Consider the following statements:The Constitution of India defines its structure in terms of federa

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2020 UPSC Prelims Indian Polity & Governance paper.

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Question

Consider the following statements:The Constitution of India defines its structure in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy.The Constitution of India provides for 'Judicial review' to safeguard the citizens' liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: B — 2 onlyStep-by-step Solution:Statement 1: Incorrect. The Constitution does not explicitly "define its structure" in those terms. Federalism, secularism, etc., are basic features derived by judicial interpretation (Kesavananda Bharati, 1973). They are not explicitly defined as structural definitions within the text. ✗Statement 2: Correct. Judicial review is implicit in the Constitution (Article 13, 32, 226, 227). It allows courts to strike down laws that violate fundamental rights or the basic structure, thereby safeguarding liberties and constitutional ideals. ✓Why other options are incorrect:Option A (1 only): Statement 1 is not accurate as a textual definition.Option C (Both): Statement 1 is incorrect.Option D (Neither): Statement 2 is correct.Key Concept: The doctrine of basic structure was propounded in Kesavananda Bharati (1973). The Supreme Court has held that federalism, secularism, democracy, rule of law, and judicial review are part of the basic structure, which Parliament cannot amend even under Article 368. Judicial review is not explicitly mentioned but is a fundamental feature.

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