UPSC_CS MAINS 2023 Paper II

Points to Remember: Parliamentary Sovereignty: The supreme authority of the legislature (Parliament) to make and unmake laws. British Model: Unwritten constitution, absolute parliamentary supremacy, limitations through conventions and judicial review (limited). Indian Model: Written constitution, parliamentary supremacy with limitations, judicial review plays a significant role. Key Differences: Nature of the constitution, role of the judiciary, … Read more

Points to Remember: Judicial independence’s definition and constitutional basis. Relationship between judicial independence and democratic principles (rule of law, accountability, protection of rights). Challenges to judicial independence (political interference, executive overreach, public opinion). Mechanisms to safeguard judicial independence (appointment processes, security of tenure, budgetary autonomy). Case studies and examples illustrating both successful and unsuccessful protection … Read more

Points to Remember: Decentralization of power to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India. Functional and financial autonomy of ULBs. State government’s role and reluctance. Reasons for reluctance: political, administrative, and financial. Consequences of inadequate empowerment. Recommendations for improved empowerment. Introduction: The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 mandated the devolution of power and responsibility to … Read more

Points to Remember: The 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016. Its impact on the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Federal implications of GST. Accommodative spirit of federalism. Power sharing between the Union and States. Introduction: The 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016, is a landmark legislation in India, primarily aimed at introducing the Goods and Services Tax … Read more

Points to Remember: Structure of Parliamentary Committees in India (Standing, Ad hoc, Joint, Departmentally Related Standing Committees). Role of Financial Committees (Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee, Committee on Public Undertakings). Impact of Financial Committees on Parliamentary oversight and accountability. Challenges faced by Financial Committees. Suggestions for improvement. Introduction: The Indian Parliament, a bicameral legislature comprising … Read more

Points to Remember: Fundamental Rights guaranteeing equality and non-discrimination. Directive Principles of State Policy promoting gender equality. Judicial pronouncements shaping the interpretation and application of gender justice principles. Limitations and challenges in achieving gender justice. Introduction: Gender justice, encompassing the fair and equitable treatment of all genders, is a fundamental human right. The Indian Constitution, … Read more

Points to Remember: Article 356 of the Indian Constitution (President’s Rule) Legal limitations imposed by Supreme Court judgments Political factors influencing its application Shift in political landscape since the mid-1990s Federalism and Centre-State relations Introduction: Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, empowers the President to impose President’s Rule (also known as state emergency) in a … Read more

Points to Remember: Eligibility criteria for free legal aid in India. NALSA’s role in providing and regulating free legal aid. Challenges faced by NALSA and the free legal aid system. Suggestions for improvement and future directions. Introduction: Access to justice is a fundamental human right, enshrined in Article 39A of the Indian Constitution. This article … Read more

Keywords: Constitution of India, living instrument, dynamism, progressive society, right to life, personal liberty. Required Approach: Primarily analytical, with elements of factual illustration. Points to Remember: The Constitution’s adaptability to changing societal needs. Judicial interpretations expanding the scope of fundamental rights. The evolving understanding of “right to life” and “personal liberty.” Challenges in balancing individual … Read more