to take a decision on the bill. In the
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joint sitting of both Houses, decision is taken on the basis
of majority vote.
• When the bill is sent to the President for his assent, he can
do one of the following two things.
ο He may give assent to the bill;
ο he may return the bill to the originating House for
reconsideration.
• If the bill is again passed by both Houses of the Parliament
with or without amendments, the President is bound to
give his assent to the bill. Thus, lawmaking in the
Parliament is a long and complicated process.
►OTHER PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS
QUESTION HOUR
• The first hour of every sitting of Parliament is generally
reserved for the asking and answering of questions.
• Parliamentary question is a technique of parliamentary
surveillance over functioning of the government.
• Members of Parliament are free to ask questions to elicit
information on matters of public importance and concern
from ministers of the government.
• The members of the government are bound to answer
every question asked in the Question Hour.
• Questions enable Ministries to gauge the popular reaction
to their policy and administration.
ZERO HOUR
The time immediately following the Question Hour has come
to be known as "Zero Hour". It starts at around 12 noon
(hence the name) and members can, with prior notice to the
Speaker, raise issues of importance during this time.
TYPES OF QUESTIONS
Questions are of four types - Starred, Unstarred, Short Notice
Questions and Questions addressed to private Members.
• Starred Question is one to which a member desires an
oral answer in the House and which is distinguished by an
asterisk mark. Supplementary questions can be asked
thereon.
• Un-starred Questions – which desires written answer to
whom it is addressed.
• A Short Notice Question relates to a matter of urgent
public importance and can be asked with shorter notice
than the period of notice prescribed for an ordinary
question. Like a starred question, it is answered orally
followed by supplementary questions.
• Question addressed to Private Member is asked when
the subject matter pertains to any Bill, Resolution or any
67

matter relating to the Business of the House for which that
Member is responsible.
►MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
Parliamentary proceedings have gained importance specially
after the trend of washout of sessions by opposition to fulfill
some of their demands. Let us understand how Members of
Parliament raise their voice on the floor of the House and
what are the different mechanisms which they can employ to
address their issues in the course of Parliamentary
proceedings.
MOTION
• A motion is a proposal brought before the House for
eliciting decision or for expressing the opinion of the
House.
• Every question to be decided by the House must therefore
be proposed by a Member as a Motion.
• Motions are the basis of Parliamentary proceedings.
KIND OF MOTIONS : 3 CATEGORIES
 SUBSTANTIVE MOTION
• It is a self-contained independent proposal submitted for
the approval of the House and drafted in such a way as to
be able of expressing the decision of the House.
• It neither depends nor arises out of any other motion.
• Eg. Motion of thanks of President addressed by the Prime
Minister, Motion of Adjournment, Motion of No-
confidence, Motion for removal of Speaker/Deputy
Speaker
 SUBSTITUTE MOTION
• Motions moved in the substitutions of the original motions
and proposing an alternative to it are called Substitute
Motions.
• Discussion is held on both original and substitute motions
together but vote of the House is taken only on Substitute
motion.
• Further if a substitute motion is adopted through vote,
then it supersedes the original motion.
 SUBSIDIARY MOTION
• It depends upon or relate to other motions.
• They by themselves have no meaning and are not capable
of stating the decision of the House without reference to
original motion or proceedings of the House.
• Subsidiary Motion are of three types namely 1. Ancillary
Motion 2. Superseding Motion and 3. Amendments
• Ancillary motions are recognised by the practice of the
House as a regular way of proceedings with various kinds
of business.
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• Superseding Motions are moved in a course of debate or
another question and seek to supersede that question. For
eg. Motion seeking recommittal of Bill to a Committee.
• Amendments seek to modify or substitute only a part of
the original motion. It is moved during the course of a
debate and if accepted the original questions stands
amended.
RESOLUTION
A resolution is also one of the procedural means available to
the members of the House and Ministers to raise a
discussion in the House on a matter of general public
interest. A resolution is in fact a substantive motion.
RESOLUTION V. MOTION
• All resolutions come into the category of Substantive
Motion but all substantive motions are not resolutions.
• Further all motions are not necessarily put to vote but all
resolutions are required to be voted upon.
NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION (RULE 198 OF LOKSABHA)
• The Council of Ministers remains in office as long as it
enjoys the confidence of Lok Sabha according to Article
75(3) of the Indian Constitution.
• The moment, it expresses a lack of confidence in the
Council of Ministers, the government is constitutionally
bound to resign whether or not the Prime Minister
recommends a dissolution of the House.
• In order to ascertain this confidence, the rules provide for
moving a motion to this effect which is called No-
Confidence motion.
• A motion of no-confidence once admitted has to be taken
up within ten days of the leave being granted.
• Notice of no-confidence motion can also be withdrawn by
members concerned by sending letters of withdrawal
signed by all the signatories to the notice before the item
is taken up in the House.
• Rajya Sabha isnot empowered to entertain a motion of
no-confidence because the government is collectively
responsible under the Constitution only to the directly
elected Lok Sabha.
CENSURE MOTION
• Whereas a motion of no-confidence need not specify any
grounds on which it is based, a Censure Motion must set
out the grounds or charges on which it is based and is
moved for specific purpose for censuring the government
for certain policies and actions.
• Censure motion can be moved against the Council of
Ministers or an individual minister for their failure of
commission or omission.
68

• No leave of the House is required to move a Censure
motion.
ADJOURNMENT MOTION
• A matter of urgent public importance can be brought
before the house through an Adjournment motion by
interrupting the regular business, if the Speaker agrees to
do so.
• The Speaker after the Question Hour calls upon the
concerned member to ask for leave of the House to move
the adjournment motion.
►PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES
TWO TYPES OF PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES IN INDIA
1. Standing Committees: Standing Committees are those
which are elected by the House or nominated by the
Speaker/Chairman every year or from time to time and are
permanent in nature.
2. Ad Hoc Committees: Ad Hoc Committees are those
constituted by the House or by the Speaker/Chairman to
consider and report on specific matters and expires as
soon as they have completed their work on allocated
matters.
 STANDING COMMITTEES
In each House may be categorised in terms of the nature of
their functions as follows:
FINANCIAL COMMITTEES
Eg Committee on Estimates of the Lok Sabha, Committee on
Public Accounts and Committee on Public Undertakings
STANDING JOINT COMMITTEES
Departmentally related Standing Joint Committees of the two
Houses
HOUSE COMMITTEE
Committees relating to day to day business of the House. Eg.
Committees on Absence of Members from Sitings of the
House, Business Advisory Committee, Committee on Private
Members’ Bills and Resolution and Rules Committee.
ENQUIRY COMMITTEE
Eg. Committee on Petitions and Committees on Privileges
SCRUTINY COMMITTEES
Eg. Committee on Government Assurances, Committee on
Subordinate Legislation, Committee on Papers Laid on Table
and Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes
SERVICES COMMITTEES
Committees concerned with the provision of various services
and facilities to members. Eg. General Purposes Committees,
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House Committee, Library Committee and Joint Committee
on salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament.
AD HOC COMMITTEES
May be broadly classified into two categories:
1. The Select or Joint Committees on Bills which are
appointed to consider and report on particular Bills. These
Committees are distinguished from the other ad hoc
Committees in as much as they are concerned with Bills
and the procedure to be followed by them is laid down in
the Rules of Procedure and Directions by the
Speaker/Chairman.
2. Committees which are constituted from time to time either
by the two Houses on a motion adopted in that behalf, or
by the Speaker/Chairman to inquire into a report on a
specific subject. Eg. Railway Convention Committee is
appointed from time to time, Joint Committee on Offices of
Profit and any other Committee appointed by the House or
by the Speaker/Chairman for some specific purpose are
other examples of such committees.
►IMPORTANT COMMITTEES
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
• Consists of 30 members of Lok Sabha
• Makes detailed examination of annual budget estimates
• Acts as a deterrent on extravagance of the government on
public expenditure
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE
• Oldest financial committee
• Consists of 22 members [15 members of Lok Sabha + 7
members of Rajya Sabha]
• As a matter of practice, a member of the opposition is
being appointed as the Chairman of the Committee.
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC UNDERTAKINGS
• Consists of 22 members [15 members of Lok Sabha + 7
members of Rajya Sabha]
• Examine reports and accounts of all the public
undertakings of the government
DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEES
• There are 24 Departmental Committees
• Consider demands for grants of respective ministries
• Examine Bills referred by the Chairman or Speaker
• Consider annual report of ministries
• Consider any policy documents referred by the Chairman
or Speaker
69

COMMITTEE ON PRIVILEGES
• Consists of 25 members [15 members of Lok Sabha + 10
members of Rajya Sabha]
• Looks into matters pertaining to privileges of members of
the House under Article 105 of the Indian Constitution.
BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE –
Help the presiding officer in the Planning of the Business of
the House.
• Committee on Govt. Assurances
• Makes Govt. accountable on any assurances given in the
houses of the parliaments.
COMMITTEE ON SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION
• Ensures executives accountable on various subordinate
legislations.
RULES COMMITTEE
• Frames the rules of the House; Procedure and conduct of
the House.
ETHICS COMMITTEE
• Oversee Moral and Ethical conduct of Members
• Prepares Code of conduct for the members
• Look into cases concerning alleged breech of code of
conduct.
GENERAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE
• to look into and advice on those matters referred to it by
the Presiding officer from time to time.
 FINANCIAL MATTERS
►ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT -
ARTICLE 112
• The President shall in respect of every financial year cause
to be laid before both the Houses of Parliament a
statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure of
the Government of India for that year, referred to as the
“Annual Financial Statement”.
• The estimates of expenditure embodied in the annual
financial statement shall show separately–
ο Sums required to meet expenditure charged upon
Consolidated Fund of India (CFI)
ο Sums required to meet other expenditure proposed to
be made from the Consolidated Fund of India.
ο And shall distinguish expenditure on revenue account
from other expenditure
EXPENDITURE CHARGED UPON CFI
Estimates as relates to expenditure charged upon CFI shall
not be submitted to the vote of Parliament.
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DEMAND FOR GRANT
 Article 113
• Estimates of expenditure from the CFI shall be submitted
in the form of Demand for Grants which shall be voted
upon by Lok Sabha.
• Demand for Grants shall be made on the recommendation
of the President.
• The Demands for Grants are presented to the Lok Sabha
along with the Annual Financial Statement.
• Generally, one Demand for Grant is presented in respect
of each Ministry or Department.
• With regard to Union Territories without Legislature, a
separate Demand is presented for each of such Union
Territories.
APPROPRIATION BILL
 Article 114
• All Demands for Grants voted upon and Charged
Expenditure is introduced in the Lok Sabha as
Appropriation Bill.
• The Bill gives legal authority to the government to
appropriate expenditure from CFI.
• No money can be withdrawn from the CFI except under an
Appropriation Act passed by the Parliament.
CONSOLIDATED FUNDS AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTS OF INDIA
AND OF THE STATES (ARTICLE 266)
• Article 266(i) provides for consolidated fund of the union
and states
• Article 266 (2) Public accounts of India and State.
• No money from consolidated fund of India or State shall
be appropriated except in accordance with law.
CONTINGENCY FUND OF THE INDIA (ARTICLE 267)
• Parliament may by law establish contingency fund of India;
such sum as determined by law.
• Fund are taken out to meet unforeseen expenditure.
• Expenditure at the Disposal of President.
• Money can be taken out pending Authorisation of the
Legislature.
Note: It is also provides for contingency fund of the state
[Article 267(2)]
►STATE LEGISLATURE
Constitution of Legislature of the States:
(i) Governor
(ii) Legislative Assembly
(iii) Legislative Council (only in certain states)
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 CORE – INDIAN POLITY
ABOLITION OR CREATION OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 1. Emergency arising from threat to security of the nation or
(ARTICLE 169) a part thereof – Article 352
• Parliament may by a law determine provided State 2. Breakdown of Constitutional machinery in a State – Article
Legislative Assembly of the State passes a resolution to 356
that effect; special majority 3. Financial Emergency – Article 360
• Not to be considered on Constitutional Amendment Act
under Article 368
►ARTICLE-352
COMPOSITION OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ARTICLE 171)
GROUNDS
rd
• Not more than 1/3 of members of Legislative Assembly
• President on his/her satisfaction proclaim emergency on
and not less than 40.
the whole of India or part thereof can declare proclaim
• Composition (unless Parliament otherwise provides) emergency on grounds of-
• Electoral College ο War
rd
i. 1/3 Electorates comprising members of Municipalities, ο External Aggression
District boards and other local authorities (Parliament
ο Armed Rebellion
may by law specify)
rd
• A proclamation can be made before the actual occurrence
ii. 1/3 by elected members of Legislative Assembly.
of war, external aggression or armed rebellion.
th
iii. 1/12by Electorates consisting of graduates (3 years in th
• Constitution 38 Amendment allows President to issue
possession of degree)
more than one proclamation at the same time.
nd
iv. 1/2 of Electorates consisting of teachers not less than
BEFORE 44TH AMENDMENT
secondary level. th
th
Before 44 Amendment, Emergency could be declared on
v. 1/6 to be nominated by the Governor.
grounds of
vi. (Art; Literature; Science; Social Service & Co-operatives)
• War
COMPOSITION OF LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (ARTICLE 170)
• External aggression
i) Not > 500; < 60 members; Direct Election from territorial
• Internal Disturbance
constituencies. th
But Constitution 44 Amendment substituted Internal
ii) 1971 Census – Number of seats in Legislative Assembly.
Disturbance with Armed Rebellion.
2001 Census – Adjustment of territorial constituencies.
ROLE OF CABINET
POWERS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WITH REGARD TO
President can issue Proclamation of Emergency or its
ORDINARY BILLS (ARTICLE 197)
Revocation only if-
• When Bill is passed from Legislative Assembly to Council.
• Union Cabinet including Prime Minister has communicated
i. Accept the Bill to the President of such intention in writing.
ii. Reject the Bill • Thus, the decision has to be taken collectively by the
iii. Don’t take any action for 3 months Union Cabinet.
iv. Make amendments and send it back to assembly which APPROVAL
is not acceptable to Assembly • The proclamation need to be approved by both Houses of
• In case (ii), (iii) & (iv) the Assembly can again sent the bill to Parliament within one month.
the Council; in this case the council can at the maximum • Thus, the proclamation if not approved by both Houses of
delay the Bill by one month. Parliament within one month shall cease to operate.
• After one month it will be deemed to be passed in the th
• Prior to 44 Amendment, the time require for approval by
same manner as passed by Assembly. both Houses of Parliament was 2 months. Constitution
th
Note: Even if they are rejected and council suggest 44 Amendment reduced it to 1 month.
Amendments Second time. • The proclamation approving emergency has to be passed
by each House by a total membership of each House
rd
and not less than 2/3 of the majority of membership
►EMERGENCY PROVISIONS present and voting in each House.
The Constitution envisages three types of Emergencies:

71
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th
• Prior to 44 Amendment, proclamation was passed by
simple majority in both Houses of Parliament.
TENURE
• Once approved by Parliament, the proclamation remains
in force for 6 months, unless it is revoked earlier.
• For continuation of emergency beyond 6 months, the
proclamation needs to be approved again by both Houses
of the Parliament.
REVOCATION
• It has to be revoked by President once Lok Sabha passes
its revocation by simple majority of the members of the
House present and voting.
th
• If 1/10 of the total members of Lok Sabha has given in
writing their intention to revoke proclamation
emergency
ο to the Speaker in writing if the House is in session;
ο to the President if the House is not in session
ο a special sitting of the House shall be convened within
14 days.
EFFECT
• Parliament becomes empowered to make laws with
respect to any matter enumerated in State List under
Schedule VII.
• Article 19 remains suspended.
• Right to move Court under Part III of the Indian
Constitution shall remain suspended except Article 20 and
21.
• Parliament can extend the life of Lok Sabha beyond its
normal period of 5 years by 1 year each time subject to a
maximum period of 6 months after the proclamation has
cease to operate.
►ARTICLE 356 - FAILURE OF
CONSTITUTIONAL MACHINERY IN
STATE
GROUNDS
If the President on receipt of report from Governor of a state
or otherwise is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which
the Government of the State cannot be carried on in
accordance with Constitutional Provisions, the President
may assume to himself
• all or any of the functions of the Government of the State
• all or any of the powers vested in or exercisable by the
Governor
• declare that the powers of State Legislature are to be
exercised by Parliament
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• President may even suspend in whole or in part the
provision of the Constitution relating to anybody or
authority in the State.
• President cannot assume to himself powers of High Court
APPROVAL
• Every such proclamation shall be laid before each House of
Parliament.
• Such proclamation needs to be approved within 2 months
by each House of Parliament by simple majority.
TENURE
• The proclamation once approved shall be in force for a
period of 6 months.
• The life of proclamation can be extended for further 6
of months if both Houses approves its continuance by
passing it.
• Maximum time for which such a proclamation remains in
force is for 3 years.
CONSTITUTION 44TH AMENDMENT
As per 44
th
Amendment, the following conditions must be
fulfilled for the proclamation to be carried beyond 1 year-
• Proclamation for emergency under Article 352 must be in
operation in the whole of India, or the concerned State or
in part of the State.
• Election Commission certifies that continuation in force of
proclamation under Article 356 is necessary on account of
holding elections to the concerned Legislative Assembly.
EFFECT
State Legislature ceases to function as it is either dissolved or
is kept in suspended animation.
►FINANCIAL EMERGENCY – ARTICLE
360
GROUNDS
• If the President is satisfied that financial stability or credit
of India or any part thereof is threatened, he may by
proclamation under Article 360 make a declaration.
• A proclamation under Article 360 can be revoked by a
subsequent proclamation.
APPROVAL
Such proclamation
• shall be laid before each House of Parliament.
• shall cease to operate at the expiration of 2 months,
unless before the expiration of that period it has been
approved by resolutions of both Houses of Parliament by
simple majority.
EFFECT
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 CORE – INDIAN POLITY
• Reduction of salaries and allowances of government of the Supreme Court, and High Courts as he/she deems
employees necessary.
• All Money Bills, Finance Bills or other Bills involving • The consultation with the Chief Justice is obligatory in
expenditure from State Consolidated Fund shall be the case of appointment of judge other than Chief
reserved for consent of the President after being passed Justice.
by State Legislature QUALIFICATIONS FOR SC JUDGES
MARTIAL LAW VS NATIONAL EMERGENCY • A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a Judge
MARTIAL LAW NATIONAL EMERGENCY of the Supreme Court unless he/she
ο is a citizen of India, and
It affects not only Fundamental
Rights but also Center-State ο has been for at least five years a judge of a High Court

It affects only relations, distribution of revenues or a two such Courts in succession; or has been for at
Fundamental Rights and Legislative powers between least ten years an advocate of a High Court or of two
Center and States and may extend or more such Courts in succession;
the tenure of the Parliament. ο is, in the opinion of the President, a distinguished
jurist.
It suspends the
Position of the government and • A Judge of the Supreme Court continues to hold the office
government and
ordinary law courts in unaffected. till he/she attains the age of 65 years.
ordinary law courts.
• A Judge of the Supreme Court may tender his/her
It is imposed to restore
It can be imposed only on three resignation to the President even before he/she reaches
the breakdown of law
grounds-war, external aggression age of 65 years.
and order due to any
or armed rebellion. • A Judge of Supreme Court, after retirement, shall not do
reason.
legal practice in any court in the territory of India and
It is imposed in some shall not plead before any authority under the
It is imposed either in the whole
specific area of the Government.
country or in any part of it.
country
REMOVAL OF A SC JUDGE
It has no specific Procedure of Removal of Judge of Supreme Court (Article
It has specific and detailed
provision in the 124(4)) (Under Judges Enquiry Act, 1968)
provision in the Constitution. It is
Constitution. It is
implicit.
explicit. 
Judge of Supreme Court can only be removed on the grounds
of proved misbehavior or incapacity.
►JUDICIARY 
A motion seeks to remove judge can be presented in either
►SUPREME COURT
house of Parliament.
• The Constitutional provisions related to the Supreme
Court are contained in Part V from Articles 124 to 147. 
Initially, there was a Chief Justice and seven other Judges in Such removal motion shall be signed by 100 members if it is
the Supreme Court and now the number has increased to introduced in Loksabha or 50 members in case of
34 judges including the Chief Justice of India in 2019. The Rajyasabha.
Parliament has given the power to increase the number of

Supreme Court judges, according to the needs and
The Speaker or Chairman, as the case may be, may admit or
circumstances.
refuse to admit the motion.
APPOINTMENT OF SC JUDGES
• The Chief Justice is appointed by the President after

consultation with such Judges of the Supreme Court and If admitted the speaker / chairman will appoint a committee
High Court as he/she deems necessary. comprising of (a) Chief justice or a judge of Supreme Court,
(b) Chief Justice of a high court and (c) a distinguished jurist,
• The other judges are appointed by the President after
to investigate the charges on the judge.
consultation with the Chief Justice and such other judges

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 CORE – INDIAN POLITY
The Committee should submit its report to the house which importance; High Court opinion is to Supreme Court to
appointed such committee. The report is also shared with divide; certificate issued by High Court (Art. 34A)
other house. However recommendation of such committee is • Appeal in cases of Criminal matters; Sentence is Death
not binding on the Parliament. (Matter of Right); or certified by High Court under article
 134A.
POWER TO ISSUE WRITS
The motion, if taken for consideration by the house, has to be
passed by special majority • The supreme court can issue writs for the protection of
Fundamental Rights under Article 32 of the constitution.

• The Supreme Court can issue writs for the protection of
If the bill is passed it is sent to second house for their
Legal Rights apart from Fundamental Rights under article
consideration.
139 if Parliament by Law empowers the Supreme Court.
 EXTRAORDINARY POWERS OF THE SUPREME COURT
(Such motion must be passed by both houses separately with (ARTICLE 142)
special majority. There is no provision of joint sitting.) • Article 142 provides discretionary power to the Supreme
 Court as it states that the court in the exercise of its
jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is
If, the other house also passes the motion with special
necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or
majority, then it is addressed to the President
matter pending before it.
 • Of late, Art 142 has been invoked by the SC during the
Finally, President passes the order to remove removing Ayodhya judgment.
judge.

POWERS AND JURISDICTION OF SUPREME COURT POWERS TO REVIEW ITS OWN ORDERS AND DECISIONS
(i) Original Jurisdiction (ARTICLE 137)

(ii) Appellate Jurisdiction • Supreme Court has the power to review its own orders
and judgements.
(iii) Writ Jurisdiction
• Subject to
(iv) Extraordinary powers
(i) Rules made by Supreme Court (Article 145)
(v) Power to review its own orders
(ii) Law made by Parliament
(vi) Law declared by Supreme Court binding on all courts.
LAW DECLARED BY THE SUPREME COURT TO BE BINDING
(vii) Rule making Power (Article 145)
ON ALL COURTS (ARTICLE 141)
(viii) Appeal by Special Leave
Supreme Court decision binding upon all courts within the
(ix) Advisory Jurisdiction of Supreme Court
territory of India.
(x) Contempt Powers
RULE MAKING POWER OF THE SUPREME COURT
ORIGINAL JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT
Subject to Law of Parliament; Supreme Court to make rules;
(ARTICLE 131)
with approval of President; regulating general practice and
• Government of India v/s State or States Procedure in the House.
• Government of India and State v/s State / States APPEAL BY SPECIAL LEAVE
• State v/s State (two or more states) The Supreme Court under Article 136 enjoys the power of
APPELLATE JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT granting special leave to appeal from any Judgement,
(ARTICLE 132; ARTICLE 133; ARTICLE 134 & ARTICLE 134A) decree, order or sentence in any case or matter passed by
• Appeal on Civil, Criminal or other proceedings to Supreme any Court or tribunal except court martial.
Court; Provided High Court grants a certificate; (Article • Under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996,
134A); it involves substantial question of law relating to International Commercial Arbitration can also be initiated
interpretation of constitution. in the Supreme Court.
• Appellate Jurisdiction of Supreme Court in Civil Matters • Parliament is authorised to confer on the Supreme Court
[Article 133]; Case involves Substantial question of general any further powers to entertain and hear appeals from any

74
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judgement, final order or sentence in a criminal
proceeding of a High Court.
ADVISORY JURISDICTION
• Under Article 143, The President can refer to the Court
either a question of law or a question of fact, provided that it
is of public importance. However, it is not compulsory for
the Court to give its advice.
• The President is empowered to refer to the Supreme Court
for its opinion, disputes arising out of any treaty,
agreement etc., which had been entered into or executed
before the commencement of the Constitution.
CONTEMPT POWERS
• Article 129 of the Constitution empowers the SC and HC
respectively to punish people for their respective
contempt.
• Article 19(2) permits government to impose reasonable
restriction on the freedom of speech and expression on
grounds of contempt of court.
• Contempt refers to the offence of showing disrespect to
the dignity or authority of a court.
• In India, the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, divides
contempt into:
1. Civil contempt: - wilful disobedience to any judgment,
decree, direction, order, writ or other processes of a Court
or wilful breach of an undertaking given to the court’
2. Criminal contempt: - publication (whether by words,
spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation,
or otherwise) of any matter or the doing of any other act
whatsoever which:
ο Scandalises the court (Statements or publications which
have effect of undermining public confidence in
Judiciary).
ο Prejudices any judicial proceeding
ο Interferes with administration of justice in any other
manner.
• An amendment was done to the Contempt of Court act in
2006 clarifies that the Court may impose punishment for
contempt only
ο when it is satisfied that the act substantially interferes
with the due course of justice.
ο court may permit, in any proceeding for contempt of
court, justification by truth as a valid defence if it is
satisfied that it is in public interest and the request for
invoking the said defence is bona fide.
The limitation period of actions of contempt is one year
from the date on which the contempt is alleged to have been
committed.
NOTE: HC has similar powers under Artcle 215
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
A COURT OF RECORD
• Article 129 states that the Supreme Court of India shall be
a Court of Record. As a Court of Records, the Supreme
Court has two powers These are:-
• The Judgements, proceedings and acts of the Supreme
Court are recorded for perpetual memory and testimony.
These are recognised as legal precedents and legal
references.
• The Supreme Court has power to punish for contempt of
court, either with simple imprisonment for a term up to 6
months or with fine up to 2,000 or with both.
►HIGH COURTS
There shall be High Court for each state according to Article
124 of the Constitution.
JURISDICTION OF HIGH COURTS
Doesn’t provide for any general jurisdiction of the Courts
(Article 225); says as it existed at the commencement of the
Constitution; subject to Law made by Parliament & State
legislature.
ORIGINAL JURISDICTION
• No original jurisdiction in case of Criminal matters; original
jurisdiction in certain civil cases of Higher value.
• Appellate Jurisdiction
• Both Civil and Criminal Matters
• Letter Patent Appeal in case of High Court of Allahabad;
Bombay; Calcutta; Madras and Patna High Courts.
HIGH COURT’S POWER OF SUPERINTENDENCE (ARTICLE
227)
• Every High Court has superintendence over all courts and
tribunals throughout the territories in relation to which it
exercises jurisdiction.
• Issue general rules; regulating practicing and proceeding in
the courts; prescribe forms in which entries and accounts
to be kept.
NOTE:
(i) Such rules require previous approval of Governor and
Not in violation of any law.
(ii) Armed forces Tribunal doesn’t fall with the Jurisdiction
of High Court.
WRIT JURISDICTION (ARTICLE 226)
• Writ Jurisdiction throughout the territory in relation to
which it exercises jurisdiction.
• Not only for violation Fundamental Rights but for other
purpose as well (legal rights).
75

►TRIBUNALS
►CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE
TRIBUNALS (CAT)
• Part XIV-A of the constitution provides for the tribunals.
The provision was added through 42nd Amendment Act,
1976. Article 323A and 323B provide for Administrative
Tribunals and Tribunals related to other matters
respectively.
• The Administrative Tribunals Act in 1985 enacted by the
Parliament authorises the central government to establish
central administrative tribunal and the state administrative
tribunals.
• The principal bench of the Central Administrative Tribunals
is located at Delhi. In addition to this, there are additional
benches in different states. At present there are 17 regular
benches and 4 circuit benches.
• Jurisdiction of CAT extends over all service matters
concerning the following:
a) a member of any All-India Service
b) a person appointed to any civil service of the Union or
any civil post under the union
c) a civilian appointed to any defence services or a post
connected with defence
• However, the members of the defence forces, officers,
staff of the Supreme Court and the secretarial staff of
the Parliament are not covered under the jurisdiction
of CAT.
• Structure of CAT
ο a chairman,
ο vice- chairman and
ο other members who are appointed by the President.
• The membership of CAT is filled by members from judicial
and administrative fields. The term of the service is 5
years or until the age of 65 years for chairman and
vice- chairmen and 62 years for members, whichever is
earlier.
• The chairman, vice-chairman or any other member may
address his resignation to the president in between his
term of office.
WORKING OF CAT
• CAT is not bound by the procedure laid down in the Code
of Civil Procedure, 1908, but is guided by the principles of
natural justice.
• A tribunal has the same powers as are vested in a civil
court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
A person making an application to a tribunal may either
appear in person or take the assistance of a legal practitioner.
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CORE – INDIAN POLITY
►GOVERNOR
FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNOR
The State Executive consists of the Governor, who is the head
of the head of the State, and the Council of Ministers with the
Chief Minister at its head. He acts as:
• Constitutional Head of a State under Article 153 and 154,
and as
• An agent of the Centre as he holds office during the
pleasure of the President under Article 156.
CONTROVERSY
• Controversy arises when both functions of the Governor
overlap and the question arises as to which function
supersedes which in this era of multi-party system. This
dual function of the Governor in recent times has created
enough controversies where different parties enjoy power
at the Centre and in the States.
WHY THIS DUAL FUNCTION?
• Constituent Assembly adopted the system of centrally
nominated, rather than elected Governor as that would
keep the Centre in touch with the State and would remove
a source of possible “separatist tendencies” of States.
• Hence exercise of discretionary power by Governor as
Centre’s representative is constitutionally justifiable.
DISCRETIONARY POWERS OF THE GOVERNOR
• The Constitution has not explicitly defined or described
Governor’s discretionary powers and provides no
guidelines for deciding as to which matters may fall under
this category and in effect the final judge of the matter is
the Governor himself under Article 163(2).
• However, going by the various provisions of the
Constitution, one can decipher several categories of
actions which the Governor “may” take in his discretion:
1. Under Article 200, Governor can reserve any Bill for the
consideration of the President which in the opinion of
Governor derogates from the powers of High Court as
to endanger the position which that Court is by this
Constitution designed to fill.
2. To reserve any other Bill as he deems fit.
3. To appoint the Chief Minister of State under Article
164(1).
4. To dismiss the ministry as the Chief Minister and other
Ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the
Governor under Article 164(1)
5. Governor’s report under Article356 in case of failure of
Constitutional machinery in States.
6. Governor’s responsibility for certain regions such as the
Tribal Areas in Assam and responsibilities placed on the
76

Governor under Article 371A (Nagaland), 371C
(Manipur), 371H (Arunachal Pradesh).
The Governor performs functions 1, 2 ,5 and 6 as the agent
of the Centre and functions 3 and 4 as the Head of the
State. In all other matters, the Governor like the President
acts on the advice of his Council of Ministers (COMs) under
Article 166(1).
►CASE OF DELHI
The Supreme Court in November 2017 said that Delhi’s
Lieutenant Governor has more power than the governor of a
state as he does not have to act on the aid and advice of
the council of ministers all the time.
The Supreme Court observed that there was no need for
“fundamental concurrence” of LG in every aspect and in
case of differences with the ministers, the LG should refer
the matter to the President and must spell out the reasons.
STATUS OF DELHI
Delhi is neither a State, nor a Union Territory. It used to be a
th
full-fledged Union Territory till 1991, when the 69
Constitution Amendment gave it a special status.
The amendment declared the Union Territory of Delhi to be
formally known as National Capital Territory of Delhi.
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
 ART 239
• Article 239 provides for Administration of Union
Territories.
• As per Article 239 (1).... Union territory shall be
administered by the President through an Administrator to
be appointed by the President.
• Article 239 (2) says that...President may appoint the
Governor of a State as the administrator of an adjoining
Union Territory, and where a Governor is so appointed, he
shall exercise his functions as such administrator
independently of his Council of Ministers.
 ART 239 A
• Article 239A provides for Creation of local Legislatures
or Council of Ministers or both for certain Union
Territories. This article was added by Constitution
(Fourteenth Amendment) Act, 1962.
• Clause 2 of Article 239A mentions that any law which
provides for creation of local legislatures or Council of
Ministers or both for certain Union Territories shall not be
deemed to be an amendment of this Constitution for the
purpose of Article 368 even though certain provisions of
the Constitution are amended.
• Article 239AA of the Indian Constitution was added by
Constitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1991. It says
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
that Union Territory of Delhi shall be called the National
Capital Territory of Delhi and the Administrator thereof
appointed under Article 239 shall be designated as the
Lieutenant Governor.
• There shall be a Legislative Assembly for the National
Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi and the seats in such
Assembly shall be filled by members chosen by Direct
Election from territorial constituencies in the NCT.
• The Legislative Assembly of Delhi shall have power to
make laws for the whole or any part of NCT with respect to
any matters enumerated in State List or in the
Concurrent List. However, Legislative Assembly of Delhi
cannot make laws on the following entries under the
State List, such as: –
ο Entry 1: Public Order;
ο Entry 2: Police (including railway and village police);
ο Entry 18: Land, that is to say any right in or over land, land
tenures including the relation of landlord and tenant, and
the collection of rents, transfer and alienation of
agricultural land, land improvement and agricultural loans
and colonization.
Thus, the government of Delhi does not enjoy all the
powers with respect to law making which are enjoyed by
other states. Moreover, NCT is primarily a Union Territory
which has a legislative assembly
• There shall be a Council of Ministers consisting of not
more than ten percent, of the total number of members
in the Legislative Assembly.
• The Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the
Lieutenant Governor in the exercise to his functions in
relation to matters with respect to which the Legislative
Assembly has power to make laws, except in so far as he
is, by or under any law, required to act in his discretion.
• If there is any difference of opinion between the
Lieutenant Governor and his Ministers on any matter, the
Lieutenant Governor shall refer it to the President for
decision and act according to the decision given
thereon by the President.
• However, if the matter sent to the President is pending
before the President, then the Lieutenant Governor can
take immediate action or give such direction if he thinks
the matter is of urgency or importance
DELHI LG VS PUDUCHERRY LG
• The LG of Delhi has “Executive Functions” that allow him
to exercise his powers in matters connected to public
order, police and land “in consultation with the Chief
Minister, if it is so provided under any order issued by the
President under Article 239 of the Constitution”. Simply
77

put, the LG of Delhi enjoys greater powers than the LG
of Puducherry.
• Articles 239 and 239AA of the Constitution, as well as the
Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act,
1991, clearly underline that Delhi is a UT, where the
Centre, whose eyes and ears are the LG, has a much more
prominent role than in Puducherry.
► CENTRE STATE
RELATIONS
INTER-STATE COUNCIL (ISC)
• Article 263 of the Constitution envisages establishment of
an institutional mechanism to facilitate coordination of
policies and their implementation between the Union and
the State Governments.
• Inter State council is a constitutional body set up on the
basis of provisions in Article 263 of the Constitution of
India by a Presidential Order dated 28th May, 1990 on
recommendation of Sarkaria Commission.
FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF ISC
Inter-State Council is a recommendatory body and it
investigates and discusses such subjects, in which some or all
of the States or the Union and one or more of the States have
a common interest, for better coordination of policy and
action with respect to that subject. It also deliberates upon
such other matters of general interests to the States as may
be referred by the Chairman to the Council. Its duties include:
• Inquiring into and advising upon disputes which may have
arisen between/among States
• Investigating and discussing subjects in which some or all
of the States, or the Union and one or more of the States
have a common interest
• Making recommendations upon any such subject for the
better coordination of policy and action with respect to
that subject.
COMPOSITION OF ISC
Prime Minister is the Chairman of the ISC. Chief Ministers of
all the States and Union Territories having Legislative
Assemblies, Administrators of Union Territories not having
Legislative Assemblies, Governors of States under President’s
rule and six Ministers of Cabinet rank in the Union Council of
Ministers, nominated by the Chairman of the Council, are
members of the Council. Five Ministers of Cabinet rank
nominated by the Chairman of the Council are permanent
invitees to the Council.
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CORE – INDIAN POLITY
►INTERSTATE RIVER WATER
DISPUTES ACT (IRWD ACT)
• The Interstate River Water Disputes Act, 1956 (IRWD Act) is
an Act of the Parliament of India enacted under Article 262
of Constitution of India on the eve of reorganization of
states on linguistic basis to resolve the water disputes that
would arise in the use, control and distribution of an
interstate river or river valley.
• Article 262 of the Indian Constitution provides a role for
the Central government in adjudicating conflicts
surrounding inter-state rivers that arise among the
state/regional governments. Whenever the riparian states
are not able to reach amicable agreements on their own in
sharing of an interstate river waters, section 4 of IRWD Act
provides dispute resolution process in the form of
Tribunal.
• When the tribunal final verdict is issued, based on the
deliberations on the draft verdict accepted by the central
government and notified in the official gazette, the verdict
becomes law and binding on the states for
implementation.
BAR OF JURISDICTION FOR THE SUPREME COURT
• Neither the Supreme Court nor any other Court shall have
or exercise jurisdiction in respect of any water dispute
which may be referred to a Tribunal under The Inter-State
River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
• It means that once a matter is referred to the Tribunal, no
state can proceed to either the Supreme Court or any
other Court during the course of proceeding at the
Tribunal.
►PANCHAYATS &
MUNCIPALITIES
PART IX of the Indian Constitution deals with the Panchayats
whereas PART XIA deals with the Municipalities.
GRAM SABHA
Gram Sabha means a body consisting of persons registered
in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the
area of Panchayat at the village level.
PANCHAYAT
• Panchayat means an institution of self-government
constituted for rural areas.
• There shall be constituted in every State, Panchayats at the
village, intermediate and districts level.
• However, Panchayats at the intermediate level may not be
constituted in a State having a population not exceeding
twenty lakhs.
78

ELECTION
• All the seats in a Panchayat shall be filled by persons
chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies in
the Panchayat area.
• Each Panchayat area shall be divided into territorial
constituencies in such manner that the ratio between the
population of each constituency and the number of
seats allotted to it shall be the same throughout the
Panchayat area.
• The superintendence, direction and control of the
preparation of electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all
elections to the Panchayats shall be vested in the State
Election Commission.
DURATION
Every Panchayat, unless sooner dissolved under any law for
the time being in force, shall continue for five years from the
date appointed for its first meeting.
FINANCE COMMISSION
• The Governor of a State shall at the expiration of every
fifth year, constitute a Finance Commission to review the
financial position of the Panchayats and to make
recommendations to the Governor on:
ο The principles which should govern the distribution
between the State and the Panchayats of the net
proceeds of the taxes, duties, tolls and fees
ο the grants-in-aid to the Panchayats from the
Consolidated Fund of the State
ο the measures needed to improve the financial position
of the Panchayats
APPLICATION
• The part relating to Panchayat shall not apply to
ο Scheduled areas and Tribal areas as referred to in
Article 244.
ο States of Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram
ο Hill areas in the State of Manipur for which District
Councils exist
THE SCHEDULED AND TRIBAL AREAS’
• Article 244 deals with ‘The Scheduled and Tribal Areas’.
Article 244 deals with Administration of Scheduled and
Tribal Areas.
• 244(1) – The provisions of Fifth Schedule shall apply to the
administration and control of Scheduled Areas and
Scheduled Tribes in any state other than the states of
Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
• 244(2) - The provisions of Sixth Schedule shall apply to the
administration of the tribal areas in the state of Assam,
Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
• Thus, Parliament enacted Panchayat (Extension to the
Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) to extend Part IX of the
Constitution with certain modifications and exceptions to
the Scheduled V areas.
EMPOWERMENT OF GRAM SABHA THROUGH PESA
• Safeguard and preserve the traditions and customs of the
people, their cultural identity, customary resources and
customary mode of dispute resolution
• Carry out executive functions to approve plans,
programmes and projects for social and economic
development, identify persons as beneficiaries under the
poverty alleviation and other programmes
• Right to mandatory consultation in land acquisition,
resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced persons
• Regulate sale/consumption of intoxicants; ownership of
minor forest produce and manage village market
►MUNICIPALITY
CONSTITUTION
There shall be constituted in every State
• Nagar Panchayat (for transitional area from rural to urban)
• Municipal Council (for smaller urban area)
• Municipal Corporation (for larger urban area)
METROPOLITAN AREA
• “Metropolitan area” means an area having a population of
ten lakhs or more, comprised in one or more districts and
consisting of two or more Municipalities or Panchayats or
other contiguous areas.
ELECTION
• All the seats in a Municipality shall be filled by persons
chosen by direct election from the territorial
constituencies in the Municipal area.
• For this purpose, each Municipal area shall be divided into
territorial constituencies to be known as wards.
• The superintendence, direction and control of the
preparation of electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all
elections to the Municipalities shall be vested in the State
Election Commission.
WARDS COMMITTEE
There shall be constituted Wards Committees, consisting of
one or more wards, within the territorial area of a
Municipality having a population of three lakhs or more.
DISTRICT PLANNING COMMITTEE
District Planning Committee shall be constituted at district
level in every State
• To consolidate the plans prepared by the Panchayats and
the Municipalities in the district and
79

• To prepare a draft development plan for the district as a
whole.
Not less than four-fifths of the total number of members of
such Committee shall be elected by, and from amongst,
• the elected members of the Panchayat at the district level
and
• of the Municipalities in the district in proportion to the
ratio between the population of the rural areas and of the
urban areas in the district
METROPOLITAN PLANNING COMMITTEE
• There shall be constituted in every Metropolitan area a
Metropolitan Planning Committee to prepare a draft
development plan for the Metropolitan area as a whole.
• Not less than two-thirds of the members of such
Committee shall be elected by, and from amongst,
• The elected members of the Municipalities
Chairpersons of the Panchayats in the Metropolitan area in
proportion to the ratio between the population of the
Municipalities and of the Panchayats in that area.
FINANCE COMMISSION
The Finance Commission constituted under article 243-I shall
also review the financial position of the Municipalities and
make recommendations to the Governor
• Regarding distribution between the State and
Municipalities of the net proceeds of the taxes
• Determination of the taxes, duties, tolls and fees which
may be assigned to, or appropriated by, the Municipalities.
• Grants-in-aid to the Municipalities from the Consolidated
Fund of the State.
►97th CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT-
COOPERATIVE
CHANGES INCORPORATED
In fundamental Rights: Article 19(1):Right to
cooperatives
In DPSP: Article 43B: State shall endeavour to promote
voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic
control and professional management of co-operative
societies.
►CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES
►PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
• There shall be a Public Service Commission for the Union
and a Public Service Commission for each State.
• Two or more States may agree to have a Joint Public
Service Commission (JPC) for that group of States
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2020
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
• Parliament may by law provide for the appointment of a
Joint State Public Service Commissionafter a resolution to
that effect has been passed by the State Legislature or,
where there are two Houses, by each House of the
Legislature of each of those States.
• An act made by Parliament or State Legislature may
extend the functions of Public Service Commissions.
• The expenses of the Service Commission including any
salaries, allowances and pensions payable shall be charged
respectively on:
ο Consolidated Fund of India - UPSC
ο Consolidated Fund of states - State Public Service
Commission
►UNION PUBLIC SERVICE
and COMMISSION (UPSC)
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS
The Chairman and other members of UPSC shall be
appointed by the President.
OFFICE UNDER THE GOVERNMENT
Nearly as may be one-half of the members of every Public
Service Commission shall be persons who have held office
either under the Government of India or under the
the Government of a State for at least ten years.
TERM OF OFFICE
A member of UPSC shall hold office for
• a term of 6 years from the date on which he enters upon
his office; or
• Until he/she attains the age of 65 years
RESIGNATION
A member of UPSC may resign his/her office by writing under
his hand addressed to the President.
REMOVAL
form Chairman or any other member of UPSC shall only be
removed from his office by order of thePresident
• on the ground of misbehavior; and
• After the Supreme Court has on inquiry (on reference
being made to it by the President) reported that the
Chairman or such other member ought to be removed on
such grounds.
• The President may also remove a Chairman or Member of
UPSC if:
ο They are adjudged insolvent
ο They engage during their term of office in any paid
employment outside the duties of their office.
80

ο They are in the opinion of the President, unfit to
continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or
body.
SUSPENSION
The President may suspend from office the Chairman or
any other member of UPSC in respect of whom a reference
has been made to the Supreme Court for enquiry.
Holding of Office
• The Chairman of UPSC shall be ineligible for further
employment either under the Government of India or
under the Government of a State.
• A member other than the Chairman of UPSC shall be
eligible for appointment as the Chairman of UPSC, or as
the Chairman of a State Public Service Commission ---
but shall not be eligible for any other employment either
under the Government of India or under the Government
of a State.
FUNCTIONS
• To conduct examinations for appointments to the services
of the Union
• To assist such states on request in framing and operating
schemes of joint recruitment for any services.
• State Commission shall consult UPSC on:
ο Issues relating to methods of recruitment to civil
services and for civil posts
ο Principles to be followed in making appointments,
promotions and transfers from one service to another
ο On all disciplinary matters affecting a person serving
under the Government of India or the Government of a
State in a civil capacity
ο On any claim by serving or has served members under
the Government of India or the Government of a State
or under the Crown
ο On any claim for the award of a pension in respect of
injuries sustained by a person while serving under the
Government of India or the Government of a State or
under the Crown
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
REPORTS OF UPSC
• It shall be the duty of UPSC to present annually to the
President a report as to the work done by the Commission.
• On receipt of such report the President shall cause a copy
thereof to be laid before each House of Parliament.
• The Report shall also contain a memorandum explaining
where the advice of the Commission was not accepted and
the reasons for such non-acceptance.
►JOINT PUBLIC SERVICE
COMMISSION (JPC)
APPOINTMENT
The Chairman and other members of JPC shall be appointed
by the President.
TENURE
A member of JPC shall hold office for:
• a term of six years from the date on which he enters upon
his office; or
• Until he/she attains the age of 62 years
RESIGNATION
A member of JPC may resign his/her office by writing under
his hand addressed to the President.
REMOVAL
Same as members of UPSC
SUSPENSION
The President may suspend from office the Chairman or
any other member of UPSC in respect of whom a reference
has been made to the Supreme Court for enquiry.
REPORTS OF JPC
• It shall be the duty of JPC to present annually to the
Governor a report as to the work done by the Commission.
• On receipt of such report the Governor shall cause a copy
thereof to be laid before respective Legislature of State.
• The Report shall also contain a memorandum explaining
where the advice of the Commission was not accepted and
the reasons for such non-acceptance.

►MEMBERS OF UPSC ►MEMBERS OF SPSC ►MEMBERS OF JPC

Appointment by the The President Governor President

Term of office - A a term of 6 years from date a term of 6 years from date
a term of 6 years from date of joining or
member shall hold of joining or till they attain of joining or till they attain
till they attain 65 years of age
office for 62 years of age 62 years of age

By writing under his hand addressed to By writing under his hand By writing under his hand
Resignation
the President addressed to the Governor addressed to the President

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 CORE – INDIAN POLITY

By order of the President on grounds of

misbehavior and after an enquiry by
Supreme Court.
Removal Same as of UPSC Same as of UPSC
Can be removed also on the grounds of:
Insolvency, outside employment and
infirmity of mind and body

Suspension By the President By the Governor By the President

►COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR • The reports of CAG relating to the accounts of a State shall
be submitted to the Governor of the State, who shall cause
GENERAL OF INDIA (CAG) them to be laid before the Legislature of the State.
APPOINTMENT
CAG shall be appointed by the President by warrant under ►FINANCE COMMISSION
his hand and seal.
CONSTITUTION
REMOVAL
• The President shall at the expiration of every fifth year
CAG shall only be removed from office in like manner and on
or at such earlier time as the President considers
the like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
necessary, by order constitute a Finance Commission.
(By a majority of the total membership of that House and
• The Finance Commission shall consist of a Chairman and
by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members
four other members to be appointed by the President.
of that House present and voting)
SELECTION OF MEMBERS
OATH
Parliament may by law determine the qualifications which
Every person appointed to be the CAG of India shall make
shall be requisite for appointment as members of the
and subscribe before the President, or some person
Commission and the manner in which they shall be selected.
appointed in that behalf by him, an oath or affirmation
DUTY
according to the form set out for the purpose in the Third
Schedule. To make recommendations to the President as to –

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
• The salary and other conditions of service of the CAG shall
be determined by Parliament by law.
• The CAG shall not be eligible for further office either
under the Government of India or under the Government
of any State after he has ceased to hold his office.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE
The administrative expenses of the office of CAG including all
salaries, allowances and pensions payable to or in respect of
the persons serving in that office, shall be charged upon the
Consolidated Fund of India.
• The distribution between the Union and the States of the
net proceeds of taxes
• Principles governing the grants in-aid of the revenues of
the States out of the Consolidated Fund of India
• Measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a
State to supplement the resources of the Panchayats and
Municipalities in the State on the basis of the
recommendations made by the State Finance Commission.
• Any other matter referred to the Commission by the
President in the interests of sound finance.
RECOMMENDATIONS

DUTIES & POWERS
The CAG shall perform its duties and functions with respect
to accounts of the Union and of the States along with Public
Sector Undertakings and Public Institutions.
AUDIT REPORTS
• The reports of the CAG relating to the accounts of the
Union shall be submitted to the President, who shall
cause them to be laid before each House of Parliament.
The President shall cause every recommendation made by
the Finance Commission together with an explanatory
memorandum as to the action taken thereon to be laid
before each House of Parliament.
FOURTEENTH FINANCE COMMISSION (FFC)
• 14th Finance Commission (FFC) Report was tabled in
Parliament February 2015.
• FFC recommended by Majority Decision that the States’
Share in the Net Proceeds of the Union Tax Revenues be

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Raised to 42% which is a huge jump from the 32%
Recommended by the 13th Finance Commission.
• The tenure of FFC is for the period from 1st April, 2015 to
31st March, 2020.
►ELECTION COMMISSION
CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS
Election Commission shall be responsible
Superintendence, Direction and Control of the preparation of
the Electoral Rolls for and the conduct of all elections to-
• Parliament
• Legislature of every State
• Offices of President and Vice-President
The President may also appoint after consultation with the
Election Commission such Regional Commissioners as he
may consider necessary to assist the Election Commission in
the performance of its functions.
CONSTITUTION
• Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and such number of
other Election Commissioners, as the President may
from time to time fix.
• The CEC shall act as the Chairman of the Election
Commission.
REMOVAL
• The CEC shall be removed from his office in like manner
and on the like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
• Any other Election Commissioner or a Regional
Commissioner shall not be removed from office except on
the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
• Thus, the process of removal of CEC and other Election or
Regional Commissioners is different.
ROLE OF PARLIAMENT
Parliament may by law make provision with respect to
matters relating to elections to either House of Parliament
or to the House or either House of State Legislature
including the preparation of
• Electoral rolls,
CORE – INDIAN POLITY
INTERFERENCE BY COURTS
Interference by Courts in matters related with elections are
barred in matters of –
• Delimitation of constituencies or the allotment of seats
to such constituencies by Delimitation Commission.
• Election to either House of Parliament or to the House or
either House of State Legislature during the conduct of
an election.
for
The purpose is to allow the process of election to be
completed in the set timeframe allotted by the Election
Commission. Thus, the Constitution effectively states that all
disputes related to the elections shall be raised only after the
declaration of results.
JURISDICTION OF COURTS
All doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with
the election of a President or Vice-President shall be
inquired into and decided by the Supreme Court.
 The Constitution (Nineteenth Amendment) Act, 1966
The amendment abolished Election Tribunals and
accordingly the jurisdiction to hear election disputes was
transferred to the High Court. This was facilitated by adding
Section 80A to the Representation of People Act, 1951.
Section 80A - High Court to try election petitions.—(1) The
Court having jurisdiction to try an election petition shall be
the High Court.
ELECTION TO PANCHAYAT & MUNICIPALITY
The superintendence, direction and control of the
preparation of electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all
elections to the Panchayats and Municipality shall be vested
in the State Election Commission.
When is a By-Election held for Lok Sabha?
Section 149 of the Representation of People’s Act, 1951
provides for bye-election in case of casual vacancies in the
House of the People. It says, when the seat of a member
elected to the House of the People becomes vacant or is
declared vacant or his election to the House of the People is
declared void, then Election Commission by notification can
hold an election to fill the vacancy.

• The delimitation of constituencies and However, if vacancy is caused on a seat reserved for
Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, then person filling the
• All other matters necessary for securing the due
seat through election must be from the same category.
constitution of such House or Houses
Bye-elections to fill the vacancy shall be held within a period
Thus, the Parliament of India has legislated The
of six months from the date of the occurrence of the vacancy.
Representation of People Act, 1950 and The
However, by-election shall not be held if:
Representation of People Act, 1951.
1. If less than one year remains for the conduct of next
State Legislature can make provisions (if any has not been
general elections. (Eg. Election is to be held in December
made by the Parliament) in connection with election to the
and vacancy arose in February of the same year)
House or either House of State.

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2. If the Election Commission in consultation with the
Central Government certifies that it is difficult to hold the
bye-election within six months.
►NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR
SCHEDULED CASTE (NCSC)
MEMBERS
The Commission shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice-
Chairperson and three other Members.
APPOINTMENT
The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and other Members of the
Commission shall be appointed by the President by warrant
under his hand and seal.
TENURE
The conditions of service and tenure of office of the
Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and other Members so
appointed shall be such as the President may by rule
determine.
DUTIES
It shall be the duty of the Commission to:
• to investigate and monitor all matters relating to the
safeguards provided for the Scheduled Castes under the
Constitution or any other law.
• to inquire into specific complaints with respect to the
deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled
Castes
• to participate and advise on the planning process of socio-
economic development of the Scheduled Castes
• to evaluate the progress of their development under the
Union and any State
• to present to the President, annually and at such other
times as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the
working of those safeguards
• to make recommendation about measures to be taken by
Union or State for effective implementation for the
protection, welfare and socio-economic development of
the Scheduled Castes.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSION
• The President shall cause all such reports to be laid
before each House of Parliament along with a
memorandum explaining the action taken or proposed to
be taken on the recommendations.
• If the report relates to State Government, then the
Governor of that statewho shall cause it to be laid before
the Legislature of the State along with a memorandum
explaining the action taken or proposed to be taken.
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CORE – INDIAN POLITY
POWERS OF CIVIL COURT
The Commission shall, while investigating any matter or
enquiring into any complaint shall have all the powers of a
civil court trying a suit specially for
• summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person
from any part of India and examining him on oath
• requiring the discovery and production of any document
• receiving evidence on affidavits
• requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any
court or office
• issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses and
documents
CONSULTATION
The Union and every State Government shall consult the
Commission on all major policy matters affecting Scheduled
Castes.
►NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR
SCHEDULED TRIBE (NCST)
MEMBERS
The Commission shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice-
Chairperson and three other Members.
APPOINTMENT
The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and other Members of the
Commission shall be appointed by the President by warrant
under his hand and seal.
TENURE
The conditions of service and tenure of office of the
Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and other Members so
appointed shall be such as the President may by rule
determine.
DUTIES
• To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the
safeguards provided for the Scheduled Tribe under the
Constitution or any other law.
• To inquire into specific complaints with respect to the
deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled
Tribes
• To participate and advise on the planning process of socio-
economic development of the Scheduled Tribes
• To evaluate the progress of their development under the
Union and any State
• To present to the President, annually and at such other
times as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the
working of those safeguards
• To make recommendation about measures to be taken by
Union or State for effective implementation for the
84

protection, welfare and socio-economic development of
the Scheduled Tribes.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSION
• The President shall cause all such reports to be laid
before each House of Parliament along with a
memorandum explaining the action taken or proposed to
be taken on the recommendations.
• If the report relates to State Government, then the
Governor of that statewho shall cause it to be laid before
the Legislature of the State along with a memorandum
explaining the action taken or proposed to be taken.
POWERS OF CIVIL COURT
The Commission shall, while investigating any matter or
enquiring into any complaint shall have all the powers of a
civil court trying a suit specially for
• summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person
from any part of India and examining him on oath
• requiring the discovery and production of any document
• receiving evidence on affidavits
• requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any
court or office
• issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses and
documents
CONSULTATION
The Union and every State Government shall consult the
Commission on all major policy matters affecting Scheduled
Tribes.
►102 CONSTITUTIONAL
nd
AMENDMENT ACT – NATIONAL
COMMISSION FOR BACKWARD
CLASSES (NCBC)
PROVISIONS
1) Article 338B: Creates a constitutional Commission for the
socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs) to be
known as National Commission for Backward Classes.
• Composition: Commission shall consist of Chairperson,
Vice-chairperson, and three other Members. Conditions of
service tenure of office of the Chairperson, Vice-
Chairperson and other members to be determined by
President by rules. They will be appointed by President by
warrant under his hand and seal.
• Functions of the NCBC:
ο Investigate and monitor about the safequards provided
for SEBCs under COI or under any law or order. Also to
evaluate working of above safequards.
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CORE – INDIAN POLITY
ο Inquire into specific complaints with respect to
deprivation of rights and safequards of the SEBCs
ο Participate and advise on the socio-economic
development of SEBCs and to evaluate the progress of
their development under the Union or any State.
ο Present annual report to the President and other
reports as the Commission deems fit upon the working
of safeguards.
ο Make recommendations about the measures that need
to be taken by the Union or States for the effective
implementation safeguards and other additional
measures for socio-economic development of SEBCs in
the above reports
• President shall lay all reports of NCBC before each House
of Parliament along with memorandum explaining the
action taken and the reasons for the non-acceptance, of
any such recommendations.
• If the report of NCBC presented to the President or any
part of it deals with any matter which deals with any State
Government, a copy of such report shall be forwarded to
the State Government which will lay it before the
Legislature of the State along with memorandum
explaining the action taken and the reasons for the non-
acceptance, of any such recommendations.
• NCBC will have powers of civil court while inquiring into
any complaint.
• Union and State Governments to consult NCBC on all
major policy matters affecting the SEBCs.
2) Article 342A:
• President after consultation with Governor of each State
and UT to notify SEBCs for every State or UT.
• Central List of SEBCs: Parliament can by law include in or
exclude from the Central List of SEBCs.
►COMMISSION ON OFFICIAL
LANGUAGE (ARTICLE 344)
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
The official language of the Union shall be Hindi in
Devanagari script.
APPOINTMENT
The President shall at the expiration of ten years by order
constitute a Commission which shall consist of a Chairman
and such other members representing the different
languages specified in the Eighth Schedule as the President
may appoint.
DUTIES
It shall be the duty of the Commission to make
recommendations to the President as to –
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 CORE – INDIAN POLITY
• the progressive use of the Hindi language for the official REPORT
purposes of the Union The President shall cause all such Reports to be laid before
• restrictions on the use of the English language for all or each House of Parliament, and sent to the Governments of
any of the official purposes of the Union the States concerned.
• the language to be used for all or any of the purposes
mentioned in article 348 (Language to be used in Supreme
Court and in every High Court – English language)
►STATUTORY BODIES
• form of numerals to be used for any one or more specified ►NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR
purposes of Union
MINORITIES
• Any other matter referred by the President to the
ESTABLISHED
Commission regarding official language of the Union and
the language for communication between the Union • Government of India appointed a Minorities Commission
and a State or between one State and another State in 1978 under an administrative resolution.
and their use. • Scope of the Commission’s work extended to minorities
In making their recommendations, the Commission shall whether based on religion or language.
have • Parliament enacted the National Commission for
• due regard to the industrial, cultural and scientific Minorities Act, 1992 to establish National Commission for
advancement of India, and Minorities

• the just claims and the interests of persons belonging to • The government has notified the following as minorities:
the non-Hindi speaking areas in regard to the public ο Muslims,
services. ο Christians,
COMMITTEE ο Buddhists,
There shall be constituted a Committee consisting of 30 ο Sikhs
members, of which
ο Zoroastrians, and
• 20 members shall be members of the House of the
ο Jains
People and
MEMBERS
• 10 members shall be members of the Council of States
The Commission shall consist of a
to be elected by each House in accordance with the system
• Chairperson,
of proportional representation by means of the single
transferable vote. • Vice-Chairperson and

The Committee shall examine the recommendations of the • Five Members

Commission and report to the President their opinion. to be nominated by the Central Government from
amongst persons of eminence, ability and integrity.
►SPECIAL OFFICER FOR LINGUISTIC TENURE

MINORITIES (ARTICLE 350B)
APPOINTMENT
• There shall be a Special Officer for linguistic minorities to
be appointed by the President.
• Article 29 provides that any section of citizens residing in
Indian territory shall have right to conserve distinct
language, script or culture of their own.
DUTY
It shall be the duty of the Special Officer to investigate all
matters relating to the safeguards provided for linguistic
minorities under this Constitution and report to the
President upon those matters at such intervals as the
President may direct.
The Chairperson and every Member shall hold office for a
term of 3 years from the date of appointment.
FUNCTIONS
• Evaluate the progress of the development of minorities
under the Union and States.
• Monitor the working of the safeguards provided in the
Constitution and in laws enacted by Parliament and the
State Legislatures and make effective recommendations.
• look into specific complaints regarding deprivation of
rights and safeguards of minorities
• conduct studies, research and analysis on the issues
relating to socio-economic, educational development and

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 CORE – INDIAN POLITY
discrimination of minorities and recommend suitable children of prisoners and recommend appropriate
measures. remedial measures
REPORTS • Study treaties and other international instruments,
undertake periodic review of policies and programmes and
Central Government shall cause the recommendations to be
undertake and promote research in the field of child
laid before each House of Parliament along with a
rights.
memorandum explaining the action taken or proposed to be
taken and the reasons for the non-acceptance, if any, of any
of such recommendations. ►NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR
WOMEN
►NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE CONSTITUTION
PROTECTION OF CHILD RIGHTS The National Commission for Women was set up as statutory
body under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
(NCPCR)
MEMBERS
CONSTITUTION
The Commission shall consist of a Chairperson and 5
• It was set up in March 2007 under The Commissions for
members to be nominated by the Central Government from
Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005.
reputable fields.
• It works under the administrative control of Ministry of
TENURE
Women & Child Development.
The Chairperson and every Member shall hold office for
• The 2005 Act provides for constitution of National
period not exceeding three years.
Commission and State Commissions for Protection of
Child Rights and Children's Courts for providing speedy FUNCTIONS
trial of offences against children or of violation of child • Review the Constitutional and Legal safeguards for women
rights. • Recommend remedial legislative measures to the
• The Commission shall consist of a Chairperson and six government
Members, out of which at least two shall be women. • Facilitate redressal of grievances and
• The Child is defined as a person in the 0 to 18 years age • Advise the Government on all policy matters affecting
group. women
APPOINTMENT • Take up cases of violation of laws and rights, non-
• The Central Government shall appoint Chairperson and implementation of policies and schemes affecting women
other Members • Undertake promotional and educational research
• Chairperson shall be appointed on the recommendation of andsuggest ways of ensuring due representation of
a Three Member Selection Committee headed by Minister women in all spheres of life.
of Women and Child Development. REPORTS
FUNCTION • The Central Government shall cause the Reports of NCW
• Examine and review the safeguards provided for the to be laid before each House of Parliament along with a
protection of children under various law and recommend memorandum explaining the action taken or proposed to
measures for effective implementation be taken.
• Inquire into violation of child rights and recommend • If any matter in the report pertains to any state
initiation of proceedings in such cases government, then Commission shall forward a copy of
• Examine all factors that inhibit the enjoyment of rights of such report or part to such State Government who shall
children affected by terrorism, communal violence, riots, cause it to be laid before the Legislature of the State along
natural disaster, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, trafficking, with a memorandum explaining the action taken or
maltreatment, torture and exploitation, pornography and proposed to be taken on such recommendations.
prostitution and recommend appropriate remedial
measures ►CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMISSION
• Look into the matters relating to children in need of special (CVC)
care and protection including children in distress,
FORMATION
marginalized and disadvantaged children, children in
conflict with law,juveniles, children without family and • The CVC was set up by the Government in February,1964
on the recommendations of the Committee on

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Prevention of Corruption, headed by Shri K. Santhanam,
to advise and guide Central Government agencies in the
field of vigilance.
• An Ordinance by the President in 1998 made the CVC a
multi member Commission with "statutory status" with
effect from 25th August,1998.
• Consequently the CVC Bill passed in 2003 to give CVC a
statutory status
VIGILANCE
CVC is conceived to be the apex vigilance institution, free of
control from any executive authority to
• Monitor all vigilance activity under the Central Government
and
• Advise various authorities in Central Government
organizations in planning, executing, reviewing and
reforming their vigilance work.
• Receive written complaints for disclosure on any allegation
of corruption or misuse of office and recommend
appropriate action.
• Exercise superintendence over functioning of Delhi Police
Establishment regarding investigation of offences under
The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
MEMBERS
The Commission shall consists of-
• Central Vigilance Commissioner
• Not more than 2 Vigilance Commissioners
APPOINTMENT
Central Vigilance Commissioner and other Vigilance
Commissioners shall be appointed by the President by
warrant under his hand and seal.
The appointment shall be made after obtaining the
recommendation of a Committee consisting of-
• Prime Minister – Chairperson
• Minister of Home Affairs – Member
• Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha - Member
TENURE
Central Vigilance Commissioner and every Vigilance
Commissioner shall hold office for
• a term of 4 years from the date of his/her appointment.
• Or till he/she attains the age of 65 years (whichever is
earlier)
BAR ON APPOINTMENT
• Central Vigilance Commissioner shall be ineligible for
appointment in the Commission when he/she ceases to
hold office.
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CORE – INDIAN POLITY
• Vigilance Commissioner shall be eligible for appointment
as Central Vigilance Commissioner
• On ceasing to hold office, Central Vigilance Commissioner
and every other Vigilance Commissioner shall be ineligible
for further employment to any office of profit under
Government of India or government of any State.
RESIGNATION
Central Vigilance Commissioner or a Vigilance Commissioner
may by writing under his hand addressed to the President,
resign their office.
REMOVAL
• Central Vigilance Commissioner or any Vigilance
Commissioner shall be removed shall be removed on
grounds of misbehavior or incapacity
ο On order of the President
ο And after an enquiry has been conducted by the
Supreme Court
►NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICE
AUTHORITY (NALSA)
FORMATION
• National Legal Service Authority (NALSA) derives its power
through The Legal Services Authority Act, 1987.
• The Act promotes an inclusive legal system in order to
ensure fair and meaningful justice to the marginalized and
disadvantaged sector by strengthening the system of Lok
Adalats and other Alternate Dispute Resolution
mechanisms.
• The Act constitutes legal services authorities at National
and respective State level to provide free and
competent legal services to the weaker sections of the
society.
COMPOSITION
National Legal Services Authority shall consist of
• Chief Justice of India who shall be the Patron-in-Chief,
• a Serving or Retired Judge of the Supreme Court to be
nominated by the President, in consultation with the Chief
Justice of India, who shall be the Executive Chairman and
• Such number of other members, possessing such
experience and qualifications to be nominated in
consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
• The Central Government shall, in consultation with the
Chief Justice of India, appoint a person to be the Member-
Secretary of the Central Authority to exercise such powers
and perform such duties under the Executive Chairman of
the Central Authority.
88

FUNCTION
NALSA shall perform the following for the weaker sections of
the society
• Frame effective and economical schemes for the purpose
of making legal services available to them.
• Take necessary steps by way of social justice litigation with
regard to consumer protection, environmental protection
or other matter of special concern.
• Train the social workers in legal skills for promotion of
justice.
• Undertake and promote research in the field of legal
services with special reference to the need for such
services among the poor.
• Take steps to ensure commitment to the fundamental
duties of citizens enshrined under Part IVA of the Indian
Constitution.
• Monitor and evaluate implementation of the legal aid
programmes and schemes at periodic intervals
• Provide grants-in-aid for specific schemes to various
voluntary social service institutions and the State and
District Authorities.
• Develop, in consultation with the Bar Council of India,
programmes for clinical legal education and supervise the
establishment and working of legal services clinics in
universities, law colleges and other institutions.
• Make special efforts to enlist the support of voluntary
social welfare institutions working at the grass-root level,
particularly among the Scheduled Castes and the
Scheduled Tribes, women and rural and urban labour
• Co-ordinate and monitor the functioning of State
Authorities, District Authorities, Supreme Court Legal
Services Committee, High Court Legal Services
Committees, Taluk Legal Services Committees, voluntary
social service institutions and other legal services
organisations.
SUPREME COURT LEGAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
• The Central Authority shall constitute Supreme Court
Legal Services Committee for the purpose of exercising
such powers and performing such functions as may be
determined by regulations made by the Central Authority.
• The members of the Committee shall be nominated by the
Chief Justice of India. The Committee shall consist of
a) a Sitting Judge of the Supreme Court who shall be the
Chairman
b) such number of other members possessing such
experience and qualifications as may be prescribed by the
Central Government
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CORE – INDIAN POLITY
STATE LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY
State Legal Services Authority also called State Authority shall
consist of-
• Chief Justice of the High Court who shall be the Patron-
in-Chief
• Serving or Retired Judge of the High Court, to be
nominated by the Governor, in consultation with the Chief
Justice of the High Court, who shall be the Executive
Chairman; and
• Such number of other members to be nominated by the
respective State Government in consultation with the Chief
Justice of the concerned High Court.
• The State Government in consultation with the Chief
Justice of the High Court, appoint a person belonging to
the State Higher Judicial Service, not lower in rank than
that of a District Judge, as the Member-Secretary of the
State Authority, to exercise such powers and perform
such duties under the Executive Chairman of the State
Authority.
FUNCTIONS OF STATE LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY
• State Authority shall implement the policy and directions
of the Central Authority.
• Give legal service to persons belonging to the weaker
section of the society
• Conduct Lok Adalats including Lok Adalats for High Court
cases.
• Undertake preventive and strategic legal aid programmes
HIGH COURT LEGAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
The State Authority shall constitute High Court Legal
Services Committee for every High Court, for the purpose of
exercising such powers and performing such functions as
prescribed.
The members of the Committee shall be nominated by the
Chief Justice of respective High Courts. The Committee shall
consists of
• a Sitting Judge of the High Court who shall be the
Chairman
• such number of other members possessing such
experience and qualifications as may be determined by
regulations made by the State Authority.
• The Chief Justice of the High Court shall appoint a
Secretary to the Committee
DISTRICT LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY
The State Government shall, in consultation with the Chief
Justice of the High Court, constitute District Legal Services
Authority for every District in the State to exercise the
powers and perform the functions conferred on them.
A District Authority shall consist of
89

• the District Judge who shall be its Chairman
• such number of other members, possessing such
experience and qualifications, to be nominated by that
Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of the
High Court.
• The State Authority shall, in consultation with the
Chairman of the District Authority, appoint a person
belonging to the State Judicial Service not lower in rank
than that of a Subordinate Judge or Civil Judge posted at
the seat of the District Judiciary as Secretary of the
District Authority to exercise such powers and perform
such duties under the Chairman of that Committee.
FUNCTIONS OF DISTRICT AUTHORITY
• It shall be the duty of every District Authority to perform
such of the functions of the State Authority in the District
as may be delegated to it from time to
ο Co-ordinate the activities of the Taluk Legal Services
Committee and other legal services in the District and
ο To organise Lok Adalats within the District.
• District Authority shall act in coordination with other
governmental and non-governmental institutions,
universities and others engaged in the work of promoting
the cause of legal services to the poor.
• It shall also be guided by such directions as the Central
Authority or the State Authority
TALUK LEGAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
• The State Authority may constitute a Taluk Legal Services
Committee, for each taluk or mandal or for group of
taluks or mandals.
• The Committee shall consist of
ο The senior-most Judicial Officer operating within the
jurisdiction of the Committee who shall be the ex officio
Chairman, and
ο such number of other members, as may be prescribed
by the State Government to be nominated by that
Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of the
High Court.
• The Taluk Legal Services Committee may perform all or
any of the following functions, namely
ο co-ordinate the activities of legal services in the taluk
ο organise Lok Adalats within the taluk
ο perform other functions as assigned by the District
Authority
►LOK ADALATS
• The Legal services authority Act also lays down a
framework for Lok Adalats
• Every State Authority or District Authority or Supreme
Court Legal Services Committee or every High Court Legal
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Services Committee or, Taluk Legal Services Committee
may organise Lok Adalats.
• Every Lok Adalat organised for an area shall consist of
such number of serving or retired judicial officers and
other members as may be prescribed by any of the
respective Authorities.
• A Lok Adalat shall have jurisdiction to determine and to
arrive at a compromise or settlement between the parties
to a dispute in respect of
• any case pending before or
• any matter which is falling within the jurisdiction of, and is
not brought before, any Court for which the Lok Adalat is
organised
• Lok Adalat shall haveno jurisdiction in respect of any
case or matter relating to an offence not compoundable
under any law.
Non-compoundable cases are serious criminal cases
which cannot be quashed and compromise is not allowed
between the parties. It is always registered in the name of
state. Eg. State of Karnataka vs XYZD. Under a Non-
Compoundable offense, full trail is held which ends with the
acquittal or conviction of the offender, based on the evidence
presented in a Court of Law.
FUNCTIONS OF LOK ADALAT
Lok Adalat while hearing a case can
• summon and enforce the attendance of any witness;
• examine him/her on oath,
• make discovery of documents,
• receive evidence,
• ask for requisitioning of any public record or document or
copy of such record or document from any court or office
Lok Adalat can specify its own procedure for the
determination of any dispute. All the proceedings before a
Lok Adalat shall be deemed to be judicial proceedings.
AWARDS OF LOK ADALAT
• Every award of the Lok Adalat shall be deemed to be a
decree of a civil court or an order of any other court and
where a compromise or settlement has been arrived at.
• Every award made by a Lok Adalatshall be final and
binding on all the parties to the dispute, and no appeal
shall lie to any courtagainst the award.
►QUALITY COUNCIL OF INDIA
FORMATION
Quality Council of India (QCI) was set up in 1997 jointly by the
Government of India and the Indian Industry represented by
the three premier industry associations
• Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India
(ASSOCHAM),
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• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and • To regulate Mergers and Acquisitions or Takeovers taking
• Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry place in the market.
(FICCI) ROLE
to establish and operate national accreditation structure and • To prevent practices having adverse effect on competition
promote quality through National Quality Campaign. • To promote and sustain competition in markets
It provides technical support to both Central and State • To protect the interests of consumers and
government departments in implementing ISO 9001
• To ensure freedom of trade carried on by other
standards as well as in undertaking process improvement
participants in Indian market.
projects.
MEMBERS
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL
The Competition Commission shall consist of a
The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of
• Chairperson and
Commerce & Industry, is the nodal ministry for QCI.
• Not less than 2 and not more than 6 members
NATIONAL BOARD FOR QUALITY PROMOTION
The Chairperson and other Members of the Commission shall
• The National Board for Quality Promotion, a constituent
be appointed by the Central Government from a panel of
board of Quality Council of India works on the Vision of
names recommended by a Selection Committee consisting
promoting quality of life for the Citizens of India.
of –
• The board is supported through nominal Plan Funds from
• the Chief Justice of India or his nominee – Chairperson
the DIPP (Department of industrial Planning & Projects) to
carry out the National Quality Campaign. • the Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs –
Member
AIM
• the Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice – Member
• It aims to promote application of quality management
standards and statistical quality tools with an objective of • two experts of repute who have special knowledge of, and
enabling industry, to improve their competitiveness, with professional experience in international trade, economics,
specific focus on SME sectors. business, commerce, law, finance, accountancy,
management, industry, public affairs or competition
• To develop, establish & operate National Accreditation
matters including competition law and policy - Members
programmes in accordance with the relevant international
standards & guides for various service sectors such as TENURE
education, healthcare, environment protection, The Chairperson and Members shall hold office as such for
governance, social sectors, infrastructure sector, • a term of five years
vocational training etc.
• till he/she attain the age of 65 years
• It also empowers the consumers to demand quality and
Chairperson and Members shall be eligible for re-
thereby creates a back-pressure on suppliers to ensure
appointment.
quality of their products and services.
REMOVAL
The Chairperson or any other Member may, by notice in
►COMPETITION COMMISSION OF
writing under his hand addressed to the Central
INDIA (CCI) Government, resign his office.
FORMATION COMPETITION APPELLATE TRIBUNAL
• The Competition Act, 2002 establishes the Competition Competition Appellate Tribunal has been established to hear
Commission of India. and dispose of appeals against any direction issued or
• Competition Act, 2002 was enacted by replacing decision made or order passed by the Competition
Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, (MRTP), Commission of India.
1969 on the recommendations of Mr S. V. S. Raghavan
Committee. ►FOOD SAFETY AND STANDARD
MANDATE
AUTHORITY OF INDIA (FSSAI)
• To check Anti-Competitive agreements
FORMATION
• Prohibit Abuse of dominance by strong companies over
FSSAI has been established under Food Safety and Standards
weak organisations, and
Act , 2006. It operates under Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare.

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MANDATE • Speaker & Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha + Chairman & Dy.
• Frame of Regulations to lay down and enforce various Chairman of Rajya Sabha + Speaker & Dy. Speaker of State
Standards and guidelines in relation to articles of food. Legislative Assembly + Chairman & Dy. Chairman of
Legislative Council of State
• Lay down mechanisms and guidelines for accreditation of
certification bodies engaged in certification of food safety • Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts
management system for food businesses including • Comptroller and Auditor General of India
accreditation of certifying laboratories. SCHEDULE III - Forms of Oath or Affirmation
• Provide scientific advice and technical support to Central SCHEDULE IV- Allocation of seats in the Council of States
Government and State Governments in the matters of
SCHEDULE V
framing the policy and rules in areas relating to food
safety and nutrition and also check for adulteration. • Administration & Control of Scheduled Areas and
Scheduled Tribes
• Collect and collate data regarding food consumption,
incidence and prevalence of biological risk, contaminants • Provides for Tribes Advisory Council
in food, residues of various, contaminants in foods SCHEDULE VI - Administration of Tribal Areas in the states of
products, identification of emerging risks and introduction Assam Meghalaya Tripura Mizoram
of rapid alert system.
Provides for the constitution of District Councils and Regional
• Creating an information network across the country so Councils
that the public, consumers, Panchayats etc receive rapid,
SCHEDULE VII- Distribution of powers to make laws for
reliable and objective information about food safety and
Parliament & State Legislatures under
issues of concern.
Union List State List Concurrent List
• Provide training programmes for persons who are
involved or intend to get involved in food businesses. SCHEDULE VIII Languages

• Contribute to the development of international technical SCHEDULE IX

standards for food, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards. • It was added by the Constitution (First Amendment) Act,
• Promote general awareness about food safety and food 1951
standards. • The First amendment added
MEMBERS Article - 31A Article -31B Ninth Schedule
FSSAI shall consist of a Chairperson and 22 members out of so as to make laws acquiring zamindari unchallenged in
which one-third shall be women. court of law.
APPOINTMENT • Thus, any law added to the 9th Schedule could not be
The Chairperson shall be appointed by the Central challenged in a Court of law even though they violated
Government from amongst the persons of eminence in the Fundamental Rights.
field of food science or from administration. • However, in a landmark judgment by 9 Judge Constitution
TERM OF OFFICE Bench in 2007 changed the status quo.

• The Chairperson and the members other than ex officio
Members shall hold office for a term of three years from
date of appointment and shall be eligible for re-
appointment for a further period of three years.
• However, Chairperson shall not hold office as such after
he has attained the age of sixty-five years.
APPENDIX
• The Judgment held that all amendments made to the
Constitution on or after 24th April, 1973 by which 9th
SCHEDULE was amended by various laws can be judicially
reviewed if they have violated the basic structure of the
constitution as mentioned in Article 14, 19, 20 and 21.
th
• Now 9 Schedule can be Judicially Reviewed on grounds
of violating Basic Structure of the Constitution.
SCHEDULE X- Disqualifications on grounds of Defection
SCHEDULE XI

►SCHEDULES UNDER THE • Endowing the Panchayat to make laws under provisions
th
mentioned 11 Schedule.
CONSTITUTION OF INDIA rd
• It was added by 73 Constitution Amendment
SCHEDULE I - Name of States and Union Territories
SCHEDULE XII
SCHEDULE II -Salaries and Emoluments of dignitaries holding
• Endowing the Municipality to make laws on provisions
constitutional office: th
mentioned under 12 Schedule
• President and Governors th
• It was added by 74 Constitution Amendment

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►IMPORTANT AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA

AMENDMENTS AMENDED PROVISIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION

1. Added Ninth Schedule to protect the land reform and other laws included in it from the judicial
st
review.
1 Amendment
2. Added three more grounds of restrictions on freedom of speech and expression, viz., public order,
Act, 1951
friendly relations with foreign states and incitement to an offence. Also, made the restrictions
‘reasonable’ and thus, justiciable in nature.
th
7 Amendment Abolished the existing classification of states into four categories i.e., Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D
Act, 1956 states, and re-organised them into 14 states and 6 union territories.
st
21 Amendment th
Added Sindhi as one of the languages in the 8 Schedule.
Act 1967

1. Added three new words (i.e., socialist, secular and integrity) in the Preamble.
2. Added Fundamental Duties by the citizens (new Part IV A).
th 3. Made the president bound by the advise of the cabinet.
42 Amendment
Act, 1976 (‘Mini- 4. Provided for administrative tribunals and tribunals for other matters (Added Part XIV A).
Constitution’; it 5. Froze the seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies on the basis of 1971 census till 2001.
gave effect to the 5. Added three new Directive Principles viz., equal justice and free-legal aid, participation of workers in
recommendations the management of industries and protection of environment, forests and wild life.
of Swaran Singh
6. Facilitated the proclamation of national emergency in a part of territory of India.
Committee.)
7. Shifted five subjects from the state list to the concurrent list, viz, education, forests, protection of wild
animals and birds, weights and measures and administration of justice, constitution and organisation
of all courts except the Supreme Court and the high courts.

1. Empowered the president to send back once the advice of cabinet for reconsideration. But, the
reconsidered advice is to be binding on the president.
2. Replaced the term ‘internal disturbance’ by ‘armed rebellion’ in respect of national emergency.
th
44 Amendment 3. Made the President to declare a national emergency only on the written recommendation of the
Act,1978 cabinet.
4. Deleted the right to property from the list of Fundamental Rights and made it only a legal right.
5. Provided that the fundamental rights guaranteed by Articles 20 and 21 cannot be suspended during a
national emergency.
th
52 Amendment
Act, 1985
(popularly known Provided for disqualification of members of Parliament and state legislatures on the ground of defection
as and added a new Tenth Schedule containing the details in this regard.
Anti-Defection
Law)
st
61 Amendment Reduced the voting age from 21 years to 18 years for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly
Act,1989 elections.
st
71 Amendment th
Added Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali languages in the 8 Schedule.
Act 1992

87th Amendment
Santhali, Bodo, Dogri, and Maithili in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution Service Tax introduced.
Act, 2003

91st Amendment 1. The total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Central Council of Ministers shall

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Act,2003 (Made not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha
provisions to 2. A member of either house of Parliament belonging to any political party who is disqualified on the
debar defectors ground of defection shall also be disqualified to be appointed as a minister.
from holding
3. The total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, in the Council of Ministers in a state shall
public offices, and
not exceed 15% of the total strength of the legislative Assembly of that state. But, the number of
to strengthen the
ministers, including the Chief Minister, in a state shall not be less than 12
anti-defection
4. A member of either House of a state legislature belonging to any political party who is disqualified on
law)
the ground of defection shall also be disqualified to be appointed as a minister
6. The provision of the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) pertaining to exemption from disqualification
in case of split by one-third members of legislature party has been deleted. It means that the
defectors have no more protection on grounds of splits.
nd
92 Amendment th
Added Bodo, Dogri, Mathili and Santhali languages in the 8 Schedule.
Act, 2003

95th Amendment Extension of reservation of seats for SC/ST Nomination of Anglo-Indian members in Parliament and State
Act,2010 Assemblies

96th Amendment
Replaced Odia for Oriya in the 8th Schedule to the Indian Constitution
Act 2011

97th Amendment
Introduction of Part IXB in the Constitution of India relating to Co-operative Societies
Act 2012

100th Amendment Exchange of some enclave territories with Bangladesh Conferment of citizenship rights to citizens of
Act 2015 enclave’s resulting to signing of Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) Treaty between India and Bangladesh.

101st Amendment
Introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Act, 2016

102nd Amendmen
Constitutional Status to National Commission for Backward Classes
t Act, 2018

A maximum of 10% Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections of citizens of classes other than the
103rd Amendment
classes mentioned in clauses (4) and (5) of Article 15, i.e. Classes other than socially and educationally
Act, 2019
backward classes of citizens or the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.

To extend the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and states assemblies from Seventy
104th Amendment
years to Eighty years. Removed the reserved seats for the Anglo-Indian community in the Lok Sabha and
Act, 2019
state assemblies.[112]

►IMPORTANT ARTICLES
NOTE : Have a General Idea on Articles related to Fundamental Rights, DPSP & Fundamental Duties.
Article 74 Aid and Advice of Council of Ministers
Article 75 Collective responsibility of Council of Ministers to Lok Sabha
Article 163 Aid and Advice of Council of Ministers to Governor
Article 164 Collective responsibilities of State Council of Ministers
Article 61 Procedure for Impeachment of the President.
Article 72 Pardoning Powers of the President.
Article 161 Pardoning Powers of the Governor.
Article 85 Sessions of the Parliament, Prorogation and Dissolution (President)
Article 174 Sessions of the State legislature Prorogation and Dissolution (Governor)
Article 86 Right of the President to address and send messages to the Houses of Parliament

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 CORE – INDIAN POLITY
Article 87 Special Address of the President.
Article 175 & 176 Similar Powers of the Governor to address and send messages of State Legislature and to make special
address respectively
Article 111 Power of the President to assent legislation.
Article 200 Power of the Governor to assent legislation and reserve bills for the consideration of the President.
Article 201 President to give assent to State Legislation.
Article 108 President Power to convene joint sitting.
Article 352 Proclamation of National Emergency by the President
Article 355 Centre to protect states from external aggression.
Article 356 Imposition of President Rule or State Emergency
Article 360 President Power to impose financial emergency.
Article 358 Automatic suspension of Fundamental Rights during National Emergency
Article 359 Suspension of Fundamental Rights by Presidents order during national emergency.
Article 365 State to comply with constitutional direction given by the centre.
Article 102 & 191 Disqualification of members of Parliament and State Legislature respectively.
Article 105 & 194 Powers and Privileges of Members of Parliament and State Legislature.
Article 110 & 199 Definition of Money Bill for Parliament and State Legislature respectively.
Article 117 Financial Bill
Article 368 Constitutional Amendment Bill
Article 112 & 202 Annual financial statement parliament and state legislature respectively
Article 266 Consolidated fund of India and Public accounts of India and the States
Article 267 Contingency fund of India and the States
Article 118 Rules of Procedure in Parliament
Article 169 Creation and Abolition of Legislative Council
Article 249 Rajya Sabha to pass special resolution to enable parliament to make laws on state lists.
Article 312 Creation of All India Services.
Article 131 Original Jurisdiction of Supreme Court
Article 136 Special Leave Jurisdiction of Supreme Court
Article 137 Powers to review its own order by Supreme Court
Article 141 Order of Supreme Court binding of all other courts
Article 142 Extra ordinary powers of the Supreme Court
Article 143 Advisory jurisdiction of Supreme Court
Article 145 Rule making power of the Supreme Court
Article 226 Writ jurisdiction of High Court
Article 239 Union Territories to be administered by the President
Article 239A Special status union territory of Puducherry
Article 239AA Special status to National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Article 256 Obligation of states to ensure compliance with Laws made by the Parliament
Article 279A GST Council
Article 280 Finance Commission
Article 324 Election Commission
Article 326 Universal Adult Francise
Article 148 Comptroller and Auditor General
Article 315 Public Service Commissions

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Article 76 & 165 Attorney General and Advocate General
Article 338 B National Commission for Backward Classes
Article 123 & 213 Ordinance making power of the President and Governors respectively.

►IMPORTANT SUPREME COURT CASES

• Corresponds to the charges of violation of fundamental Right to freedom under the Preventive
Detention Act the court was approached over the validity of the act.
AK Gopalan Case,
• SC held that the constitutional validity of a law cannot be verified by the Judiciary and the Judiciary
1950
has only the capacity to verify whether the "procedure established by the law" has been
followed. (Article 21 of the Constitution)

• The case challenged the reservations given to backward classes in educational institutions in Tamil
Champakam
Nadu.
Dorairajan Case,
• SC overruled the caste-based reservation as unconstitutional citing right against discrimination as
1951
given in Article 15. (Led to the enactment of First Amendment Act)

Shankari Prasad • The first Constitution Amendment Act, providing for reservations, was challenged that it violated
Case, 1952 Fundamental rights. The court held that Parliament has power to amend the Constitution.

Berubari Case, • While ceding a part of Indian Territory to an alien state the court in an advisory opinion held that
1960 such process cannot take place unless a Constitution amendment to that effect is made.
• Court opined Preamble is not a part of the Constitution.

• One journalist Keshav Singh was held for contempt of legislature for making scathing criticism and
Keshav Singh often denigrating on a law passed. He was sentenced to jail.
Case, 1964 • SC held that the contempt power of Parliament to issue warrants against individuals must
comply with the due process requirements under Article 21.

Sajjan Singh Case, The case related to the validity of 17th Constitutional Amendment Act which provided for land
1965 acquisition contrary right to property. SC upheld that Fundamental Rights can be amended within the
purview of Article 368.

Golaknath Case,
SC while reversing the ruling made in Shankari Prasad and Sajjan Singh case held that
1967
constitutional amendment cannot be extended to infringement of Fundamental Rights.

For the first time the SC propounded the Basic Structure Doctrine and held that certain basic
Kesavananda
features of the Constitution cannot be amended while others can be done so without having a sweeping
Bharati Case, 1973
change in the Constitution.

Maneka Gandhi The SC overruled the AK Gopalan case and mooted the "due process of law" doctrine according to
Casa, 1978 which the procedure according to the law as well as the reasonableness and validity of the law can be
questioned by the Judiciary.

SC held that Fundamental Rights and Directive Principle of State Policy are complementary to
Minerva Mills
each other and if any law enacted to implement the Directive Principle not totally contravening the
Case, 1980
Fundamental Rights is valid.

Hussainara
Khatoon vs. State First reported case of PIL.
of Bihar

Shah Bano Case, SC held that Muslim women also have right to get maintenance from their husbands when they are
1985 divorced although such practice is not permitted under Muslim traditional laws.

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Unnikrishnan SC held that Right to Education also constitutes a Fundamental Rights as part of Right to life
Case, 1993 under Act 21.

Indira Sawhney SC upheld the 27% reservation made for OBCs in public employment but subjected to a cap of
Case, 1993 50% of reservations. SC also mooted the Creamy Layer concept to identify the well-off groups within
the backward classes.

Sarala Mudgal SC ruled that a man married under Hindu religious law cannot convert himself to Islam for the
Case, 1995 purpose of marrying other women.

SC held that federalism is a part of basic structure and State Governments cannot be arbitrarily
Bommai Case,
dismissed by a Governor and any such test of confidence of the Executive must be done on the floor of
1995
the Assembly.

TMA Pai Case,

SC held that the right to administer minority educational institution is not absolute and the, State
2002
can regulate the institutional affairs to educational standards.

lnamdhar Case, SC declared that the reservations for SCs/STs in private educational institutions null and void. To
2005 overcome this judgment, the Government passed 93rd Constitutional Amendment in private institutions.

IR Coelho Case,
SC ruled that the 9th Scheduled of the Constitution is subjected to judicial review.
2006

Ashok Kumar SC upheld the 93rd Constitutional Amendment Act providing for reservation for SC/STs OBCs in
Thakur Case, 2007 Central Universities as well as Private institutions but subject to a ceiling of 50% of total seats for
reservation.

Transgender as
'Third Gender'
SC created the Third Gender status.
2014 (NALSA
judgement)

National Judicial
Appointments SC by majority upheld the collegium system and struck down NJAC as unconstitutional.
Commission 2015

• SC unanimously held that Indians have a constitutionally protected fundamental right to

Puttaswamy
privacy that is an intrinsic part of life and liberty under Article 21
Judgement/Case,2
• Constitutional validity of Aadhar Act was upheld by the Supreme Court. However, it cannot be made
017
mandatory.

VISHAKHA
SC laid down guidelines for prevention of sexual harassment at workplace.
Judgement

ARUNA Passive Euthanasia was legally allowed and concept of living will was allowed. (Advanced Medical
SHANBAUG Directive).

►IMPORTANT PROVISIONS OF REPRESENTATION OF PEOPLES ACT

REPRESENTATION OF PEOPLES ACT, 1950 REPRESENTATION OF PEOPLES ACT, 1951
(i) Allocation of Seats in the House of People (Section 3) (i) Qualification – House of People; Legislative Assembly;
• Number of seats for Each States Council of States & Legislative Council
st
• Reserved Seats for SC/ ST (1 Schedule)
(ii) No. of Seats in Legislative Assemblies (Section 7) (ii) Disqualification – Members of Parliament and State
• No. of Seats to Each state Legislature.

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 CORE – INDIAN POLITY
nd
• Reserved Seats for SC/ST (2 Schedule) • Examples: Section 8(1); Section 8(2); Section 8(3) of the Act
(iii) Allocation of seats in Legislative Council (Section 10) (iii) Power of Election Commission to reduce or remove
rd
• As provided in the 3 Schedule of the Act. disqualification by reason recorded in writing (Section 11)
(iv) Preparation and revision of Electoral rolls. (iv) Notification for General Election (Section 14)
• Before each general Election and Legislative • President may notify on the recommendation of Election
Assembly Election Commission.
• Before bye-election to fill casual vacancy • Notification for State Legislative Assembly (Section 15)
• Shall be revised in any year as directed by Election • Governor may notify on the recommendation of Election
Commission. Commission.
Registration of political parties is governed by the provisions of
29 A
(viii) Election Deposits (Section 34)
• Parliamentary Constituency – Rs. 25000 (General) and Rs.
12500 for SC/ ST.
• State Assembly Constituency – Rs. 10000 (General) and Rs.
5000 for SC/ST.
(v) Power of Election Commission for adjournment of Poll or
countermanding of Elections on the grounds of Booth
Capturing (Section 58A)
(vi) Right to Vote (Section 62)
• No person shall vote attorney general election in more
than one constituency of same class, if votes in more than
one constituency, his votes in all such constituency shall
be void.
(vii) Appeal on religious grounds (Section 123(3)
• Appeal on religious ground is a corrupt practice.
Prohibition of public meetings during period of forty-eight hours
ending with hour fixed for conclusion of poll
(Sec 126)
Return of forfeiture of candidate’s deposits
(Sec 158)

►INDEXES & REPORTS

INDEX (ORGANIZATION) ABOUT
Parameters:
Category 1: Outcomes
SCHOOL EDUCATION QUALITY • Learning outcomes
INDEX (SEQI) • Access outcomes
(NITI Aayog) • Infrastructure and facilities for outcomes
• Equity outcomes
Category 2: Governance processes aiding outcomes
The index documents the progress made by India’s States and Union Territories towards
achieving the 2030 SDG targets.
SDG INDIA INDEX
The SDG India Index has been developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Statistics and
(NITI Aayog)
Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the United Nations, and the Global Green Growth
Institute.
GOOD GOVERNANCE INDEX GGI takes into consideration ten sectors:

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(Ministry of Personnel, Public
Grievances & Pensions)
GLOBAL SOCIAL MOBILITY
INDEX
(World Economic Forum)
MEASUREMENT, ACTION,
FREEDOM
(Walk Free Foundation)
WOMEN BUSINESS AND LAW
INDEX 2020
(World Bank)
DEMOCRACY INDEX
(Economist Intelligence Unit)
GLOBAL MICROSCOPE FOR
FINANCIAL INCLUSION REPORT
(Economist Intelligence Unit)
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• Agriculture and Allied Sectors
• Commerce & Industries
• Human Resource Development
• Public Health
• Public Infrastructure & Utilities
• Economic Governance
• Social Welfare & Development
• Judicial & Public Security
• Environment and
• Citizen-Centric Governance
Five key dimensions
• Health;
• Education (access, quality and equity, lifelong learning);
• Technology;
• Work (opportunities, wages, conditions);
• Protection and Institutions (social protection and inclusive institutions)
An independent assessment of government progress towards achieving UN Sustainable
Development Goal 8.7 - based on 102 indicators, organized in 28 indicators and 5 milestones:
1) Survivors are identified and supported to exit and remain out of modern slavery
2) Criminal justice mechanisms function effectively to prevent modern slavery
3) Coordination occurs at the national level and across borders, and governments are held
to account for their response.
4) Risk factors, such as attitude, social systems, and institutions that enable modern slavery,
are addressed.
5) Government and business stop sourcing goods and services produced by forced labour.
It is based on 8 Parameters:
1. Mobility: Examines constraints on freedom of movement
2. Workplace: Analyses laws affecting women's decision to work
3. Pay: Measures laws and regulations affecting women's pay
4. Marriage: Assesses legal constraints related to marriage
5. Parenthood: Examines laws affecting women's work after having children
6. Entrepreneurship: Analyses constraints on women's starting and running businesses
7. Assets: Considers gender differences in property and inheritance
8. Pension: Assesses laws affecting the size of a woman's pension
Five Indicators of Democracy Index
1. Civil liberties: include freedom of the press, freedom to protest, unrestricted access to the
Internet, an independent judiciary, religious tolerance, equal treatment of all citizens and
basic security.
2. Political culture: refers to popular support for democracy, a strong tradition of separation
of religion and State, etc.
3. Political participation: voter turnout, share of women parliamentarians, etc.
4. Governance: refers to influence of elected representatives in determining government
policy, supremacy of the legislature etc.
5. Electoral Pluralism: refers to free and fair elections, universal adult suffrage, equal
campaigning opportunities, etc.
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GLOBAL LIVEABILITY RANKING
(Economist Intelligence Unit)
TECHNOLOGICAL READINESS
RANKING
(Economist Intelligence Unit)
GLOBAL BROADBAND INDEX
(Economist Intelligence Unit)
WORLDWIDE COST OF LIVING
SURVEY
(Economist Intelligence Unit)
WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT
(United Nations Sustainable
Development Solutions
Network)
On lines of this NITI Ayog has released the India Innovation Index 2019. It is calculated as the
average of the scores of its two dimensions - Enablers and Performance. The Enablers are the
GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX
factors that underpin innovative capacities, grouped in five pillars: (1) Human Capital, (2)
(Cornell University, INSEAD
Investment, (3) Knowledge Workers, (4) Business Environment, and (5) Safety and Legal
and WIPO)
Environment. The Performance dimension captures benefits that a nation derives from the
inputs, divided in two pillars: (6) Knowledge Output and (7) Knowledge Diffusion.
• The Henley Passport Index (HPI) is a global ranking of countries according to the travel
freedom for their citizen. The Index lists the world’s passports “according to the number of
HENLEY PASSPORT INDEX
destinations their holders can access without a prior visa”.
(HENLEY)
• Indian passport is closer to the bottom, ranked 84th in the world among 107 countries.
Japan has the world’s strongest passport.
CORRUPTION PERCEPTION • A country's score can range from zero to 100, with zero indicating high levels of corruption
INDEX and 100 indicating low levels.
(Transparency International) • It is published annually.
GLOBAL NUTRITION REPORT
• The report was conceived following the first Nutrition for Growth Initiative Summit (N4G)in
(Independent Expert Group
2013 as a mechanism for tracking the commitments made by government, aid donors, civil
of the Global Nutrition
society, the UN and businesses.
Report, supported by the
• It is an annual report.
Global Nutrition Report
• The World Health Organization (WHO) is a Global Nutrition Report Partner.
Stakeholder Group.)
Based on four indicators namely:
GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX
• Undernourishment
(Concern Worldwide
• Child stunting
and
• Child wasting
Welt Hunger Hilfe)
• Child mortality
• India's rank has slipped five places to 141 among 163 countries
• While Iceland remains the most peaceful country and Afghanistan the least peaceful
GLOBAL PEACE INDEX 2019 nation.
(Institute for Economics and • Using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources, and
Peace -IEP) measures the state of peace using three thematic domains: the level of Societal Safety and
Security; the extent of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict; and the degree of
Militarisation.
• India has dropped two places on a global press freedom index to be ranked 140th out of
WORLD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX
180 countries in the annual Reporters Without Borders.
(REPORTERS WITHOUT
• Reporters Without Borders is careful to note that the index only deals with press freedom

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 CORE – INDIAN POLITY
BORDERS -RSF) and does not measure the quality of journalism nor does it look at human rights violations
in general.
INDIA CORRUPTION SURVEY
2019
{TRANSPARENCY
INTERNATIONAL INDIA (TII)
AND LOCAL CIRCLES}

►IMPORTANT COMMITTEES
Kelkar Committee (2015) Assessing PPP in India and Tax Structure Reforms

Deepak Parekh Committee Financing Infrastructure through PPP model

Injeti Srinivas Committee Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Punchhi Commission Centre – State relations

Sarkaria Commission Relationship and power balance between the Centre and States

Bimal Jalan Committee Decide the appropriate level of reserves that the RBI should hold

TSR Subramaniam K. National Education Policy

Kasturirangan Committee National Education Policy

Umesh Sinha Committee Revisiting the section 126 of the Representation of the People Act

Justice BN Srikrishna Report on data protection

Committee

Bibek Debroy Committee Railway restructuring

Xaxa Committee Tribal Communities of India

Dhebar Committee Status of PVTGs(Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups)

PJ Nayak Committee Evaluate governance of board of banks(Recommended formation of Banks Board

Bureau(BBB))

Ratan Watal Committee Digital Payments

Kasturirangan Committee + Ecologically Sensitive Area of Western Ghats

Gadgil Committee

AK Mathur Committee 7th Pay Commission

Dr. Anil kakodkar Committee High Level Safety Review for Indian Railways

Justice JS Verma Committee Amendments to the Criminal Law for quicker trial and enhanced punishment for sexual
assault of women

Bezbaruah Committee Look into concerns of people from North East living in other parts of India

Justice Rajinder Sachar Examine socio-economic and educational status of Muslim community

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SECTION 3
S

NSWER KEY
 PRACTICE MCQ’S
Q1. Consider the following pairs: 2. Oriya was renamed as ‘Odia’ by the 96 th
1. Regulating Act first step taken by the British Amendment Act of 2011.
of 1773 - Parliament to control and 3. The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 transferred five
regulate the affairs of the EIC subjects to Concurrent List from State List.
in India. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
2. Pitt’s India Act, - Board of Control was created (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
1784 and for commercial affairs, (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
the Court of Directors was
appointed. Q6. Which of the following statements are correct
3. Government of - Abolition of provincial regarding the Fundamental Rights under Part III of
India Act, 1919 dyarchy and introduction of the Indian Constitution?
dyarchy at centre. 1. They operate as limitations only on the actions of
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? the executive and arbitrary laws of the legislature.
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only 2. They are meant for promoting the ideals of political,
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 social and economic democracy.
3. No law, that seeks to implement any Directive
Principles, shall be void on the ground of
Q2. Which of the following is the guardian of the
contravention of the Fundamental Rights conferred
Fundamental Rights of the Indian citizens?
by Article 14 or Article 19.
(a) Parliament (b) President
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(c) Supreme Court (d) Constitution
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the above
Q3. Which of the following statements is/are correct
about preamble?
Q7. The Supreme Court has declared the following
1. It does not grant any power but it gives a direction
rights as part of Article 21:
purpose to the Constitution.
1. Right to information.
2. The word Socialist, Secular, and fraternity were
added by 42nd Constitutional Amendment. 2. Right to privacy.

3. It contains the enacting clause which brings the 3. Right against inhuman treatment.
constitution into force. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(a) 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q8. Which of the following statements is/are incorrect
Q4. Which of the following statements is/are correct about Fundamental rights?
regarding the “Constituent Assembly” of India? 1. They are not absolute but qualified.
1. The elections to the Constituent Assembly was 2. All the fundamental rights are positive in character.
direct. 3. Parliament can curtail or repeal them but only by a
2. It ratified India's, membership of Commonwealth. constitutional amendment act and not by an
3. Dr BR Ambedkar was chairman of the the Drafting ordinary act.
and Steering Committee. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q9. Consider the following pairs:
Q5. Which of the following statements is/are correct? SOURCE PROVISIONS
1. Tenth schedule was added by the 52 nd 1. British - Post of Vice President
Amendment Act of 1985.

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 PRACTICE MCQ’S
Constitution
2. US Constitution - Parliamentary privileges Q13. Which of the following statements is/are incorrect?
and bicameralism. 1. Amendment of the Constitution can be initiated
3. Japanese - Procedure established only by the introduction of a bill for the purpose in
Constitution by Law. either House of Parliament.
2. The Constitutional Amendment bill can be
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
introduced by a private member.
(a) 1 only (b) 3 only
3. The Constitutional Amendment bill require prior
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
permission of the president.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q10. Consider the following statements:
(a) 3 only (b) 2 only
1. Right to property was deleted from the list of
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Fundamental/legal Rights by the 44th Amendment
Act, 1978.
Q14. Which of the following can be amended by a simple
2. The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988,
majority of the two Houses of the parliament
lowered the voting age of elections to the Lok
outside the scope of Article 368?
Sabha and to the Legislative Assemblies of States
from 21 years to 18 years. 1. Union territories.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. Establishment of new state.

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 3. Use of official language.

(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 4. Supreme Court and high courts.
5. Citizenship—acquisition and termination.

Q11. Consider the following provisions of Article 15(6) 6. Abolition or creation of legislative councils in states.
which has been added by “The Constitution (103rd Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Amendment) Act, 2019”: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 2,3,4,5 and 6 only
1) Article 15 (6) permits the government to provide for (c) 1,2,3,5 and 6 only (d) 3, 4, 5 and 6 only
the advancement of “economically weaker
sections”. Q15. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
2) Up to 10% of seats may be reserved for 1. Equal protection of laws is a negative concept
“economically weaker sections”for admission in whereas Equality before law is a positive concept.
educational institutions, including private
2. Equal protection of laws is borrowed from the
educational institutions.
England whereas Equal protection of the laws owes
3) Such reservation will also apply to minority its origin to American Constitution.
educational institutions.
3. There are few exceptions to the principle of equality
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect? before law.
(a) 2 only (b) 3 only Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q12. Which of the following provisions of the Indian
Constitution can be amended by simple majority of
Q16. Consider the following statements:
the two Houses of the Parliament?
1. The term cabinet has not been mentioned in the
1. Representation of States in the Parliament.
constitution of India
2. Creation of Legislative Councils
2. Council of Ministers cease to hold office after the
3. Conferment of more jurisdiction on the Supreme dissolution of Lok Sabha.
Court
3. A minister can only be removed from the office if a
Select the correct answer using the code given below: no - confidence motion is passed in the Lok Sabha.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only Which of the statements is/are correct?
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the above (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only

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 PRACTICE MCQ’S
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) None of the above 2. Parliament approves national emergency for a
period of 6 months at a time.
Q17. Consider the following pairs: 3. A proclamation of an emergency may be revoked
1. Starred Question - one which is not by the President at any time by a subsequent
called for oral answer in the House and on which proclamation. Such a proclamation does require
no supplementary questions can consequently be Parliamentary approval.
asked. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
2. Unstarred Question - one to which a (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 2 only
member desires an oral answer (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
3. Short Notice Question - one which relates to
a matter of urgent public importance and can be Q21. Consider the following statements:
asked with shorter notice 1. U/A 358,In case of national emergency on external
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? grounds, fundamental right under Art. 19 is auto-
(a) 1 only (b) 3 only matically suspended.
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 2. U/A 359, President through separate proclamation
can suspend any fundamental right during national
Q18. Consider the following statements about “Censure emergency (whether on internal or external
motion”: grounds).

1. Censure motion should state the reasons for its Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
adoption in Lok Sabha. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
2. It can be moved against an individual minister, (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
group of ministers, or the entire Council of
Ministers. Q22. Which of the following is/are correct about the
3. If passed, the Council of Ministers need to grounds for imposition of the President's rule?
necessarily resign from office. 1. President can issue a proclamation only on the
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? basis of governor's report.
(a) 2 only (b) 1 and 2 only 2. Article 355 imposes a duty on the centre to ensure
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 that the government of every state is carried on in
accordance with the provisions of the constitution.

Q19. Consider the following pairs: Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. Policy cut - to bring about economy in the
motion expenditure of the Government of (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
India.
2. Economy - to disapprove the policy underlying Q23. Which of the following DPSP’s were added by 42nd
cut motion the demand for funds. Amendment Act
1. Article 39A
3. Token cut - the amount of the demand be
motion reduced by Rs. 100 in order to 2. Article 43A
ventilate a specific grievance 3. Article 43B

Which of the pairs given above is/are incorrectly 4. Article 48A

matched? Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q20. Which of the following statements is/are correct? Q24. Which of the following statements is/are correct
1. After the emergency proclamation has been issued regarding special power of the Speaker?
by President, Parliament is required to approve
emergency within a month by special majority

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 PRACTICE MCQ’S
1. Speaker presides over joint sittings of both the 1. On the recommendation of Swaran Singh
houses of Parliament to resolve a deadlock over Committee, fundamental duties were incorporated
passage of ordinary or financial bill. under Art. 51A by 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
2. Speaker certifies whether the bill is money bill or 2. The last fundamental duty under article 51A (k) was
not and his decision in this regard is final. introduced by 86th Amendment Act.
3. When the Lok Sabha is dissolved, all its members Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
lose their membership but speaker continues in (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
office till next Lok Sabha is constituted. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only Q29. Consider the following statements:
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 1. The Governor of a state shall act in accordance with
the aid and advise provided by the Council of
Q25. Consider the following statements: Ministers headed by the Chief Minister.
1. Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha enjoys a 2. If a bill is reserved by the governor for the
statutory status equal to that of a Cabinet minister. consideration of the President but is returned and
2. Salary received by Leader of opposition of council passed again by the Sate legislative assembly, then
of states and house of people has been provided it can receive assent from the Governor of the
through an Executive Order of the President. State.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q26. The President is elected by the members of an Q30. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
electoral college made up of: 1. A transgender person is somebody “whose gender
1. The elected members of both Houses of does not match the gender assigned to that person
Parliament. at birth.”
2. The elected members of the Legislative Assemblies 2. A person will be recognized as transgender on the
of the States. basis of a certificate of identity issued by the Chief
3. Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of Medical Officer.
the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the 3. A person recognised as transgender shall have a
Union Territory of Pondicherry right to self-perceived gender identity.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q27. Which of the following statements is/are correct Q31. Consider the following statements regarding “The
about the estimates committee of the Parliament? consumer Protection Act,2019, which replaced the
1. It consists of members from the ruling party only. earlier act of 1986:

2. The demands for grants can only be voted upon 1. The new act sets up a “Central Consumer Protection
after the budget estimates have been examined by Authority” to promote, protect and enforce
this committee. consumer rights as a class.

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 2. The consumer rights includes, Right to Safety, Right
to be Informed, Right to be Choose, Right to be
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Heard, Right to Seek Redressal, Right to Consumer
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Education.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q28. Consider the following statements:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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 PRACTICE MCQ’S
2. The salaries, allowances and other terms and
Q32. Which of the following statements is/are not correct conditions of services of the Central and State CIC
about the Constitutional provisions about the and ICs will be determined by the Central
Panchayati Raj Institutions in India? government.
1. Chairperson of Panchayats at the Village level shall 3. The Union government will notify the term of office
be directly elected by people. for the CIC and ICs.
2. One third of the total seats all levels of Panchayats Select the correct answer using the code given below:
shall be reserved for the SC's and St's. (a) 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
3. If a panchayat is dissolved at any time before the (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
expiry of its duration of 5 years, fresh elections
shall be conducted. Q36. Consider the following statements:
Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. The tenth schedule of the Constitution lays down
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only the process by which legislators can be disqualified
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 on grounds of defection by the presiding officer of
the legislature.
Q33. Which of the following statements is/are correct 2. A MLA is deemed to have been defected if he
regarding “Foreign Contribution Regulation Act” ? voluntarily gives up his membership of the party or
1. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 and If he disobeys party leadership on a vote
rules framed under it (the “FCRA” or “Act”) regulate Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
the receipt and usage of foreign contribution by (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
non-governmental organisations (“NGOs”) in India. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. Every member of an NGO must now, under oath,
through an affidavit, certify that they have never Q37. Which of the following statements is/are correct
been involved in “diverting” foreign funds where as regarding “Electoral Bonds”?
in previous rule the applicant or director-level
1. Electoral bonds may be purchased by a person who
person was to given this declaration.
is a citizen of India or an entity incorporated or
3. FCRA falls into the purview of the Finance Ministry. established in India.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: 2. State Bank of India (SBI) is the only authorised bank
(a) 2 only (b) 1 and 2 only to issue electoral bonds.
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 3. Those registered political parties that secured not
less than 1% of votes polled in former election of
Q34. Which of the following statements is/are correct Lok Sabha or legislative assembly will be eligible to
about the Supreme Court of India? receive electoral bonds.
1. The Supreme Court is empowered to issue writs for Select the correct answer using the code given below:
the enforcement of all rights guaranteed by the (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
constitution of India. (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
2. Any suit brought before Supreme Court of India by
a citizen against the Center or a State falls under Q38. Consider the following statements:
the original Jurisdiction of the Court.
1. Supreme Court exercises Judicial review on laws
Select the correct answer using the code given below: and executive orders only When they stand in
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only contravention to the Fundamental Rights.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. Ninth Schedule provides immunity to certain laws
from Judicial Review.
Q35. Which of the following statements is/are correct Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
regarding the RTI (Amendment) Act,2019? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. The Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) (at the (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Central and state level) will hold office for a term of
5 years.

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 PRACTICE MCQ’S
Q39. Which of the following is called as “Master of (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
Roster”: (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) Attorney general (b) Chief Justice of India
(c) President (d) Advocate General Q44. Which of the following statements is/are correct
regarding “The protection of Human Rights
Q40. Consider the following statements: (Amendment) Act,2019 ?
1. "National Health Agency" has been dissolved and 1. The chairperson of the NHRC is a person who has
will be replaced by National Health Authority. been a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or a
2. National Health Authority as an attached office to Judge of the Supreme Court.
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. 2. The chairperson and members of the NHRC and
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? SHRC holds office for five years or till the age of
seventy years, whichever is earlier.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
3. Chairpersons of the NCBC, the National
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Commission for the Protection of Child Rights, and
the Chief Commissioner for Persons with
Q41. Which of the following statements is/are correct Disabilities.,NCSC, NCST, and National Commission
regarding “Lok Adalat”? for Women are members of the NHRC.
1. The Legal services authority Act also lays down a Select the correct answer using the code given below:
framework for Lok Adalats.
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only
2. Lok Adalat shall have no jurisdiction in respect of
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
any case or matter relating to an offence
“compoundable” under any law.
Q45. Consider the following statements:
3. Every award made by a Lok Adalat shall be final and
binding on all the parties to the dispute, and no 1. Each Gram Nyayalaya is a court of Judicial
appeal shall lie to any court against the award. Magistrate of the first class and its presiding officer
(Nyayadhikari) is appointed by the State
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Government in consultation with the High Court.
(a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
2. A Grama Nyayalaya is a mobile court and exercises
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
the powers of both Criminal and Civil Courts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q42. Consider the following statements:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. Special Protection Group (SPG) was raised in 1985
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
to provide security cover to the President, Prime
Minister, former Prime Ministers and their
immediate family members. Q46. Consider the following statements about the Indian
Parliament:
2. The SPG comprises of the personnel from CRPF,
Border Security Forces and other Central and State 1. The Indian parliament is a sovereign Body.
forces. 2. The parliamentary privileges have been
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? exhaustively codified by the parliament under a
statute.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q43. The word 'Democratic' in the Preamble to the
Indian Constitution signifies which type of
democracy? Q47. Which of the following statements is/are correct
1. Political democracy regarding POCSO (Amendment) Act?

2. Social democracy 1. If a person commits penetrative sexual assault on a

child below the age of 18 years, he will be
3. Economic democracy
punishable with imprisonment between 20 years to
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
life, with a fine.

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 PRACTICE MCQ’S
2. It included “death penalty” for aggravated sexual 1. DMFs were instituted under the Mines and Minerals
assault on children. (Development and Regulation) (MMDR)
3. It added two more grounds to definition of Amendment Act 2015.
aggravated penetrative sexual assault, ie. assault 2. District Mineral Foundation (DMF) is a trust set up
resulting in death of child and assault committed as a non-profit body, in those districts affected by
during natural calamity. the mining works.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q48. Consider the following statements: Q52. Which of the following statements is/are correct
1. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act regarding National commission for Backward
empowers the government to designate individuals Classes (NCBC)?
as terrorists. 1. NCBC is a statutory body under the Ministry of
2. The act empowers the officers of the NIA, of the Social Justice and Empowerment.
rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases. 2. The Commission consists of five members including
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and three other
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Members appointed by the President by warrant
under his hand and seal
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. It has all the powers of a civil court while trying a
suit.
Q49. The Parliament can legislate on any matter in the
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
State List, if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution.
Which of the following statements is/are correct (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
about such a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha? (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
1. Such a resolution should be passed by a majority of
two thirds of the total membership of the House. Q53. Indian Parliament consists of which of the
2. Once a resolution is passed by the Rajya Sabha, the following?
State legislature cannot legislate on that matter. 1. President of India
Select the correct answer using the code given below: 2. Lok Sabha
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 3. Rajya Sabha
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
Q50. Which of the following statements is/are correct? (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3
1. A whip is a written order that political party issue to
its members for being present for an important Q54. Consider the following statements:
vote, or that they vote only in a particular way 1. Article 233 and 234 of the constitution vested all
2. The office of ‘whip’is mentioned in the Rules of the powers of recruitment and appointment (Judicial
House. services of the state) with the State Public Service
3. Whip can not direct a Member of Palrliament or Commission and High Courts.
Member of Legislative Assembly on whom to vote 2. The Constitution of India was amended in 1977 to
in case of “Presidential Elections” provide for an All-India Judicial Services under
Select the correct answer using the code given below: Article 311.
(a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q51. Consider the following statements: Q55. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

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 PRACTICE MCQ’S
1. Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act of 2019 has
added four judges to strength. It increased the Q59. Consider the following statements:
judicial strength from 31 to 34, including the CJI. 1. The constitution clearly specifies the procedure for
2. Constitution authorises the CJI to appoint other the selection and appointment of the prime
place or places as seat of the Supreme Court. He Minister of India.
can take decision in this regard only with the 2. The Union ministers hold the office during the
approval of the President. pleasure of the president.
3. The High Court for Telangana is the 25th High Court Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
in the country.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q60. Consider the following pairs:
1. Absolute - withholding of assent to the bill
Q56. Consider the following statements:
veto passed by the legislature.
1. A law made by the Parliament during the operation
2. Qualified - which can be over ridden by the
of the President's Rule in a state is co-terminus with
veto legislature with an ordinary
the duration of the President's Rule
majority.
2. Statutory grants provided to the states under
Article 275 are charged expenditure on the 3. Suspensive - which can be overridden by the
consolidated Fund of India. veto legislature with a higher majority.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q57. Which of the following statements is/are correct Q61. Consider the following statements:
regarding National Population Register (NPR)? 1. Chief Election Commissioner cannot be removed
1. The National Population Register (NPR) updation from his office except in the same manner and on
exercise will be undertaken alongside Census 2021. the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.
2. It will be conducted by the Office of the Registrar 2. Other election commissioner or a regional
General of India (RGI) under the Home Ministry. commissioner cannot be removed from office
3. The NPR will contain three elements of data: except on the recommendation of the chief election
Demographic Data, Biometric Data, and Aadhaar – commissioner.
UID Number. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q62. Which of the following are “Executive Power” of the
Q58. Which of the following statements is/are correct? President?

1. Money bills can be introduced in the Parliament 1. He appoints the prime minister and the other
only with his prior recommendation of President. ministers, and they hold office during his pleasure.

2. President constitutes a finance commission after 2. He appoints the attorney general of India and
every four years determines his remuneration.

3. No demand for a grant can be made except on his 3. He can also summon a joint sitting of both the
recommendation. Houses of Parliament.

Select the correct answer using the code given below: Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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 PRACTICE MCQ’S
1. No tax shall be levied or collected except by
Q63. Which of the following statements is/are correct authority of law
about the Parliamentary control over the council of 2. No person shall be deprived of his property save by
Ministers? authority of law
1. The Zero hour has been provided in the Rules of 3. The elections to the Lok Sabha and the State
Procedure of the Lok Sabha for the members to Legislative Assembly shall be on the basis of adult
raise matters related to the functioning of the suffrage
Government of India. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
2. Adjournment Motion can be introduced only in the (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
Lok Sabha. (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Q68. Consider the following statements:
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. Martial law affects only Fundamental Rights and not
centre-state relations and distribution of revenue.
Q64. Consider the following statements: 2. It has specific provisions in the constitution.
1. The Parliament (under Article 32) can empower any Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
other court to issue writs under article 32. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
2. Writs are borrowed from English law where they (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
are known as ‘prerogative writs’.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q69. Which of the following are “Union Executive” under
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Part V of the Indian Constitution?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. President
2. Vice-President
Q65. Which of the following DPSP is not based on 3. The Prime Minister
socialist principle?
4. Member of Parliaments
(a) To promote equal justice and to provide free legal
5. The Attorney General of India
aid to the poo
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(b) To secure a minimum wage
(a) 1 only (b) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(c) To raise the level of nutrition and the standard of
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
living of people
(d) To secure the right to work
Q70. Which of the following statements is/are correct
about the State legislatures?
Q66. Which of the statements given below is/are correct
1. A deadlock takes place when legislative assembly
about the Ordinance making powers of the
after receiving a bill passed by the legislative
President?
council, rejects the bill.
1. President can promulgate ordinance only when the
2. In case of deadlock the governor can Summon a
Lok Sabha is not in session.
joint sitting of both the houses of state legislatures.
2. The president's satisfaction with regards to the
3. The maximum strength of the legislative council is
promulgation of ordinance cannot be subjected to
fixed at one-third of the total strength of the
Judicial Review.
legislative Assembly
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
4. A resolution for the creation of Legislative council
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
must be passes by a state assembly by a majority of
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 total membership of the assembly and a majority of
not less than two - thirds of the members of the
Q67. Which of the following Fundamental Rights are not assembly present and voting.
contained in part III of the constitution? Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 only

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 PRACTICE MCQ’S
(c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q71. Consider the following statements:
1. President can promulgate an ordinance when only Q75. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
one House is in session. 1. Adjournment only terminates a sitting and not a
2. President can issue an ordinance on those subjects session of the House.
on which the Parliament and states can make laws. 2. Prorogation not only terminates a sitting but also a
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? session of the House.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 3. Prorogation is done by the president of India.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Q72. Consider the following pairs: (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
1. Commutation - denotes the substitution of one
form of punishment for a lighter Q76. Which of the following statement is/are correct
form about the provisions related to Tribal in the
2. Remission - It implies reducing the period of Constitution of India?
sentence without changing its 1. Fifth Schedule areas do not include any state from
character the North Eastern part of India.

3. Respite - denotes awarding a lesser 2. All North Eastern states are included under the
sentence in place of one Sixth Schedule of the constitution.
originally awarded due to some Select the correct answer using the code given below:
special fact, such as the physical (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
disability (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Which of the pairs given above is/are incorrectly
matched? Q77. Which of the following are Constitutional bodies ?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only 1. National Commission for Women
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 2. Election Commission
3. National Commissions for SC’s and ST’s
Q73. Which of the following statements is/are correct 4. Comptroller and Auditor General of India
regarding “Vice President? Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. Electoral College for his election consists of only (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
elected members of the Parliament.
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
2. To be eligible for election as Vice-President, a
person should have completed 30 years of age.
Q78. Consider the following statements:
3. He should not be a member of either House of
1. The total number of ministers, including the Prime
Parliament or a House of the state legislature.
Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
2. A Member of Parliament belonging to any political
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 party who is disqualified on the ground of defection
shall also be disqualified to be appointed as a
Q74. Prime Minister is the Chairman of which of the minister.
following? Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. National Development Council (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
2. National Integration Council (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Inter State Council
4. National Water Resource Council

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 PRACTICE MCQ’S
Q79. Which of the following statements is/are correct 1. The Constitution has declared Hindi and English to
regarding “Council of ministers “? be the languages for transacting business in the
1. It is a constitutional body. Parliament.
2. Its functions are determined by the cabinet. 2. Development of the Hindi Language shall be the
3. It is collectively responsible to the Lower House of duty of the Union to promote the spread of the
the Parliament. Hindi language and to develop it.

Select the correct answer using the code given below: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only

(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q80. Consider the following statements: Q84. Consider the following statements:

1. As per the the 88th Amendment act, the 1. A minister can participate in the proceedings of a
constituency boundaries are frozen till the first House, of which he is not a member.
census after 2026. 2. A minister, who is not a member of either House,
2. The 87th Amendment Act of 2003 provided for the can participate in the proceedings of both the
delimitation of constituencies on the basis of 2001 Houses.
census and not 1991 census. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q85. Under the Indian Constitution, which of the
Q81. Which of the following can be said to be following can be the ground(s) of disqualification
qualifications for Member of Parliament? for being elected as Member of Parliament?

1. He should be citizen of India. 1. If he is of unsound mind and stands so declared by

a court.
2. He has completed 25 years of age in case of Rajya
Sabha and 30 years in case of Lok Sabha. 2. If he is an undercharged insolvent.

3. Any of the qualifications given under 3. He must not have been dismissed from
Representation of People Act 1951. government service for corruption or disloyalty to
the State.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q82. Which of the following is/are compulsory Provisions

under the 73rd and 74th constitutional Amendment Q86. Consider the following statements:
act 1992? 1. Introduction of “Public Bill” in the house requires 7
1. Direct elections to the post of Chairperson at the days’ notice and “Private Bill” requires 14 days’
intermediate and district levels notice.

2. Every state shall constitute at the district level, a 2. ”Public bill” rejection may lead to resignation of the
district planning committee government whereas rejection of “Private Bill” has
no implication on resignation of government.
3. The provisions of these acts shall not be applicable
to 5th and 6th schedule areas. Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q87. Consider the following statements:

Q83. Consider the following statements: 1. Cabinet Committees are constitutional.

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 PRACTICE MCQ’S
2. They are set up by Prime Minister according to the 2. Ordinary bill can be introduced by Private member.
exigencies of the time and requirements of the 3. Money bill can be introduced only by a minister.
situation. Further it can be introduced only on the
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect? recommendation of the President.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q88. Consider the following pairs:
1. Article 371A - Nagaland Q92. Consider the following statements:

2. Article 371G - Sikkim 1. The term ‘budget’ has nowhere been used in the
Constitution.
3. Article 371F - Mizoram
2. The Railway Budget was separated from the
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? General Budget in 1921 on the recommendations
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only of the Acworth Committee.But in 2016, the
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Government decided to merge the railway budget
into the general budget.
Q89. Which of the following statements is/are correct? Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. If a person is elected to both the Houses of (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Parliament, he must intimate within 14 days in (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
which House he desires to serve.
2. If a sitting member of one House is also elected to Q93. Which of the following are the expenditure
the other House, his seat in the first House “charged” upon the Consolidated Fund of India”?
becomes vacant. 1. Salaries, allowances and pensions of the judges of
3. If a person is elected to two seats in a House, he the Supreme Court.
should exercise his option for one. Otherwise, both 2. Salaries and Pensions of the judges of high courts.
seats become vacant.
3. Salary, allowances and pension of the Comptroller
Select the correct answer using the code given below: and Auditor General of India.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only 4. Salary and pension of the chairman and members
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 of the Union Public Service Commission.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Q90. Consider the following provisions under the (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only
Directive Principles of State Policy, as enshrined in (c) 1,3 and 4 only (d) 1,2,3, and 4
the Indian Constitution:
1. Opportunities for healthy development of children.
Q94. Which of the following Directive Principles of State
2. To promote international peace and security. Policy was added by the 44th Constitutional
3. To organize village panchayats. Amendment Act?
4. To raise the level of nutrition and the standard of (a) To secure opportunities for healthy development of
living of the people. children.
Which of the above are the socialistic principles that are (b) To take steps to secure the participation of workers
reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy? in the management of industries.
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) To minimise inequalities in income, status, facilities
(c) 1 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 and opportunities.
(d) To protect and improve the environment and to
Q91. Which of the following statements is/are correct? safeguard forests and wild life.
1. Ordinary bill can be introduced either in the Lok
Sabha or the Rajya Sabha without the Q95. Consider the following pairs:
recommendation of the president. 1. Vote of - is taken whereby a government gets

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 PRACTICE MCQ’S
Credit parliamentary approval to run the (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
government for a few months, using
funds drawn from the Consolidated Q98. Which of the following statements is/are correct
Fund of India. regarding “Public Accounts Committee”?
2. Excess - is granted when money has been 1. This committee was set up first in 1921 under the
Grant spent on any service during a provisions of the Government of India Act of 1919
financial year in excess of the and has since been in existence.
amount granted for that service in 2. It consists of 22 members (15 from the Lok Sabha
the budget for that year. and 7 from the Rajya Sabha). A minister can be
3. Vote-on- - is granted for meeting an elected as a member of the committee.
account unexpected demand upon the 3. Its members are elected by the Parliament.
resources of India, due to the Select the correct answer using the code given below:
magnitude or the indefinite
(a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
character of the service, the demand
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
cannot be stated with the details
ordinarily given in a budget.
Q99. Consider the following statements:
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
1. Rajya Sabha can authorise the Parliament to create
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
new All-India Services common to both the Centre
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
and states.
2. Rajya Sabha can authorise the Parliament to make
Q96. In which of the following matters ,the powers and a law on a subject enumerated in the State List
status of the Rajya Sabha are equal to that of Lok under Article 249.
Sabha
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Introduction and passage of Constitutional
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
amendment bills.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. Election and impeachment of the President.
3. Introduction and passage of ordinary bills.
Q100. Which of the following statements is/are correct
4. Approval of ordinances issued by the President.
regarding “Finance Commission”?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. Chairman and four members of Finance
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Commission holds office for such period as
(c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 specified by the President in his order.
2. The chairman should be a person having
Q97. Which of the following statements is/are correct experience in public affairs
about the Fundamental Duties as enshrined in the 3. Finance Commission is required to make
Indian Constitution? recommendations to the president of India on
1. The Parliament is bound to enforce these duties by distribution of the net proceeds of taxes to be
suitable legislations. shared between the Centre and the states.
2. They help the Courts in examining and determining Select the correct answer using the code given below:
the constitutional validity of a law. (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only

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 ANSWER KEY
ANSWER KEY
1. b 23. c 45. c 67. d 89. b

2. c 24. d 46. d 68. a 90. c

3. b 25. a 47. b 69. b 91. b

4. a 26. d 48. c 70. c 92. c

5. d 27. d 49. d 71. a 93. c

6. d 28. c 50. b 72. b 94. c

7. d 29. d 51. d 73. b 95. b

8. a 30. b 52. b 74. d 96. d

9. b 31. c 53. d 75. d 97. b

10. b 32. d 54. b 76. a 98. b

11. b 33. b 55. d 77. c 99. c

12. b 34. d 56. b 78. c 100. d

13. a 35. b 57. d 79. d

14. c 36. c 58. b 80. b

15. b 37. d 59. b 81. b

16. d 38. b 60. a 82. c

17. b 39. b 61. c 83. c

18. b 40. c 62. b 84. c

19. b 41. b 63. b 85. c

20. b 42. b 64. c 86. a

21. a 43. d 65. b 87. a

22. b 44. a 66. d 88. a

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