2026

INDIAN
POLITY

State Engineering Services Exams,

SSC, PSUs, Banking, RRB and
Other Exams
by Mr. B. Singh

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INDIAN POLITY
for
State Engineering Services Exams, SSC, PSUs,
Banking, RRB and Other Exams
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Third Edition: 2024

Fourth Edition: 2025

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 Preface
This comprehensive textbook on Indian Polity provides all
the requirements of the students, i.e., comprehensive coverage
of theory, fundamental concepts and objective type questions
articulated in a lucid language. This concise presentation will
help the readers grasp the topics of Indian Polity with clarity
and apply them with ease to solve objective questions quickly.

This book covers the syllabus of States Engineering

Services Exams including APPSC, MPPSC, MPSC, BPSC,
UPPSC; SSC, PSUs, Banking, RRB and other examinations. All
the topics are given the emphasis they deserve so that mere
reading of the book clarifies all the concepts. The book
incorporates theory as well as previous year questions of
various State Engineering Services Examinations, UPSC ESE,
etc. It also contains plenty of objective type questions for
practice. This book has been very well targeted for
aforementioned exams covering all the aspects of subject
matter required for these examinations.

We have put-in our sincere efforts to present detailed theory

and MCQs without compromising the accuracy of answers.
For the interest of the readers, some notes, do you know and
interesting facts are given in the comprehensive manner.

Our team has made their best efforts to remove all possible
errors of any kind. Nonetheless, we would highly appreciate
and acknowledge if you find and share with us any printing
and conceptual errors. It is impossible to thank all the individuals
who helped us, but we would like to sincerely thank all the
authors, editors and reviewers for putting-in their efforts to
publish this book.
B. Singh (Ex. IES)
CMD, MADE EASY Group
CONTENTS INDIAN
POLITY
01 CONSTITUTION..........................1 Judicial Supremacy.............................................................. 6
Integrated and independent Judiciary.......................... 6
Introduction......................................................1 Fundamental Rights............................................................ 6

Constitutionalism................................................................. 1 Fundamental Duties............................................................ 6

Directive Principles of State Policy.................................. 7
Growth of Constitution under the Company Universal Adult Franchise.................................................. 7
Rule...................................................................1 Single Citizenship................................................................. 7
Regulating Act, 1773........................................................... 1 Emergency Provisions......................................................... 7
Pitt’s India Act, 1784............................................................ 1 A Secular State....................................................................... 7

Charter Act, 1793.................................................................. 1 Co-operative Societies........................................................ 7

Drawn From Various Sources............................................ 7
Charter Act, 1813.................................................................. 1
Characteristics of Constitution......................................... 7
Charter Act, 1833.................................................................. 2
Charter Act, 1853.................................................................. 2
Doctrine of Basic Structure............................ 8

Growth of Constitution under the Crown Rule.....2 Amendment of the Constitution.................. 10

Government of India Act,1858......................................... 2
Procedure of Amendment...............................................10
Indian Councils Act, 1861.................................................. 2
Preamble........................................................20
Indian Councils Act, 1892.................................................. 2
Key ingredients...................................................................20
Indian Councils Act, 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms)... 2
Government of India Act, 1919 (Montague-
Chelmsford Reforms)........................................................... 2 02 UNION AND ITS TERRITORY... 22
Government of India Act, 1935........................................ 3
Indian Independence Act, 1947....................................... 3 Constitutional Provisions regarding Union
and Its Territory............................................. 22
Constituent Assembly - A Brief History........4 Article-1.................................................................................22
Framing of Constitution of India..................................... 4 Article-2.................................................................................22
Commencement of the Constitution............................. 5 Article-3.................................................................................23
Article-4.................................................................................23
Features of Constitution................................. 6
States Reorganization Commission..............................23
Three-tier Government....................................................... 6
Lengthiest Written Constitution...................................... 6
03 CITIZENSHIP...........................26
Federal System with Unitary Bias.................................... 6
Parliamentary Form of Government............................... 6
Introduction................................................... 26
Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty and

(iv)
 INDIAN POLITY

CONSTITUTION

Introduction Pitt’s India Act, 1784

• This Act created a new body called Board of
A constitution is a fundamental law of the country,
Control to manage the political affairs while
which lays down the basic structure of political system
Court of Directors were allowed to manage the
under which its people are to be governed.
commercial affairs. Thus, Pitts’s India Act made a
Constitutionalism provision of separation in company’s political and
commercial activities.
Constitutionalism is an idea or a principle which
elaborates that the authority of the government is • It empowered the Board of Control to supervise
derived from a body of fundamental law and is also and direct all operations of the civil and military
limited by it. affairs and revenues of the British possessions in
India.
• The Company’s territories in India were for the first
Growth of Constitution under time called British Possessions in India.
the Company Rule
Charter Act, 1793
Regulating Act, 1773 • This Act recognised the courts and redefined
• The Regulating Act, 1773 was the first step taken their jurisdictions. Accordingly, the revenue
by the British Government to control and regulate administration was separated from the judiciary
the affairs of the East India Company in India. functions. This provision led to disappearing of
the Maal Adalats (Revenue courts).
• It designated the Governor of Bengal as the
‘Governor-General of Bengal’ and created an • Salaries of the members of the Board of Control to
Executive Council consisting of four members to be drawn from the Indian exchequer.
assist him. The first Governor-General of Bengal
Charter Act, 1813
was Lord Warren Hastings.
• It made a provision of Supreme Court at Fort • The East India Company’s monopoly over trade
William in Calcutta, comprising one Chief Justice was abolished in India but its monopoly over
and three other judges. trade with China and for trade in tea retained.
• It strengthened the control of the British
• This Act asked Company to spend one lakh
Government over the East India Company by
rupees every year on the education of Indians.
requiring the Court of Directors which was a
governing body of the Company to report on its • Christian missionaries were permitted to
revenue, civil and military affairs in India. propagate their religion in India.
 2 State Engineering Services Exams INDIAN POLITY

Charter Act, 1833 • This Act also introduced the ‘portfolio’ system.
Under this, a member of the Viceroy’s council was
• This Act made the Governor-General of Bengal as
made in-charge of one or more departments of
the Governor-General of India and vested in him the government.
all civil and military powers. Lord William Bentinck
was made the first Governor-General of India. Indian Councils Act, 1892
• The East India Company lost its monopoly over
• This Act empowered the Universities, district
trade with China also and it was asked to close
boards, municipalities, zamindars and chambers
the commercial business. The Company became
of Commerce to recommend members to the
a purely administrative body.
Provincial Legislative Council which were to be
• This Act asked government to abolish slavery in India.
nominated by governors.
• According to this Act, the members of the
Charter Act, 1853
Legislatures were for the first time entitled to take
• This Act had provisions of separation of executive part in debate over Annual Statement of Revenue
and legislative functions of the Governor and Expenditure i.e. Budget. They could also put
General’s Council. It provided for addition of six questions within certain limitations.
new members called Legislative Councillors to
the Indian (Central) Legislative Council. Indian Councils Act, 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms)
• For the first time, the local representation in the • This Act is also known as Morley-Minto Reforms.
Indian (Central) Legislative Council was allowed. Morley was the then Secretary of State for India
• An open competition system of selection and and Lord Minto was the then Viceroy of India.
recruitment of civil servants was introduced. For • Muslims were given separate representation and
the first time, Indians were allowed to take part in hence Lord Minto came to be known as the Father
Civil Services recruitment process. Consequently, of Communal Electorate.
the Macaulay Committee (the Committee on the • A provision was made for the association of Indians
Indian Civil Service) was appointed in 1854. with the Executive Council of the Viceroy and
Governors. Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the
first Indian to join the Viceroy’s Executive Council.
Growth of Constitution under He was appointed as Law Member.
the Crown Rule
Government of India Act, 1919 (Montague-
Chelmsford Reforms)
Government of India Act,1858
• It brought an end to the Company’s rule and • This Act is also known as Montague-Chelmsford
transferred all powers to the British crown. Reforms or Montford Reforms. Montague
• The system of Dual government (Board of Control was the then Secretary of State for India and
and Court of Directors) introduced by Pitt’s India Chelmsford was the then Viceroy of India.
Act was abolished by this Act. • All administrative subjects were divided into
• A new office of Secretary of State for India was two groups viz. central and provincial subjects.
created and he was vested with complete authority Provincial subjects were further divided into two
and control over Indian administration. He was a
parts- transferred and reserved. The transferred
member of the British Cabinet and was ultimately
subjects were to be administered by the Governor
responsible to the British Parliament. Lord Stanley
was the first Secretary of State for India. with the aid of ministers responsible to the
Legislative Council whereas Governor was not
Indian Councils Act, 1861 responsible towards Legislative Council in the
• The Viceroy was empowered to issue ordinances discharge of reserved subjects.
in case of emergency without the concurrence • This dual scheme of governance was known as
of the legislative council. The life span of such ‘dyarchy’, a term derived from the Greek word
ordinances was six months. diarche, which means double rule.
 INDIAN POLITY

CITIZENSHIP

Introduction
An alien may not enjoy all Civil and Political
rights enjoyed by Citizens.
Every human being requires certain rights like right to
life and personal liberty to live her/his life with dignity Ex.: Right to vote, Right to Contest election,
and progress and develop in her/his areas of interest. Article-15, Article-16, Article-29, Article-30,
Article-19 hold certain public offices
She/he also needs protection from threats to life and
(President, Vice-President, etc.) also be
property to experience these rights. Thus arises a
doesn't owe any duties to the State.
need for a state that can protect people from such
threats. So today every individual is identified by their • Constitution merely provides for class of persons
nationality and loyalty to their state. Hence, Citizenship who would be deemed to be citizens at the date
has been defined as full and equal membership of a of commencement of the Constitution. (i.e. 26th
political community. Therefore, one thinks of himself January, 1950.)

as Indians, or Japanese, or Germans, depending on

the state to which they belong. Article 5 to 11
Evolution of Citizenship is generally believed to be Citizenship in India is governed by Article 5 to 11
from Greek Civilization. Still there are differences (Part-II) of Constitution.
among scholars about its origin. Some scholars Article-5
believe it as a recent phenomenon. They link it to the Deals with person who became citizens on 26th
era of nation building in Europe, where it was seen as January, 1950.
membership in emerging nation-states.
Who was born and domicile in the territory of India.

Citizens Who is domicile?

• The citizen are full members of States.
Expressed interest/intention of
• They owe allegiance to the State. making India has permanent home/
• They enjoy all civil and political rights guaranteed acquired domicile status.
by the Constitution of the State.
• They owe certain duties to the State. Article-6
Ex.: Paying taxes, respecting National flag, etc. • Deals with persons who had migrated from
Pakistan.
 The Executive 75
1. To communicate to the President all decisions • To bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution
of the Council of Ministers relating to the of India,
administration of the affairs of the Union and • To uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India,
proposals for legislation; • To faithfully and conscientiously discharge the
2. To furnish such information relating to the duties of his office and
administration of the affairs of the Union and • To do right to all manner of people in accordance
proposals for legislation as the President may call with the Constitution and the law, without fear or
for; and favour, affection or ill will.
3. If the President so requires, to submit for the Oath of Secrecy
consideration of the Council of Ministers any
matter on which a decision has been taken by a In his oath of secrecy, the minister swears that he will
Minister but which has not been considered by not directly or indirectly communicate to any person(s)
the Council. any matter that is brought under his consideration or
becomes known to him as a Union Minister except as
Article 88: Rights of Ministers and Attorney-General as
may be required for the due discharge of his duties as
respects Houses.
such minister. Secrecy means that minister is obliged
Every Minister and the Attorney-General of India shall not to reveal an official secret.
have the right to speak in, and otherwise, to take part
in the proceeding of, either House, any joint sitting Salary
of the Houses, and any committee of Parliament of
The constitution declares that the salaries and
which he may be named a member, but shall not by
allowances of ministers shall be determined by the
virtue of this Article be entitled to vote.
Parliament by law. Accordingly, the Parliament by a
law passed in 1952 has laid down that each minister
Appointment of Ministers
shall receive the same salary and allowances which
Ministers are appointed by the President on the are being paid to a member of the Parliament. In
advice of the Prime Minister [Article 75]. Formally, a addition to it, the Prime Minister and other ministers
leader who has the support of majority in Lok Sabha receive some allowances and other parks.
is appointed as Prime Minister by the President. The
Prime Minister then decides who will be the ministers Term of Office
in the council of ministers and allocate ranks and
The ministers hold office during the pleasure of the
portfolios to these ministers. Thus the President can
President [Article 75(2)] and The Council of Ministers
appoint only those persons as ministers who are
shall be collectively responsible to the House of the
recommended by the Prime Minister. In order to be a
People [Article 75(3)]. It means so long as minsters
Minister, a person has to be a member of either of the
continue to enjoy the confidence of the majority
two Houses of Parliament. However, even if a person
in the Lok Sabha, they cannot be dismissed by
is not a member of any of the two Houses, he can
the President. The Prime Minister can, at any time
become a Minister for a period of six months. Within
demand a resignation from any minister and the latter
six months the Minister has to get himself/herself
has to comply.
elected or nominated to either House of Parliament,
failing which he/she ceases to be a Minister. Thus, the tenure of the Council of ministers or a minister
is not fixed. A minister remains in office so long as it
Oath of Office enjoys the confidence of the majority in Lok Sabha,
or so long as the Prime Minister does not resign. The
Every minister has to take the oath & affirm solemnly
maximum term for which a council of ministers can
before entering into the office according to the 3rd
remain in office is 5 years, i.e., for one full term of
schedule of the constitution. The oath is administered
the Lok Sabha. After every new general election to
to him by the President of India. In his oath of office,
the Lok Sabha, a new council of ministers has to be
the minister swears:
 76 State Engineering Services Exams INDIAN POLITY

constituted even if the same party which enjoyed the Deputy Ministers: They are allocated the work by the
majority in the previous Lok Sabha returns back with Ministers under whom they are working. They are
a majority in the new Lok Sabha. helping ministers attached to the Cabinet Ministers
or the Ministers of State. No Deputy Minister holds an
Composition of Council of Minister independent charge of any department. The Council
of Ministers may not have any Deputy Minister as its
Article 75(1A) emphasizes that the total number of
member.
ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council
of Ministers shall not exceed 15% of the total strength Parliamentary Secretaries: They are attached to the
of the Lok Sabha. The provision was added by the senior ministers and assist them in the discharge of
91st Amendment Act of 2003. their parliamentary duties. Their sole function is to
help the ministers in the Parliament.
Deputy Prime Minister: The Constitution does not
provide for the office of the Deputy Prime Minister. As
such it is the sweet will of the Prime Minister to have
Dismissal of Council of Minister
or not to have a Deputy Prime Minister in his Council Ministers may be chosen from the Lok Sabha or
of Ministers. the Rajya Sabha. A Minister who is member of one
House has the right to speak and to take part in the
In 2002 P.M. Vajpayee decided to make Mr. L.K.
proceedings of the other House. However, he is
Advani as Deputy Prime Minister. However in 2004
allowed to vote only in the House of which he is a
and again in 2009 PM Manmohan Singh decided not
member.
to have a deputy Prime Minister in his cabinet. Deputy
Prime Ministers are appointed mostly for political • A person who is not a member of either House may
reason. also be appointed as a Minister. He can continue
as a Minister only for six months because that
Cabinet Ministers: Cabinet ministers are usually top
is the limit fixed by Article 75(5). If he desires to
level leaders of the ruling party or parties, who are continue as Minister he has to become a member
in charge of the major or important ministries. We of any one of the Houses of Parliament before the
can say that the Cabinet is an informal body of senior expiration of the period of 6 months.
ministers who form the inner ring of the council of • A person who is not qualified to become a
minister. It is like a wheel within a wheel. Their number member of a legislature cannot be appointed a
is usually 15 to 20. minister under Art. 75(5). In this case, minister
would not include Prime Minister because non-
Thus, Cabinet is an inner body within the Council of election of Prime Minister would dissolve the
Ministers. It acts in the name of Council of Ministers Council of Ministers after expiration of the period
and exercise all powers on its behalf. Council of of 6 months.
Minister seldom meets as a body. It is cabinet which
• It is the Prime Minister who allocates portfolios to
meets as and when summoned by the Prime Minister.
the other Ministers. The Prime Minister may call
The Cabinet minister has a right to be present and
for the resignation of any Minister at any time. In
participate in every meeting of the Cabinet. It is the
case of refusal, he may advice the President to
cabinet that determines the policies and programs of
dismiss the Minister. This is also called the “Rule
the government and not the council of minister. The
of Individual Responsibility”.
cabinet is responsible for whole of the expenditure
• Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to
of the government as well for raising necessary
Lok Sabha [Article 75(3)]. This means that if the
revenues. The cabinet prepares the agenda of the
Council of Ministers loses the confidence of the
sessions of the parliament. For proclamation of an
Lok Sabha, all ministers including those who are
emergency under Art. 352 the advice must come from
from Rajya Sabha have to go. The entire council
the Prime Minister and other Ministers of cabinet rank.
of ministers is obliged to resign. This is called
“Rule of Collective Responsibility”.
 INDIAN POLITY

EMERGENCY
PROVISIONS

Introduction Under the first two categories, the Fundamental

Rights, with the exception of Article 20 and 21, may be
A Federal government means division of powers suspended, and federal principles may be rendered
between Centre and states. States are the smaller inoperative.
units and have less resources and capability in
comparison to Centre. Indian Constitution enables Articles at a Glance
the federal government to acquire the strength of a
Articles Provisions
unitary system whenever the situation demands so,
under Part XVIII [Article 352 to 360]. 352 Proclamation of Emergency.

Emergency Provisions in Indian Constitution 353 Effect of Proclamation of Emergency.

The emergency provisions in India were influenced by 354 Application of provisions relating
the Weimar Constitution of Germany (1919-1933). The to distribution of revenues while a
Part XVIII (Articles 352 – 360) of Indian constitution Proclamation of Emergency is in
deals with the emergency provisions, namely: operation.
(a) National Emergency: An emergency due to war,
external aggression or armed rebellion (Article 355 Duty of the Union to protect states
352). This is popularly known as ‘National against external aggression and
Emergency’. The Constitution employs the internal disturbance.
expression ‘Proclamation of Emergency’ to denote
356 Provisions in case of failure of
an emergency of this type.
constitutional machinery in states.
(b) Constitutional Emergency: An Emergency due
to the failure of the constitutional machinery in 357 Exercise of legislative powers under
the states (Article 356) or failure to comply with proclamation issued under Article
the directions of the Centre (Article 365). This is 356.
popularly known as ‘President’s Rule’. It is also
known by two other names – ‘State Emergency’ 358 Suspension of provisions of Article 19
or ‘constitutional Emergency’. However, the during Emergencies.
Constitution does not use the word ‘emergency’
359 Suspension of the enforcement of
for this situation.
the rights conferred by Part III during
(c) Financial Emergency: Financial emergency on the Emergencies.
ground of threat to the financial stability or credit
of India (Article 360). 360 Provisions as to Financial Emergency.
94 State Engineering Services Exams INDIAN POLITY

National Emergency
The ‘internal disturbance’, third ground for
The provisions relating to this emergency are the proclamation of a National Emergency,
mentioned under Article 352. President has been was too vague and had a wider connotation.
given the power to proclaim an emergency in the Hence, the 44th Amendment Act of 1978
whole of India at any time when he is satisfied that substituted the words ‘armed rebellion’
the security of India or any part thereof has been for ‘internal disturbance’. Thus, it was not
threatened. possible to declare a National Emergency on
the ground of ‘internal disturbance’ as was
Ground of Declaration done in 1975 by the Congress government
headed by Indira Gandhi.
• National emergency can be imposed when the
security of India or a part of territory thereof is
threatened by, Approval and Duration
(a) War, • The proclamation of Emergency must be
approved by both the Houses of Parliament within
(b) External aggression or
one month from the date of its issue. (Reduced
(c) Armed rebellion from two to one month by 44th amendment act).
• When a national emergency is declared on the • If the Lok Sabha stands dissolved at a time of
ground of ‘war’ or ‘external aggression’, it is known the proclamation of emergency or the dissolution
as ‘External Emergency’ while when it is declared takes place during the period of one month
on the ground of ‘armed rebellion’, it is known as without approving the proclamation, then the
‘Internal Emergency’. proclamation survives until 30 days from the first
• A proclamation of national emergency may be sitting of the Lok Sabha after its reconstitution,
applicable to the entire country or only a part of it provided the Rajya Sabha has in the meantime
(through 42nd amendment act). approved it within a month of such Proclamation.
• Every resolution approving the proclamation of
• Proclamation may be made before the actual
emergency or its continuance must be passed
occurrence of war or of any such aggression or
by either House of Parliament by a majority of the
rebellion, if the President is satisfied that there is total membership of that house (absolute majority)
imminent danger. and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of
• The different proclamations can also be the members of that house present and voting.
issued based on grounds of war, external (Through 44th amendment act).
aggression, armed rebellion, whether or not • The emergency continues for six months from
there is a proclamation already issued and the date of Proclamation if approved by both the
such proclamation is in operation (through 38th Houses of Parliament.
amendment act). • It can be extended to an indefinite period with an
• Union Cabinet consisting of the Prime Minister approval of the Parliament for every six months at
a time. (Through 44th amendment act).
and other Ministers of Cabinet rank should
communicate the same in writing to the President
If the dissolution of the Lok Sabha takes
(through 44th amendment act). place during the period of six months without
• While the 42nd Amendment made the declaration approving, then the proclamation survives
immune from judicial review, it has been removed until 30 days from the first sitting of the Lok
by the 44th Amendment, so the constitutionality of Sabha after its reconstitution, provided the
the proclamation can be questioned in a Court on Rajya Sabha has in the mean-time approved
the ground of mala fides. its continuation.
 Emergency Provisions 95
Revocation
President can Revoke Emergency
• At any time by a subsequent proclamation and such proclamation doesn’t require the Parliamentary
approval.
• When Lok Sabha passes a resolution disapproving its continuation with a simple majority (more than 50%
of present and voting). (Through 44th amendment act).
• A notice in writing signed by not less than one-tenth of the total members of Lok Sabha should be addressed
to the Speaker, if the House is in session; or to the President, if the House is not in session. A special sitting
of the House shall be held within fourteen days from the date on which such notice is received for the
purpose of considering the resolution for discontinuance. (Through 44th amendment act).

Article 358 and 359: A Comparison

Dimensions Article 358 Article 359
Scope It is confined to Article 19 only (Limited It extends to all fundamental rights except
scope). Articles 20 and 21, whose suspension is
mentioned in the Presidential order.
Authorization It automatically suspends the fundamental It empowers the President to suspend the
rights under Article 19. enforcement of fundamental rights.
Applicability It is applicable only during external It Operates in both cases i.e. in External and
emergency (War and external aggression). Internal emergency.
Duration Suspension under Art. 358 of Art. 19 is for It may suspend enforcement of a FR
the full duration of the external emergency. for a shorter period that the duration of
emergency.
Coverage It applies to the entire country. It may apply to the whole or part of country.
Applicability It suspends the Article 19 completely. Enforcement of Article 20 and 21 cannot be
suspended in any case.
Parliament Parliament does not have to be informed of There is a need to table the President’s
role restrictions on FRs under Article 358. Orders in the Parliament under Article 359.
State action State can make any law inconsistent with State can make any law inconsistent
Fundamental rights under Article 19 only. with those rights whose enforcement is
suspended.

Financial Emergency

Need
There are times when a country’s financial conditions may be in serious turmoil requiring extra powers for
the Union Government to correct the situation. Such additional emergency powers are given during financial
emergency to the Union Government under Art. 360.
In India financial emergency has never been proclaimed. But the need and reason for financial emergency, if
ever occur, would be the financial stability or credit of India.
 INDIAN POLITY

THE
JUDICIARY

Introduction Articles at a Glance

Article Provisions
Chapter IV under Part V of the Indian constitution
Article 134 Appellate jurisdiction of Supreme
deals with the Union Judiciary. Unlike the other two
Court in regard to criminal matters
branches, executive and legislature, in India Judiciary
Article 134A Certificate for appeal to the
is unified and integrated. This means that even though
Supreme Court
there may be High Courts in states or subordinate
courts below them, the law declared by the Supreme Article 135
Court shall be binding on all courts within the territory Jurisdiction and powers of the
of India [Article 141]. Federal Court under existing law
to be exercisable by the Supreme
Articles at a Glance Court
Article Provisions Article 136 Special leave to appeal by the
Article 124 Establishment and Constitution of Supreme Court
Supreme Court Article 137 Review of judgements or orders by
Article 125 Salaries, etc., of Judges the Supreme Court
Article 126 Appointment of acting Chief Justice Article 138 Enlargement of the jurisdiction of
the Supreme Court
Article 127 Appointment of ad hoc Judges
Article 139 Conferment on the Supreme Court
Article 128 Attendance of retired Judges at of powers to issue certain writs
sittings of the Supreme Court
Article 139A Transfer of certain cases
Article 129 Supreme Court to be a court of
Article 140 Ancillary powers of Supreme Court
record
Article 141 Law declared by Supreme Court to
Article 130 Seat of Supreme Court
be binding on all courts
Article 131 Original jurisdiction of the Supreme Article 142 Enforcement of decrees and orders
Court of Supreme Court and orders as to
Article 132 Appellate jurisdiction of Supreme discovery, etc
Court in appeals from High Court in Article 143 Power of President to consult
certain cases Supreme Court
Article 133 Appellate jurisdiction of Supreme Article 144 Civil and judicial authorities to act in
Court in appeals from High Courts aid of the Supreme Court
in regard to civil matters
 INDIAN POLITY

URBAN
LOCAL BODIES

Introduction
Towns and cities contribute substantially to the economic development of the country. For instance, in 1950-51,
the contribution of urban sector to India’s GDP was only 29%, presently it is contributing about 62%-63% and is
likely to be 75% by 2021. These urban centres also play an important support role in the development of rural
hinterland and act as engine of growth for the whole country.

Articles at a Glance (74th Amendment Act)

Article Provisions
243P Definitions of terms
243Q Constitution of municipalities
243R Composition of municipalities
243S Constitution and composition of wards committees
243T Reservation of seats
243U Duration of municipalities
243V Disqualifications for membership
243W Powers, authority and responsibilities of municipalities
243X Powers to impose taxes by the municipalities
243Y Finance commission
243Z Audit of accounts of municipalities
243ZA Elections to the municipalities
243ZB Application to union territories
243ZC Part not to apply to certain areas
243ZD Committee for district planning
243ZE Committee for metropolitan planning
243ZF Continuance of existing laws and municipalities
243ZG Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters
182 State Engineering Services Exams INDIAN POLITY

Committees and Commissions since Independence

The committees and commissions appointed by the Central Government to improve the functioning of urban
local governments are mentioned below:

Committees and Commissions

Year Name Chairman
1949-51 Local Finance Enquiry Committee P. K. Wattal
1953-54 Taxation Enquiry Commission John Matthai
1963-65 Committee on the Training of Municipal Employees Nur-Ud-din Ahmed
1963-66 Rural-Urban Relationship Committee A. P. Jain
1963 Committee of Ministers on Augmentation of Financial Resources of Urban Rafiq Zakaria
Local Bodies
1965-68 Committee on Service Conditions of Municipal Employees –
1974 Committee on Budgetary Reform in Municipal Administration Girijapati Mukharji
1982 Study Group on Constitution, Powers and Laws of Urban Local Bodies K. N. Sahaya
and Municipal Corporations
1986-88 National Commission on Urbanisation C. M. Correa

74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992

Salient Features
Article 243 Q envisages three types of Municipalities
1. Nagar Panchayats: These are for an area in transition from a rural to an urban area - generally with population
between 10,000 to 20,000.
2. Municipal Councils: This is for a smaller urban area - generally with population between 20,000 and 3 lacs.
3. Municipal Corporations
This is for a larger urban area generally with a population exceeding 3 lakhs.
 If a municipality has a population of 3 lakhs or more then ward committees may be constituted for one or
more wards. The state legislature may by law make provisions with respect to
(a) the composition and territorial area of a ward committee.
(b) the manner in which the seats in a ward committee would be filled.
 There is a five year term of office for every municipality. However, it can dissolved before the completion
of its term.
 The superintendant, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of all elections
to the municipalities shall be vested in the state election commission.
Explanation: A transitional area, a smaller urban area or a larger urban area means an area which the
Governor specifies by public notification with regard to the following factors:-
(a) Population of the area
(b) Density of Population
 INDIAN POLITY

Previous Years' Questions

& Practice Questions

1. What is the guiding principle behind Ans. (d)

establishment of NITI Aayog?
5. The number of members of State Legislative
(a) Collateral federalism
Assembly cannot be more than
(b) Competitive federalism
(a) 500 (b) 250
(c) Compulsive federalism
(c) 425 (d) 540
(d) Cooperative federalism
[BPSC (AE) : 2001]
[APPSC (AEE) : 2016]
Ans. (a)
Ans. (b)

6. The ceremonial head of the Municipal

2. Out of the bills given below, with regard to
Corporation is
which bill, can the President neither return nor
(a) the nominated Chairman
withhold his assent ?
(b) the elected mayor
(a) Defence Bill
(c) the nominated Commissioner
(b) Money Bill
(d) the elected Commissioner
(c) Law Bill
[BPSC (AE) : 2001]
(d) Financial Account Committee Bill
[APPSC (AEE) : 2016] Ans. (b)
Ans. (b)
7. All the human beings are born free and all are
equal in dignity and rights" has been outlined in
3. The President of India can be removed from
the
office by
(a) UN Charter
(a) the Prime Minister of India
(b) French Revolution
(b) the Chief Justice of India
(c) Declaration of Human Rights
(c) the Parliament
(d) Magna Carta
(d) the Lok Sabha
[BPSC (AE) : 2001]
[BPSC (AE) : 2001]
Ans. (c)
Ans. (c)

8. The right to property is

4. Who is the chairman of the Planning
(a) a legal right
Commission?
(b) a fundamental right
(a) The President
(c) an ordinary right
(b) The Vice-President
(d) a statutory right
(c) The Planning Minister
[BPSC (AE) : 2001]
(d) The Prime Minister
[BPSC (AE) : 2001] Ans. (a)
194 State Engineering Services Exams INDIAN POLITY

9. Which one is not a Fundamental Right? 15. What is the maximum strength of Lok Sabha?
(a) Right to equality (a) 525 (b) 537
(b) Right to religion (c) 550 (d) 545
(c) Right to assembly [BPSC (AE) : 2006]
(d) Right to property
Ans. (c)
[BPSC (AE) : 2006]
Ans. (d) 16. Indian Constitution, came into force on
(a) August 15,1947
10. Who was second President of lndia? (b) November 26,1949
(a) Dr.Zakir Hussain (c) January 26,1950
(b) V. V. Giri (d) January 30,1950
(c) Dr.Radhakrishnan [BPSC (AE) : 2006]
(d) Zail Singh
[BPSC (AE) : 2006] Ans. (c)

Ans. (c) 17. President of India submits his resignation too:

(a) Vice President
11. Collectively the Council of Minister is (b) Prime Minister
responsible to (c) Speaker of Lok Sabha
(a) President (b) Parliament (d) Chief Justice of India
(c) Prime Minister (d) People [BPSC (AE) : 2006]
[BPSC (AE) : 2006]
Ans. (a)
Ans. (d)
18. The words "Socialist Secular" were added to the
12. Who was the President of the Constituted Preamble of Indian Constitution by
Assembly? (a) 2nd Amendment
(a) Dr. Ambedkar (b) 24th Amendment
(b) Dr. Rajendra Prasad (c) 42nd Amendment
(c) Dr. Kidwai (d) 44th Amendment
(d) Dr.B.N.Rau
[BPSC (AE) : 2006]
[BPSC (AE) : 2006]
Ans. (c)
Ans. (b)
19. When is the Rajya Sabha dissolved?
13. Governor of a Slate is appointed by the
(a) During Emergency
President on the advice of
(b) During President's Rule
(a) Vice President
(c) During a war
(b) Prime Minister
(d) Never
(c) Chief Minister [BPSC (AE) : 2006]
(d) Chief Justice
[BPSC (AE) : 2006] Ans. (d)

Ans. (c) 20. India is a Welfare State because of the

provisions
14. In which state it is compulsory to have a (a) Preamble
separate Minister for Tribal Welfare? (b) Fundamental Rights
(a) Gujarat (b) Bihar (c) Directive Principles
(c) Maharashtra (d) Kerala (d) VIIth schedule
[BPSC (AE) : 2006] [BPSC (AE) : 2006]
Ans. (b) Ans. (c)