Importent MCQs from Articles of Indian polity

Article 14 forms the base of the Right to Equality in Part III of the Constitution. It ensures that every person, citizen or not, is treated equally under the law and is entitled to the same legal protection as anyone else.

Article 21 says no person can be deprived of life or personal liberty except through a fair legal procedure. Over the decades, courts have interpreted this Article broadly, reading in rights like privacy, a clean environment, and a dignified life.

Article 21A was inserted by the 86th Constitutional Amendment in 2002. It only became enforceable later, once the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act came into force on 1 April 2010.

Article 24 protects children by prohibiting their employment in dangerous jobs, aiming to safeguard both their health and their right to a proper childhood and education.

Article 32 gives citizens the right to move the Supreme Court directly if their Fundamental Rights are violated, through writs such as habeas corpus, mandamus, and certiorari. Ambedkar considered it the very core of the Constitution because it protects all the other rights.

Article 19 originally listed seven freedoms, including the right to acquire and hold property. The 44th Amendment of 1978 removed the property right from this list, leaving six freedoms — such as freedom of speech, assembly, and movement.

Article 44 encourages the State to work towards one common set of personal laws for all citizens, regardless of religion. Since it’s a Directive Principle, it guides policy but isn’t enforceable in court.

Article 51A was added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976. It lists duties such as respecting the Constitution and national symbols, protecting the environment, and developing scientific temper.

Article 61 explains how the President can be removed from office for violating the Constitution. The process requires a special resolution passed by a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.

Article 72 allows the President to pardon or reduce punishments, including in certain cases involving the death sentence and court-martial verdicts.

Article 124 sets up the Supreme Court of India and covers rules about how judges are appointed, their number, and their qualifications.

Article 280 empowers the President to constitute a Finance Commission, which recommends how tax revenue should be divided between the Centre and the States.

Article 324 establishes the Election Commission of India and gives it authority over elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.

Article 368 explains how Parliament can amend the Constitution. Some changes need only a special majority in Parliament, while others — affecting the federal structure — also require approval from at least half of the State Legislatures.