Q1. In Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), the Supreme Court held that “procedure established by law” under Article 21 must be:

a) Any procedure enacted by Parliament
b) Reasonable, fair, and just
c) Subject only to Article 19
d) The same as “due process of law” in the US Constitution

Answer: b) Reasonable, fair, and just
Explanation: The Court expanded Article 21, holding that no person can be deprived of life or liberty by arbitrary or oppressive laws; the procedure must be fair, just, and reasonable.

Q2. The principle that the President acts on the “aid and advice of the Council of Ministers” was clarified in which case?

a) Shamsher Singh v. State of Punjab
b) S.R. Bommai v. Union of India
c) Ram Jawaya Kapur v. State of Punjab
d) U.N. Rao v. Indira Gandhi

Answer: a) Shamsher Singh v. State of Punjab
Explanation: The Court held that the President (and Governor) are constitutional heads who must act on ministerial advice except in certain limited discretionary matters.

Q3. Which of the following doctrines prevents the legislature from enacting laws that nullify judicial decisions?

a) Doctrine of Colourable Legislation
b) Doctrine of Eclipse
c) Doctrine of Separation of Powers
d) Doctrine of Res Judicata

Answer: c) Doctrine of Separation of Powers
Explanation: The legislature cannot directly overrule judicial decisions. It can change the basis of law but not nullify judgments, as reaffirmed in cases like Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain.

Q4. In E.P. Royappa v. State of Tamil Nadu, the Court gave a new dimension to:

a) Equality under Article 14
b) Freedom of Speech under Article 19
c) Preventive detention under Article 22
d) Federalism under Part XI

Answer: a) Equality under Article 14
Explanation: The Court held that arbitrariness violates equality. Article 14 is not confined to classification but embodies fairness and non-arbitrariness in state action.

Q5. Which Article allows the President to refer matters of public importance to the Supreme Court for advisory opinion?

a) Article 131
b) Article 136
c) Article 143
d) Article 148

Answer: c) Article 143
Explanation: Article 143 empowers the President to seek the Court’s advisory opinion, though the opinion is not binding.

Q6. Which of the following is an essential function that cannot be delegated by the legislature?

a) Policy-making
b) Fixing the date of enforcement
c) Prescribing forms and procedures
d) Determining technical details

Answer: a) Policy-making
Explanation: Essential legislative functions like policy determination must remain with the legislature; only subsidiary matters can be delegated.

Q7. The case of A.K. Kraipak v. Union of India (1969) is significant because it:

a) Abolished judicial review
b) Introduced post-decisional hearing
c) Blurred the line between administrative and quasi-judicial functions
d) Upheld absolute discretion of administrative authorities

Answer: c) Blurred the line between administrative and quasi-judicial functions
Explanation: The Court held that principles of natural justice apply to administrative actions affecting rights, not just judicial or quasi-judicial acts.

Q8. Which case upheld the constitutional validity of preventive detention laws in India?

a) A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras
b) Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
c) Shreya Singhal v. Union of India
d) R.C. Cooper v. Union of India

Answer: a) A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras
Explanation: The Court upheld preventive detention laws, interpreting Fundamental Rights narrowly. This view was later liberalized in Maneka Gandhi.

Q9. The Finance Commission under Article 280 is primarily meant to:

a) Audit accounts of the Union and States
b) Allocate financial resources between Union and States
c) Supervise taxation policies of the Union
d) Oversee foreign exchange reserves

Answer: b) Allocate financial resources between Union and States
Explanation: The Finance Commission recommends distribution of net tax proceeds between Union and States, ensuring fiscal federalism.

Q10. The doctrine of colourable legislation implies:

a) When the legislature exceeds its power directly
b) When the legislature indirectly transgresses its limits while appearing to act within them
c) When the judiciary interferes with executive powers
d) When constitutional amendments violate fundamental rights

Answer: b) When the legislature indirectly transgresses its limits while appearing to act within them
Explanation: Colourable legislation occurs when the legislature disguises its law-making power to achieve a purpose beyond its competence.