Q1. With reference to the pardoning power of the President of India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- The President can pardon a death sentence only in cases under Union laws.
- The power to pardon under Article 72 is subject to judicial review on limited grounds.
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The President can pardon death sentences even in court-martial cases (Union list), not just Union laws. However, the Supreme Court in Epuru Sudhakar (2006) and Shatrughan Chauhan (2014) held that pardoning power is subject to limited judicial review (mala fide, arbitrary, irrelevant considerations).
Q2. Which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution have never been amended since its commencement?
A) Article 15 and Article 16
B) Article 21 and Article 32
C) Article 52 and Article 53
D) Article 124 and Article 217
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Articles 52 (Office of President) and 53 (Executive power of the Union) remain untouched even after 106 amendments. Most fundamental rights and judicial provisions have seen amendments (e.g., 16 via 1st, 42nd, 44th, 103rd amendments).
Q3. The famous “Basic Structure Doctrine” was first enunciated in which of the following cases?
A) Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967)
B) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
C) Minerva Mills v. Union of India (1980)
D) S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The doctrine was propounded on 24 April 1973 by a 13-judge bench (7:6 majority) in Kesavananda Bharati, overruling Golaknath on Parliament’s power to amend Fundamental Rights while establishing that certain basic features are beyond amendment.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT a constitutional body?
A) National Commission for Scheduled Castes
B) National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
C) Inter-State Council
D) Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: NCPCR is a statutory body under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. The others are constitutional (Art 338, Art 263, Art 350B respectively).
Q5. With reference to the Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule), which of the following statements is/are correct?
- A nominated member can join a political party within six months of taking seat.
- The decision of the Speaker regarding disqualification is not subject to judicial review.
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct (Para 2(3) of Tenth Schedule). Statement 2 is incorrect – Kihoto Hollohan (1992) held that Speaker’s decision is subject to judicial review, though the court cannot stay disqualification proceedings.
