Question 1

Consider the following statements regarding the Inter-State Council:
1. It is a constitutional body established under Article 263 of the Constitution.
2. The Prime Minister of India acts as its chairman.
3. The decisions of the Council are binding on both the Centre and the state governments.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

3 only. The Inter-State Council, established under Article 263, is chaired by the Prime Minister. However, its role is advisory, not adjudicatory. Its recommendations are not binding on the governments, unlike the decisions of a court. Therefore, statement 3 is incorrect.

Question 2

Consider the following statements about Zonal Councils in India:
1. They are constitutional bodies established to promote inter-state cooperation.
2. The Union Home Minister is the common chairman of all Zonal Councils.
3. The North-Eastern Council is one of the Zonal Councils established under the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.
4. Their primary objective is to foster a culture of cooperative federalism.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Zonal Councils are statutory bodies, not constitutional, created by the States Reorganisation Act of 1956. The Union Home Minister is indeed the common chairman. The North-Eastern Council was created by a separate Act of Parliament, the North-Eastern Council Act of 1971, not the States Reorganisation Act. They do aim to promote cooperative federalism. Thus, only statements 2 and 4 are correct.

Question 3

Statement I: Article 262 of the Constitution empowers the Parliament to provide for the adjudication of any dispute with respect to the use, distribution or control of the waters of any inter-state river.
Statement II: The Constitution explicitly bars the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and other courts in respect of inter-state water disputes.

Accepted Answer

Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.. Statement I is correct as Article 262(1) grants this power to Parliament. Statement II is incorrect because the Constitution itself does not bar the jurisdiction of courts. Instead, Article 262(2) states that Parliament 'may by law provide' that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall exercise jurisdiction. The bar on jurisdiction is thus enabled by the Constitution but imposed by parliamentary law, not by the Constitution directly.

Question 4

Match the following constitutional provisions with their subject matter:
1. Article 261 : Provisions with respect to an Inter-State Council
2. Article 262 : Full faith and credit to public acts, records, and judicial proceedings
3. Article 263 : Adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-state rivers
4. Article 301 : Freedom of trade, commerce, and intercourse
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only one pair. Article 261 deals with 'Public acts, records and judicial proceedings' (Full faith and credit clause). Article 262 deals with 'Adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-State rivers'. Article 263 deals with 'Provisions with respect to an Inter-State Council'. Article 301 deals with 'Freedom of trade, commerce and intercourse'. Only pair 4 is correctly matched as given in the list.

Question 5

With reference to the freedom of trade, commerce, and intercourse under the Indian Constitution, consider the following statements:
1. Article 301 guarantees this freedom, which is applicable to inter-state as well as intra-state trade and commerce.
2. The Parliament is empowered to impose restrictions on this freedom in the public interest, but it cannot give preference to one state over another.
3. The legislature of a State can impose a non-discriminatory tax on goods imported from other states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3. All three statements are correct. Article 301 provides for freedom of trade, commerce, and intercourse throughout India. Article 302 allows Parliament to impose restrictions in the public interest. Article 303(1) prevents Parliament from making laws that give preference to one state over another, creating a non-discrimination principle. Article 304(a) allows a state legislature to impose on goods imported from other states any tax to which similar goods manufactured in that state are subject, so as not to discriminate.

Question 6

Consider the following statements regarding the legal framework for inter-state water disputes in India:
1. The River Boards Act, 1956, empowers the Central government to set up an ad hoc tribunal for the adjudication of a dispute between states.
2. The Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956, provides for the establishment of river boards for the regulation and development of inter-state rivers.
3. The decision of a tribunal constituted under the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956, is final and binding on the parties to the dispute.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

3 only. Statement 1 is incorrect; the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956 empowers the Centre to set up tribunals. Statement 2 is incorrect; the River Boards Act, 1956 provides for river boards. Statement 3 is correct as the decision of the tribunal is explicitly mentioned as final and binding.

Question 7

Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Article 262 of the Constitution allows Parliament to create legislation that bars the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and other courts over inter-state water disputes.
Statement II: The Supreme Court's jurisdiction is ousted because the principles of law based on private proprietary interests in water are considered an unsatisfactory basis for settling disputes where the larger public interest is involved.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.. Statement I correctly states the provision of Article 262. Statement II provides the rationale for creating an extra-judicial mechanism, explaining why Parliament was given the power mentioned in Statement I. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.

Question 8

With reference to the mechanisms for resolving inter-state water disputes, consider the following statements:
1. A river board under the River Boards Act (1956) is established by the Central government upon the request of the concerned state governments.
2. The Inter-State Water Disputes Act (1956) empowers the Central government to set up an ad hoc tribunal for adjudication.
3. The advice given by a river board is legally binding on the state governments.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

3 only. Statement 1 is correct; a river board is established by the Centre on the request of states. Statement 2 is also correct; the Act empowers the Centre to set up ad hoc tribunals. Statement 3 is incorrect; the role of a river board is to advise the state governments, and this advice is not mentioned as being legally binding, unlike a tribunal's decision.

Question 9

Consider the following pairs:
Tribunal : States Involved
1. Ravi and Beas Water Disputes Tribunal : Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan
2. Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal : Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu
3. Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal : Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra
4. Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal : Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Pair 1 is correct. Pair 2 is incorrect as it omits Puducherry. Pair 3 is correct. Pair 4 is incorrect as the dispute involves Odisha and Chhattisgarh, not Andhra Pradesh. Therefore, only two pairs (1 and 3) are correctly matched.

Question 10

In
how many of the Inter-State Water Dispute Tribunals mentioned below is the state of Maharashtra a party to the dispute?
1. Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal
2. Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal
3. Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II
4. Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal

Accepted Answer

All four. The state of Maharashtra is a party in all four of the listed tribunals: Godavari (with Karnataka, AP, MP, Odisha), Narmada (with Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP), Krishna-II (with Karnataka, AP), and Mahadayi (with Goa, Karnataka).

Question 11

Consider the following statements regarding the composition of the Inter-State Council:
1. The Prime Minister serves as the Chairman.
2. Chief Ministers of all states and union territories with legislative assemblies are members.
3. Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, are nominated by the Prime Minister to be members.
4. Administrators of all union territories are members.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only three statements. The Inter-State Council is chaired by the Prime Minister. Its members include Chief Ministers of all states and UTs with legislative assemblies, administrators of UTs *without* legislative assemblies, Governors of states under President's rule, and six Union cabinet ministers nominated by the PM. Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct, while statement 4 is incorrect as it does not specify only those UTs 'not having legislative assemblies'.

Question 12

Statement I: The Inter-State Council's function to enquire and advise upon inter-state disputes is advisory in nature.
Statement II: The Supreme Court's jurisdiction under Article 131 to decide a legal controversy between governments results in a binding decision.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.. The Inter-State Council's role in disputes is explicitly advisory. The text contrasts this with the Supreme Court's role under Article 131, which is to give a binding decision. Statement II thus correctly explains the context and limitation of the power described in Statement I, highlighting the different natures of the two bodies.

Question 13

As per Article 263 of the Constitution,
which of the following duties can be assigned to an Inter-State Council?
1. Enquiring into and advising upon disputes which may arise between states.
2. Investigating and discussing subjects in which the states or the Centre and the states have a common interest.
3. Adjudicating legal controversies between governments with a binding decision.
4. Making recommendations for the better co-ordination of policy and action on subjects of common interest.
How many of the duties listed above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only three. Article 263 specifies that the Inter-State Council can be assigned duties of enquiring into and advising on inter-state disputes, investigating subjects of common interest, and making recommendations for better policy coordination. The power to adjudicate with a binding decision rests with the Supreme Court under Article 131, not the Council. Thus, duties 1, 2, and 4 are correct.

Question 14

Consider the following statements about the Inter-State Council:
1. It was established based on the recommendations of the Administrative Reforms Commission.
2. The Council may meet at least thrice a year.
3. All questions before the Council are decided by a majority vote.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only. The Inter-State Council was established based on the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission, not the Administrative Reforms Commission. Its decisions are made by consensus, not by majority vote. The statement that the Council may meet at least thrice a year is correct. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are not correct.

Question 15

With reference to the Standing Committee of the Inter-State Council, consider the following statements:
1. It is chaired by the Prime Minister.
2. It was set up for continuous consultation and processing of matters for the Council's consideration.
3. It consists of the Union Home Minister, five Union Cabinet Ministers, and all Chief Ministers of the states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

2 only. The Standing Committee of the Inter-State Council is chaired by the Union Home Minister, not the Prime Minister. Its purpose is for continuous consultation and processing of matters for the main Council. Its composition includes the Union Home Minister, five Union Cabinet Ministers, and nine Chief Ministers, not all Chief Ministers. Therefore, only the second statement is correct.

Question 16

Consider the following statements regarding the “Full Faith and Credit” clause of the Indian Constitution:
1. It applies to public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of the Centre and every state.
2. The expression 'public acts' is restricted to only the legislative acts of the government.
3. The Constitution itself prescribes the detailed manner in which acts and records are to be proved in other states.

Accepted Answer

1 only. Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because 'public acts' includes both legislative and executive acts. Statement 3 is incorrect because the manner of proof is determined by laws made by Parliament, not prescribed directly by the Constitution.

Question 17

Statement I: Final judgements and orders of civil courts in any part of India are capable of execution anywhere within India without the necessity of a fresh suit upon the judgement.
Statement II: The “Full Faith and Credit” clause mandates that the courts of a state must enforce the penal laws of another state.

Accepted Answer

Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.. Statement I is a correct provision under the Constitution. However, Statement II is incorrect. The rule for the execution of judgments applies only to civil judgments and not to criminal judgments; it does not require the courts of one state to enforce the penal laws of another.

Question 18

In the context of the “Full Faith and Credit” clause, consider the following items:
1. Executive acts of a state government
2. Final judgements of a civil court
3. Penal laws of a state
4. Official registers maintained by a public servant
How many of the above are given full faith and credit throughout the territory of India?

Accepted Answer

Only three. Executive acts are 'public acts', final civil judgements are 'judicial proceedings', and official registers are 'public records'; all three are covered. However, the clause does not require states to enforce the 'penal laws' of another state. Therefore, only three of the items are covered.

Question 19

With reference to the “Full Faith and Credit” clause, consider the following statements:
1. The general rule of giving full faith and credit is absolute and cannot be modified by any authority.
2. Parliament is empowered by the Constitution to prescribe the manner in which public acts and records are to be proved.
3. The effect of judicial proceedings of one state in another state is determined by the laws of Parliament.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

1 only. Statement 1 is incorrect because the general rule is subject to the power of Parliament to lay down the mode of proof and the effect of such acts. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as the Constitution explicitly grants Parliament the power to legislate on the manner of proof and the determination of effect for such acts, records, and proceedings.

Question 20

Consider the following statements regarding the provisions for Public Acts, Records, and Judicial Proceedings under the Indian Constitution:
1. The rule for execution of final judgements anywhere in India applies to both civil and criminal judgements.
2. A fresh suit is required to execute a civil judgement from one state in another.
3. The term 'public record' includes any official book made by a public servant in the discharge of official duties.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect because the rule applies only to civil judgements, not criminal ones. Statement 2 is incorrect as a key feature of the provision is that execution is possible 'without the necessity of a fresh suit'. Statement 3 is correct as it accurately defines a 'public record' in this context. Therefore, only one statement is correct.

Question 21

Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The Parliament of India is empowered to impose restrictions on the freedom of trade and commerce in the public interest, but it is absolutely prohibited from giving preference to one state over another.
Statement II: The freedom of trade, commerce, and intercourse guaranteed under Article 301 is applicable only to inter-state transactions and not to intra-state ones.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect. Statement I is incorrect because Parliament can give preference to one state over another if it is required to deal with a situation of scarcity of goods in any part of India. Statement II is incorrect because the freedom under Article 301 extends to both inter-state and intra-state trade, commerce, and intercourse.

Question 22

With reference to the power of a state legislature to regulate trade and commerce, consider the following statements:
1. A state legislature can impose reasonable restrictions on the freedom of trade and commerce within its territory in the public interest.
2. A bill for imposing such restrictions can be introduced in the state legislature only with the previous sanction of the President.
3. The state legislature is constitutionally barred from giving preference to one state over another in its trade regulations.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

None of the above. All the statements are correct. A state legislature can impose reasonable restrictions in the public interest, but a bill for this purpose requires the President's prior sanction. Furthermore, the state legislature cannot enact laws that give preference to one state over another or discriminate between states.

Question 23

Consider the following statements regarding the freedom of trade, commerce, and intercourse under Part XIII of the Constitution:
1. The freedom guaranteed by Article 301 is a freedom from all restrictions, except those provided for in Articles 302 to 305.
2. This freedom is subject to laws providing for state monopolies, whether in favour of the Centre or the states.
3. A state can impose a tax on goods imported from other states only if similar goods manufactured within that state are subject to a similar tax.
4. The freedom under Article 301 is violated only when restrictions are imposed at the frontier of any state.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only three. Statement 4 is incorrect. Article 301 can be violated whether restrictions are imposed at the frontier of a state or at any prior or subsequent stage of trade and commerce. Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct descriptions of the provisions and limitations related to the freedom of trade and commerce.

Question 24

With reference to the authority for carrying out the purposes of provisions relating to the freedom of trade and commerce, consider the following statements:
1. The Constitution empowers the Parliament to appoint an appropriate authority for this purpose.
2. As of today, no such authority has been appointed by the Parliament.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Both 1 and 2. Both statements are correct. The Constitution allows the Parliament to appoint an authority to enforce the provisions of Part XIII concerning trade and commerce and to confer necessary powers on it. However, the source text explicitly mentions that no such authority has been appointed so far.

Question 25

Consider the following pairs regarding powers related to inter-state trade and commerce:
1. Power to impose restrictions on trade in public interest : Parliament and State Legislatures
2. Power to give preference to one state over another in case of scarcity of goods : Parliament only
3. Power to introduce a bill for trade restrictions with the previous sanction of the President : State Legislature only
4. Power to create a monopoly in any trade, business, or industry : Parliament and State Legislatures
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

All four pairs. All four pairs are correctly matched. 1: Both Parliament and State Legislatures can impose restrictions in the public interest. 2: Only Parliament has the exceptional power to give preference in case of scarcity. 3: The requirement of the President's prior sanction applies only to bills introduced by a State Legislature. 4: Both Parliament and State Legislatures can make nationalisation laws creating monopolies.

Question 26

Consider the following statements regarding the composition and leadership of Zonal Councils:
1. The Prime Minister of India is the common chairman of all the Zonal Councils.
2. Each Chief Minister acts as a chairman of the council by rotation for a one-year term.
3. Zonal Councils are constitutional bodies established under the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3. All three statements are incorrect. The Union Home Minister, not the Prime Minister, is the common chairman. Chief Ministers act as Vice-Chairmen by rotation, not Chairmen. Zonal Councils are statutory bodies created by the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, not constitutional bodies.

Question 27

Consider the following functions:
1. Achieving emotional integration of the country.
2. Making binding decisions on interstate border disputes.
3. Arresting the growth of acute state-consciousness and regionalism.
4. Formulating a unified and coordinated regional plan covering matters of common importance.
How many of the above are stated objectives or functions of the Zonal Councils established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Only two functions are correct. The Zonal Councils aim to achieve emotional integration and arrest regionalism. However, they are only deliberative and advisory bodies, so they cannot make binding decisions. Formulating a unified regional plan is a specific additional function of the North-Eastern Council, not the five Zonal Councils created by the 1956 Act.

Question 28

Consider the following pairs:
1. Chhattisgarh : Central Zonal Council
2. Goa : Southern Zonal Council
3. Sikkim : Eastern Zonal Council
4. Ladakh : Northern Zonal Council
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Pair 1 is correct; Chhattisgarh is in the Central Zonal Council. Pair 4 is correct; Ladakh is in the Northern Zonal Council. Pair 2 is incorrect; Goa is in the Western Zonal Council. Pair 3 is incorrect; Sikkim is a member of the separate North-Eastern Council, not the Eastern Zonal Council.

Question 29

Statement I: The Union Home Minister is the common chairman of the five Zonal Councils.
Statement II: Each Chief Minister of the states within a zone acts as the vice-chairman of that council by rotation, holding office for a period of one year at a time.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II is NOT the correct explanation for Statement I.. Both statements are factually correct. The Union Home Minister is indeed the common chairman of the five Zonal Councils. It is also true that Chief Ministers serve as vice-chairmen by rotation for one-year terms. However, the procedure for vice-chairmanship (Statement II) does not explain why the Union Home Minister holds the position of chairman (Statement I). They are two distinct, correct facts about the leadership structure of the councils.

Question 30

With reference to the North-Eastern Council, consider the following statements:
1. The North-Eastern Council was established by the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.
2. The North-Eastern Council has the additional function of reviewing measures taken by member states for the maintenance of security and public order.
3. Sikkim is a member of the North-Eastern Council.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

2 and 3 only. Statement 1 is incorrect; the North-Eastern Council was created by a separate Act of Parliament, the North-Eastern Council Act of 1971. Statement 2 is correct; this is mentioned as an additional function beyond those of the regular Zonal Councils. Statement 3 is also correct; Sikkim is listed as a member of the North-Eastern Council.

Inter-State Relations

Unlock All Questions