[amp_mcq option1=”7th Constitutional Amendment Act 1956″ option2=”24th Constitutional Amendment Act 1971″ option3=”42nd Constitutional Amendment Act 1976″ option4=”44th Constitutional Amendment Act 1978″ correct=”option3″]
The correct answer is: C. 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act 1976
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, also known as the “Mini Constitution”, was a major amendment to the Constitution of India. It was passed by the Indian Parliament on 24 April 1976 and came into effect on 30 April 1976. The amendment was introduced by the Indira Gandhi government and was widely seen as an attempt to consolidate her power.
The amendment made a number of changes to the Constitution, including:
- Extending the President’s term from five years to six years
- Empowering the President to declare an emergency without the approval of the Parliament
- Diluting the powers of the Supreme Court and the High Courts
- Abrogating the Fundamental Right to Property
- Inserting a new Fundamental Duties clause
The 42nd Amendment Act was widely criticized by opposition parties and civil liberties groups. It was challenged in the Supreme Court, which struck down some of its provisions in the Minerva Mills case. However, the amendment remained in force until it was repealed by the 44th Amendment Act of 1978.
The 42nd Amendment Act was a controversial amendment that had a significant impact on the Indian Constitution. It is often seen as a symbol of the authoritarian rule of Indira Gandhi.
The other options are incorrect because:
- The 7th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 was an amendment to the Constitution of India that reorganized the states of India.
- The 24th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1971 was an amendment to the Constitution of India that provided for the creation of new states and union territories.
- The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1978 was an amendment to the Constitution of India that repealed some of the provisions of the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976.