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Fundamental Rights

Asked 21 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1995 · last asked 2024

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All 21 questions

Newest first — expand for options, answers, and explanations

Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy?

2024Polity
AArticle 15
BArticle 16
CArticle 19
DArticle 21

Explanation

The Supreme Court of India has placed the Right to Privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Article 21 guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty, and the Supreme Court has interpreted this to include the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right.

In essence, what does 'Due Process of Law' mean?

2023Polity
AThe principle of natural justice
BThe procedure established by law
CFair application of law
DEquality before law

Explanation

Due Process of Law refers to the principle that ensures fairness, justice, and procedural safeguards in legal proceedings. It emphasizes the protection of individual rights by requiring that legal procedures be fair, reasonable, and impartial. This principle is rooted in the concept of natural justice, which aims to prevent arbitrary actions and ensure a just decision-making process.

In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental Rights?

2023Polity
A1st Amendment
B42nd Amendment
C44th Amendment
D86th Amendment

Explanation

The 1st Amendment to the Indian Constitution was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental Rights. This amendment was introduced in 1951 and made changes to the Constitution to restrict the scope of the Fundamental Rights and introduced new grounds for imposing restrictions on them.

What is the position of the Right to Property in India?

2021Polity
ALegal right available to citizens only
BLegal right available to any person
CFundamental Right available to citizens only
DNeither Fundamental Right nor legal right

Explanation

The Right to Property in India is considered a legal right available to any person, not just citizens. This right was initially a Fundamental Right under the Indian Constitution but was later removed from the list of Fundamental Rights and made a legal right through a constitutional amendment.

A legislation which confers on the executive or administrative authority an unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power in the matter of application of law violates which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India?

2021Polity
AArticle 14
BArticle 28
CArticle 32
DArticle 44

Explanation

A legislation that grants excessive discretionary power to the executive or administrative authority without any guidelines or control violates the principle of equality enshrined in Article 14 of the Indian Constitution. Article 14 ensures that the State treats all individuals equally under the law and prohibits arbitrary or discriminatory actions by the government.

'Right to Privacy' is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India?

2021Polity
AArticle 15
BArticle 19
CArticle 21
DArticle 29

Explanation

Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees the protection of the Right to Privacy. This fundamental right has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to encompass the right to privacy as an intrinsic part of personal liberty and dignity. The right to privacy has been recognized as a fundamental right essential for the protection of other rights and freedoms.

Which one of the following categories of Fundamental Rights incorporates protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination?

2020Polity
ARight against Exploitation
BRight to freedom
CRight to constitutional remedies
DRight to equality

Explanation

Among the Fundamental Rights, the category that includes protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination is the Right to Equality. This category covers Article 17, which focuses on the abolition of untouchability. Other aspects of equality within Fundamental Rights include Article 14 (Equality before law), Article 15 (Prohibition of discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth), Article 16 (Equality of opportunity in public employment), and Article 18 (Abolition of titles).

In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty?

2019Polity
AProtection against the tyranny of political rulers
BAbsence of restraint
COpportunity to do whatever one likes
DOpportunity to develop oneself fully

Explanation

In the realm of politics, which definition of liberty is the most suitable? (a) Protection from political rulers' oppression (b) Freedom from constraints (c) Ability to do as one pleases (d) Opportunity for complete self-development. The correct answer is (d). Rephrased: Liberty was initially described as complete absence of restraints for an individual. The UPSC official answer is option 'd'.

Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one's right to marry the person of one's choice?

2019Polity
AArticle 19
BArticle 21
CArticle 25
DArticle 29

Explanation

In the Constitution of India, the right to marry the person of one's choice is protected under Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. This was affirmed by the Supreme Court in the Hadiya Case.

Which one of the following reflects the nicest, appropriate relationship between law and liberty?

2018Polity
AIf there are more laws, there is less liberty
BIf there are no laws, there is no liberty
CIf there is liberty, laws have to be made by the people
DIf laws are changed too often, liberty is in danger

Explanation

To ensure that everyone can enjoy liberty, there should be reasonable limits. The freedom of the majority necessitates laws that restrict the freedom of a few. This idea aligns with the principle of positive liberty.

Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement?

2018Polity
AArticle 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution
BArticle 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV
CArticle 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III
DArticle 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution

Explanation

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court declared that the right to privacy is safeguarded as an essential component of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. This protection is also upheld as part of the freedoms guaranteed in Part III of the Constitution.

Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India? 1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour 2. Abolition of untouchability 3. Protection of the interests of minorities 4. Prohibition of employment of children in factories and mines Select the correct answer using the code given below:

2017Polity
A1, 2 and 4 only
B2, 3 and 4 only
C1 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

The Right against Exploitation in the Indian Constitution prohibits human trafficking, forced labor, and the employment of children in factories and mines. Abolition of untouchability falls under the Right to Equality, while the protection of minority rights is covered by Cultural and Educational Rights. The correct options are 1 and 4 only.

Which one of the following statements is correct?

2017Polity
ARights are claims of the State against the citizens
BRights are privileges which are incorporated in the Constitution of a State
CRights are claims of the citizens against the State
DRights are privileges of a few citizens against the many

Explanation

The correct statement among the options provided is (c) Rights are claims of the citizens against the State. This means that through these rights, individuals assert their demands and expectations towards the government.

Right to vote and to be elected in India is a

2017Polity
AFundamental Right
BNatural Right
CConstitutional Right
DLegal Right

Explanation

In India, the right to vote and to be elected is considered a significant constitutional right as per Article 326.

According to the Constitution of India, which of the following are fundamental for the governance of the country?

2013Polity
AFundamental Rights
BFundamental Duties
CDirective Principles of State Policy
DFundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties

Explanation

Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines provided in the Constitution of India for the central and State governments to consider when creating laws and policies. It is the responsibility of the state to incorporate these principles into legislation.

With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following: 1. Fundamental Rights 2. Fundamental Duties 3. Directive Principles of the State Policy Which of the above provisions of the Constitution of India is/are fulfilled by the National Social Assistance Programme launched by the government of India?

2010Polity
A1 only
B3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), initiated by the Indian government on 15th August, 1995, aligns with the Directive Principles outlined in Article 41 of the Constitution, which enshrines the right to work, education, and public assistance in specific circumstances.

In the Indian Constitution, the Right to Equality is granted by five Articles. They are:

2002Polity
AArticle 16 to Article 20
BArticle 15 to Article 19
CArticle 14 to Article 18
DArticle 13 to Article 17

Explanation

Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution are divided into six categories: Right to Equality (Articles 14-18), Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22), Right against Exploitation (Articles 23 and 24), Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25 and 28), Cultural & Educational Rights (Articles 29 and 30), and Right to Constitutional remedies (Article 32).

Which one of the following rights was described by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the heart and soul of the Constitution?

2002Polity
ARight to Freedom of Religion
BRight to Property
CRight to Equality
DRight to Constitutional Remedies

Explanation

The right to Constitutional Remedies, as enshrined in Article 32 of the Constitution, is considered a Fundamental Right. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar referred to this right as the core essence and vital element of the Indian Constitution.

A British citizen staying in India cannot claim the right to:

1999Polity
AFreedom of trade and profession
BEquality before the Law
CProtection of life and personal liberty
DFreedom of religion

Explanation

Certain Fundamental Rights in India are exclusively reserved for citizens and not extended to foreigners. These rights are outlined in Articles 15, 16, 19, 29, and 30 of the Indian Constitution. On the other hand, there are Fundamental Rights that apply to both citizens and non-citizens, with the exception of enemy aliens, as detailed in Articles 14, 20, 21, 21(A), 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and Article 28. Article 19(1)(g) specifically grants all citizens the freedom to engage in any profession or trade, subject to certain limitations.

Consider the following statements: No one can be compelled to sing the National Anthem since: 1. it will be violative of the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression 2. it will be violative of the Right to the Freedom of Conscience and practise and propagation of religion 3. there is no legal provision obliging anyone to sing the National Anthem

1996Polity
A1 and 3 are correct
B2 and 3 are correct
C1, 2 and 3 are correct
Dnone is correct

Explanation

The National Anthem cannot be enforced on anyone because it would go against their Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression, as well as their Right to the Freedom of Conscience and practice and propagation of religion. Moreover, there is no law that mandates the singing of the National Anthem. So, all three statements are accurate.

Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion etc. (Article 15 of the Constitution of India) is a Fundamental Rights classifiable under:

1995Polity
Athe Right to Freedom of Religion
Bthe Right against Exploitation
Cthe Cultural and Educational Rights
Dthe Right to Equality

Explanation

Article 15 of the Constitution of India prohibits discrimination based on religion, among other grounds, and falls under the category of Fundamental Rights known as the Right to Equality. This categorization is based on the division of various articles within the constitution: Articles 14 to 18 pertain to Right to Equality, Articles 23 and 24 relate to the Right against Exploitation, Articles 25 to 28 cover the Right to Freedom of Religion, and Articles 29 and 30 address Cultural and Educational Rights.