Indian Constitution
History of Constitution
Features of Indian Constitution
- Explain the importance of a Constitution in the context of a democratic country like India.
- What do you understand by rule of law? Explain how this idea is reflected in the Constitution of India.
- The basic structure doctrine of the Indian Constitution is a judicial innovation. Analyse.
- Despite having features borrowed from Constitutions of various other countries, the Constitution of India remains unique. Discuss.
- Objections to domicile-based reservation in private sector jobs on the grounds of constitutional equality and freedom are misplaced. Critically discuss.
- There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India’s liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree?
- Separation of powers and judicial review are integral components of a democracy, providing essential mechanisms to prevent tyranny, protect individual rights, and uphold the rule of law. Discuss.
- Constitutionally reconciling Fundamental Rights with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) has been a tough task since the inception of the Indian Constitution. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws.
- “The purpose of having a Constitution is to transform the society for the better and this objective is the fundamental pillar of transformative constitutionalism.” Discuss with the help of recent case laws.
- The tussle between the legislature and judiciary culminated in the ‘basic structure’ doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case. Discuss. What is the significance of the case in limiting the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution?
- Despite being an amalgamation of various constitutions from across the world, the Indian Constitution imbibes social justice, pluralism, and equality through its various provisions. Comment.
- Explain the concept of separation of powers. What are the provisions in the Indian Constitution, which reflect separation of powers?
Amendments in Indian Constitution Provisions
Functions & Responsibilities of the Union and the States
- The office of Governor needs to be transformed to preserve constitutional governance in India. Discuss in the light of recent controversies surrounding the Governors’ office.
- Discuss the functions performed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and its role in shaping policy-making in India.
Federal Structure
- Bring out the differences between ‘coming together federations’ and ‘holding together federations’ with examples.
- Highlight the various challenges in ensuring cooperative federalism in India. Also, suggest measures to foster cooperative federalism.
- The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India.
- The Indian model of federalism has been criticized for being too centralized, but it also provides adequate space and autonomy to the states. Analyse.
Separation of powers
Comparison of Constitutions
- The doctrine of Separation of Powers is followed in US with a spirit, never followed in UK purely, and India has followed it with large exceptions. Comment.
- Compare and contrast the fundamental rights of Indian constitution with the bill of rights enshrined in the US constitution.
Ministries and Departments
- Highlighting the significance of cooperatives in India, discuss how the Ministry of Cooperation will give an impetus to them.
- Is there a need to rationalize the large number of ministries in the Government of India? Discuss with logical arguments.
- Cabinet Committees play an important role in reinstating collective responsibility and principle of homogeneity of the Executive in the Indian Parliamentary system. Elucidate.
Parliament and State legislatures
- Discuss the veto powers of the President of India.
- Compare the powers of the Lok Sabha with that of the Rajya Sabha.
- On what grounds can President’s Rule be imposed in a state? Also, mention the procedure of its imposition and its effects.
- Discuss the role of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) for the effective functioning of democracy in India.
- Discuss the role of the Departmentally Related Standing Committees in strengthening parliamentary democracy in India.
Judiciary
- The administration of justice is not limited to conviction of the guilty and acquittal of the innocent but also ensuring fair and speedy trial. In view of this, discuss the reasons behind increase in the number of undertrials in India and measures taken to ameliorate the issues faced by them.
- What do you understand by judicial activism and overreach? Also discuss the associated concerns.
- What is the Doctrine of Severability? Discuss with the help of relevant judicial decisions.
- Do you agree with the view that there is a need to enact a new law for ensuring judicial accountability in India?
Elections & Representation of People’s Act
- A robust and fair electoral system in India is hinged upon few key reforms in the Representation of People’s Act. Discuss in the context of contemporary issues.
- Delineate the grounds of disqualification under The Representation of the People Act, 1951. Also, discuss the remedial measures available to the disqualified representatives.
- Disenfranchising prisoners desecrates a cherished value in a democracy i.e. ‘right to vote’, which should be guarded earnestly. Discuss in the light of The Representation of The People Act, 1951.
Constitutional Bodies
- What are tribunals? How is Article 323A different from Article 323B of the Indian Constitution?
- Provide an account of the role of UPSC. Also, enumerate the Constitutional provisions to safeguard and ensure the independence and impartial functioning of the UPSC.
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
- The NGT Act gives much leeway to the tribunal to go beyond a mere adjudicatory role and act as a sui generis institution with the capacity to provide redressal for environmental exigencies. Discuss.
- Although quasi-judicial bodies have powers resembling those of the judicial bodies, there are important points of distinction between the two. Elaborate.
- Enumerate the composition and functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW). Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the Commission to give an impetus to women empowerment.
Pressure Groups & Other Associations
- Even though pressure groups play an important role in governance, there have been issues surrounding transparency in the representativeness of the groups and their funding as well as their relationship with the government. Discuss.
- What do you understand by pressure groups? Citing examples, state the different types of techniques used by pressure groups.
Fundamental Rights
- It has been argued that some parts of Article 22 are not Fundamental Rights but ‘Fundamental Dangers’ to the citizens of India. Discuss in light of the debate on issues around the preventive detention laws in India.
- While Fundamental Rights form a significant part of the Indian Constitution, they aren’t spared from Criticisms either. Elaborate