GS Paper 2

vConstitution & Polity
60 Qs
01Historical Underpinnings & Salient Features29
02Union & States: Functions & Challenges15
03Separation of Powers & Dispute Redressal7
04Comparison of Indian Constitutional Scheme3
06Executive & Judiciary6
>Governance & Civil Services
32 Qs
>Parliament & State Legislatures
39 Qs
>Constitutional & Quasi-Judicial Bodies
27 Qs
>Social Justice & Welfare
54 Qs
>International Relations
68 Qs
Constitution & Polity
60 Questions

Constitution & Polity

Historical underpinnings, basic structure, fundamental rights, directive principles, federalism, inter-state relations, constitutional amendments.
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2026

10mQ.1examineArticle 21 Right to Privacy

Right to privacy relating to self-identity is very dear to every human being and well protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. In this context, examine the effect of the amendment in 2026, to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

💡 Right to PrivacyTransgender Persons ActSelf-Identity Recognition
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15mQ.11DiscussOffice of the Governor (Article 200)

Discuss the position of the Governor in the federal polity of India. What is the nature of his power while giving assent to a bill passed by the State Legislature ? Is he bound by the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers in all his functions ?

💡 Role of GovernorAssent to State BillsDiscretionary Powers of Governor
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15mQ.12discussJudicial Legislation & Activism

What is meant by judicial legislation ? In this context, discuss the verdicts of the apex court allowing "passive euthanasia" and a "living will".

💡 Judicial legislationPassive Euthanasia (Common Cause)Living Will & Advance Directives
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15mQ.13How farAsymmetric Federalism (Article 371)

How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities ? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective.

💡 Regional diversityInter-State Council (Article 263)Regional Diversities Accommodation
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15mQ.14ExamineSeparation of Powers (India vs USA)

Examine how the separation of powers is practised in India compared to the rigid presidential model of the United States of America. In this context, compare the actual authority of the Indian Prime Minister with that of the President of the USA.

💡 Separation of Powers in IndiaParliamentary Executive vs Presidential ModelPowers of Prime Minister vs US President
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2025

10mQ.1Discuss and AnalyzeRepresentation of the People Act 1951

Discuss the 'corrupt practices' for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute 'undue influence' and consequently a corrupt practice.

💡 Corrupt practices under RPA 1951Corrupt Practices (Section 123)Disproportionate Assets of Legislators
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10mQ.3Compare and contrastPresident's Pardoning Power (Article 72)

Compare and contrast the President's power to pardon in India and in the USA. Are there any limits to it in both the countries? What are 'preemptive pardons'?

💡 President's Pardoning Power IndiaUS Presidential Pardon (Article II)Judicial Review of Clemency (Epuru Sudhakar)
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15mQ.11explainConstitutional Morality (Dr. Ambedkar)

"Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike. ..." In view of the above observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept of constitutional morality and its application to ensure balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in India.

💡 Constitutional Morality conceptJudicial Independence vs AccountabilityChecks on High Functionaries
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15mQ.12examineAmending Power of Parliament (Article 368)

Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.

💡 Amending power of ParliamentBasic Structure Doctrine (Kesavananda)Substantive Limitations on Amendment
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15mQ.13Discuss, Critically examineCollegium System Evolution

Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.

💡 Evolution of Collegium SystemThree Judges CasesJudicial Appointments in USA vs India
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15mQ.14Examine, How farCentre-State Financial Relations

Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India?

💡 Evolution of Centre-State financial relationsFiscal Federalism & Finance CommissionGST Council Co-operative Dynamics
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2024

10mQ.1ExplainBasic Structure Doctrine

Explain the constitutional significance of the "Basic Structure Doctrine". How has it served as a safety valve against majoritarianism?

💡 Basic Structure DoctrineKesavananda BharatiJudicial Review
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10mQ.3Explain and distinguishAlternative Dispute Resolution

Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. How effective have they been in reducing the pendency of cases in formal courts?

💡 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)Lok AdalatsNALSA Act
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15mQ.11ExamineOffice of the Governor

Examine the contentious role of the Governor in state administration with specific reference to the reservation of bills for Presidential assent and discretionary powers.

💡 Role of GovernorDiscretionary PowersArticle 200 & 201
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15mQ.12EvaluateRight to Privacy

The Right to Privacy under Article 21 has undergone a transformative evolution following the Puttaswamy verdict. Evaluate its implications on digital data governance and personal liberties.

💡 Right to PrivacyJustice K.S. PuttaswamyArticle 21
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2023

10mQ.1CommentJudicial Independence

"Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy." Comment.

💡 Judicial IndependenceCollegium SystemBasic Structure
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10mQ.2AssessNALSA

Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India.

💡 Free Legal AidArticle 39AFree Legal Aid
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10mQ.5DiscussCompetition Commission of India (CCI)

Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of a dominant position by multinational corporations in digital markets.

💡 Competition Commission of India (CCI)Digital MarketsAnti-Trust Regulation
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15mQ.11Explain, To what extent101st Amendment Act

Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does the GST Council accommodate the federal spirit of the Constitution?

💡 101st Constitutional Amendment ActGST Council🔥 Elite: Fiscal Federalism
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15mQ.12ExplainElection Commission of India

Explain the constitutional provisions regarding the appointment, terms and conditions, and independence of Election Commissioners in India.

💡 Appointment of Election CommissionersArticle 324Anoop Baranwal Case
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2022

10mQ.1DiscussEnvironmental Jurisprudence

The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court. Discuss with relevant case laws.

💡 Judicial activismArticle 21 & EnvironmentPublic Trust Doctrine
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10mQ.2CommentArticle 19(1)(d) & (e)

Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to the Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute. Comment.

💡 Freedom of Movement (Article 19(1)(d))Reasonable RestrictionsInner Line Permit
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15mQ.11AnalyzeConcept of Equality

Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India.

💡 EqualityEqual Protection vs Equality Before LawFourteenth Amendment USA
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15mQ.12ExplainGender Justice

Explain the constitutional perspective of Gender Justice with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.

💡 Gender JusticeArticle 15(3)Uniform Civil Code Debate
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2021

10mQ.1ExplainConstitutional Morality

'Constitutional Morality' is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of 'Constitutional Morality' with the help of relevant judicial decisions.

💡 Constitutional MoralityDr B R AmbedkarNavtej Johar Case
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10mQ.2DiscussWomen in Judiciary

Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure a diversity-oriented judiciary.

💡 Women in judiciaryGender Diversity on BenchCollegium Appointments
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15mQ.11DiscussAsymmetrical Federalism

To what extent does the federal design of the Indian Constitution accommodate sub-national identities and asymmetrical provisions? Discuss with examples.

💡 Federal design of Indian ConstitutionArticle 371 Special ProvisionsSixth Schedule
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15mQ.12Analyze and discussPrivy Council Legacy

Analyze the powers and procedures of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council and discuss how its legacy impacted the evolution of the Supreme Court of India.

💡 Judicial Committee of the Privy CouncilSupreme Court EvolutionCommon Law System
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2020

10mQ.1DiscussRPA 1951

There is a need for simplification of procedure under the Representation of People Act, 1951 to ensure speedy disposal of election disputes. Discuss.

💡 Simplification of procedureElection PetitionsHigh Court Jurisdiction
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10mQ.2DiscussRTI Amendment 2019

Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commissions. Discuss.

💡 RTI Act 2005Information Commission AutonomyTerms and Salary Discretion
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15mQ.11Compare and contrastIndian vs French Secularism

The French model of secularism strictly separates church and state, while the Indian model embodies "principled distance" and equal respect for all faiths. Compare and contrast.

💡 Indian SecularismLaïcitéPrincipled Distance
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15mQ.12ExamineArticle 356

Examine the scope of Article 356 in the light of the landmark S.R. Bommai judgment. How has it protected federal principles from arbitrary executive action?

💡 Article 356President's RuleS.R. Bommai Case
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2019

10mQ.1ExplainSeparation of Powers

Do you think that constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on 'checks and balances'? Explain.

💡 Separation of PowersChecks and BalancesConstitutional Scheme
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10mQ.2ExplainCentral Administrative Tribunal (CAT)

"The Central Administrative Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees nowadays is exercising powers as an independent judicial body." Explain its functioning and jurisdiction.

💡 Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)Article 323AAdministrative Tribunals
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15mQ.11DiscussRPA Disqualification Grounds

On what grounds a people's representative can be disqualified under the Representation of People Act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification.

💡 Representation of People Act (RPA) 1951Section 8 Criminal ConvictionCorrupt Practices
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15mQ.12explainArticle 368 Limits

"Parliament's power to amend the Constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into an absolute power." In the light of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power?

💡 Parliament's amending powerMinerva Mills CaseBasic Structure Doctrine
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2018

10mQ.1ExamineNCSC Powers

Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine.

💡 NCSC powersMinority Institutions (Article 30)Reservation Safeguards
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10mQ.2ExplainFinancial Emergency

Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be declared by the President of India? What are the consequences of such a declaration?

💡 Declaration of Financial EmergencyArticle 360Reduction of Salaries
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15mQ.11Critically examineDelhi Power Tussle

Whether the Supreme Court Judgment (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Critically examine.

💡 LG-Delhi-PowersArticle 239AALt. Governor vs Chief Minister
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15mQ.12How far do you agreeTribunalisation of Justice

How far do you agree with the view that tribunals in India have undermined the traditional judicial hierarchy and compromised judicial independence?

💡 TribunalsJudicial HierarchyExecutive Dominance in Appointments
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2017

10mQ.1Critically examine and give suggestionsLocal Self-Government

'The local self-government system in India has not proved to be an effective instrument of governance.' Critically examine the statement and give your suggestions to improve the situation.

💡 Local Self-Government73rd and 74th AmendmentsDevolution Deficit
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10mQ.2Critically examineNational Anthem Verdict

Critically examine the Supreme Court's judgment on 'National Anthem' in cinema halls in the context of fundamental duties and constitutional patriotism.

💡 Supreme Court JudgmentsFundamental Duties (Article 51A)Constitutional Patriotism
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15mQ.11ExamineMoney Bill Definition

Examine the constitutional validity of declaring legislative bills as "Money Bills" by the Speaker. How does it circumvent the scrutiny of the Rajya Sabha?

💡 Money Bill definition and provisions (Article 110)Article 110Speaker Finality Challenge
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15mQ.12AnalyzeNJAC Verdict

Analyze the significance of the 99th Constitutional Amendment Act and the subsequent NJAC judgment in the context of judicial appointments and executive participation.

💡 99th Constitutional Amendment Act99th Amendment Struck DownCollegium System
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2016

10mQ.1Discuss69th Amendment Act

Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and the anomalies, if any, that have led to recent conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi.

💡 69th Constitutional Amendment ActArticle 239AADelhi Administration
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10mQ.2DiscussArticle 370

To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution an example of asymmetrical federalism? Discuss its constitutional rationale.

💡 Special status of Jammu & KashmirAsymmetrical FederalismSpecial Status of J&K
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15mQ.11How canUniform Civil Code

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) under Article 44 remains a contentious issue. How can the State reconcile the constitutional commitment to UCC with religious freedom under Article 25?

💡 Uniform Civil Code (UCC)Article 44Article 25 Freedom of Religion
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15mQ.12DiscussCollegium System Evolution

Discuss the evolution of the Collegium system for appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts. What safeguards are necessary to ensure institutional transparency?

💡 Evolution of Collegium SystemThree Judges CasesMemorandum of Procedure
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2015

10mQ.1DiscussUniform Civil Code (UCC)

Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

💡 Uniform Civil CodeArticle 44Directive Principles vs Fundamental Rights
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10mQ.2HighlightCooperative Federalism

The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the issues and challenges in realizing this goal in practice.

💡 Cooperative FederalismInter-State CouncilGST Implementation
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15mQ.11DiscussRight to Die with Dignity

Does the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 encompass the "Right to Die with Dignity"? Discuss in the light of the Gian Kaur and Aruna Shanbaug cases.

💡 Right to LifeArticle 21Aruna Shanbaug Case
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15mQ.12AnalyzeDistribution of Legislative Powers

Analyze the constitutional scheme of distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States under Article 246 with reference to the Doctrine of Pith and Substance.

💡 Legislative RelationsArticle 246 & Seventh ScheduleDoctrine of Pith and Substance
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2014

10mQ.1evaluateBasic Structure Doctrine

Starting from inventing the 'basic structure' doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role conducted by judicial activism in safeguarding constitutional values.

💡 Judicial ActivismJudicial ActivismConstitutional Safeguards
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10mQ.2DiscussOffice of the Governor

Discuss the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission and Punchhi Commission regarding the appointment and role of the Governor.

💡 Appointment of GovernorSarkaria CommissionPunchhi Commission
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15mQ.11DiscussRTI Act Transformation

The Right to Information Act, 2005 has significantly transformed bureaucratic functioning from secrecy to openness. However, official reluctance and backlog of appeals remain serious challenges. Discuss.

💡 Right to Information Act 2005Culture of SecrecyPendency in SICs
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15mQ.12ExamineCreation of Smaller States

Examine whether the creation of smaller states promotes administrative efficiency and economic development or exacerbates inter-state disputes. Illustrate with recent examples.

💡 Creation of smaller statesTelangana FormationAdministrative Efficiency
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2013

10mQ.1DiscussJudicial Activism vs Overreach

The judicial activism in India has brought about revolution in the fields of human rights and environmental protection, but it has blurred the boundary between judicial activism and judicial overreach. Discuss.

💡 Judicial ActivismHuman Rights ExpansionEnvironmental PILs
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10mQ.2ExamineFinancial Relations (Articles 268-293)

Examine the constitutional scheme of distribution of financial powers between the Union and the States. How does vertical fiscal imbalance necessitate institutional transfers?

💡 Distribution of financial powersVertical Fiscal ImbalanceFinance Commission Transfers
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15mQ.11How far has it succeeded73rd Amendment Impact

The Constitution (Seventy-Third Amendment) Act, 1992 has completed two decades. How far has it succeeded in bringing about socio-political empowerment of women and marginalized sections?

💡 73rd Constitutional Amendment ActWomen in PanchayatsSC/ST Reservations
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15mQ.12AnalyzeLily Thomas Judgment 2013

Analyze the significance of the Lily Thomas (2013) judgment by the Supreme Court concerning Section 8(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

💡 Lily Thomas judgmentSection 8(4) Struck DownInstant Disqualification of Convicted MPs
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