Question map
Not attempted Correct Incorrect ★ Bookmarked
Loading…
Q23 (IAS/1994) Polity & Governance › Constitutional Basics & Evolution › Basic structure doctrine Answer Verified

The basic structure theory of the Constitution of India implies that

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: A
Explanation

The Basic Structure doctrine holds that certain fundamental features of the Constitution are inviolable and cannot be abrogated by parliamentary amendment; it introduces a substantive limitation beyond the procedural mode in Article 368, preventing Parliament from rewriting core constitutional principles [1]. The Supreme Court in Kesavananda Bharati emphasized that the basic elements reflected in the Preamble form part of this protected core and cannot be altered by amendment [3]. Option (1) thus captures the doctrine’s essence. Option (2) is too absolute: fundamental rights may be amended so long as the amendment does not destroy the Constitution’s basic structure [2]. Option (3) is a correct procedural statement but does not express the doctrine’s substantive limit; option (4) incorrectly frames the Preamble as not part of the Constitution while also mischaracterising the doctrine [3].

Sources

  1. [1] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 10: Procedure for Amendment > p. 197
  2. [3] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 5: Preamble of the Constitution > 1 AMENDABILITY OF l THE PREAMBLE > p. 48
  3. [2] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > CHAP. 8 Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties 97 > p. 97
How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
55%
got it right
✓ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-II · 2016 · Q67 Relevance score: 3.17

The basic structure doctrine with regard to the Constitution of India relates to 1. the power of judicial review 2. the judgment in Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) 3. the constraints on Article 368 of the Constitution of India 4. the judgment in Golaknath case (1967) Select the correct answer using the code given below.

IAS · 2020 · Q83 Relevance score: 3.10

Consider the following statements : 1. The Constitution of India defines its 'basic structure' in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy. 2. The Constitution of India provides for 'judicial review' to safeguard the citizens' liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

NDA-I · 2015 · Q97 Relevance score: 1.96

Which among the following is not a basic feature of the Constitution of India ?

CAPF · 2021 · Q73 Relevance score: 1.78

Which one of the following statements with regard to the Preamble to the Constitution of India is not correct?

CDS-I · 2019 · Q106 Relevance score: 1.66

Which among the following statements about the power to change the basic structure of the Constitution of India is/are correct? 1. It falls outside the scope of the amending powers of the Parliament. 2. It can be exercised by the people though representatives in a Constituent Assembly. 3. It falls within the constituent powers of the Parliament. Select the correct answer using the code given below.