Indian Polity: Fundamental Rights & Liberties PYQ.
UPSC Prelims previous year questions on Fundamental Rights & Liberties (Indian Polity) — real questions with answers and explanations.
2 questions · sorted by year
2026Direct Conceptual / Factual MCQFundamental Rights & Liberties
'X' was addressing a seminar on the meaning of the term 'law' as provided under Article 13, Part III of the Constitution of India. 'X' explained that the meaning of the term 'law' in the Constitution of India was very comprehensive. It included ordinances, orders and even rules and regulations. Y pointed out that the term 'law' in Article 13 also included custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law, to which 'X' was not convinced. Based on the above, select the correct conclusion from the options given below:
A.'X' is correct in the interpretation of law, including the view on non-inclusion of custom.
B.The view of Y that 'law' included custom is not correct.
C.The views of both 'X' and 'Y' are correct.
D.The view of only 'Y' is correct.
Explanation: * Only Y's view is correct: Article 13(3)(a) of the Constitution defines "law" broadly and explicitly, stating that it includes ordinances, orders, bye-laws, rules, regulations, notifications, and custom or usage having the force of law within India's territory. * X's understanding is legally incomplete because it ignores custom, which is explicitly written into the constitutional text and confirmed by landmark judicial rulings like Sant Ram v. Labh Singh.
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2025Multi-statement (Traditional Style)Fundamental Rights & Liberties
With reference to the Indian polity, consider the following statements:
I. An Ordinance can amend any Central Act.
II. An Ordinance can abridge a Fundamental Right.
III. An Ordinance can come into effect from a back date.
A.I and II only
B.II and III only
C.I and III only
D.I, II and III
Explanation: * Statement I is correct: An Ordinance promulgated under Article 123 (by the President) or Article 213 (by the Governor) possesses identical force, legal status, and effects as a standard legislative Act. Within limits of legislative competence, it is fully capable of amending or repealing existing Central or State Acts. * Statement II is incorrect: Ordinances are recognized as "law" under the framework of Article 13. Article 13(2) prohibits the state from enacting any law that abridges or overrides the Fundamental Rights listed in Part III; hence, an Ordinance cannot violate or abridge them. * Statement III is correct: Since an Ordinance is co-extensive with standard legislative powers, it can be issued to take effect retrospectively from a back date, with the sole exception that Article 20(1) bars retrospective penalties in criminal law.