Q1.Which constitutional provision was used to bar the increase of parliamentary seats until 2026, despite population growth reflected in newer censuses?
- Article 82
- Article 368
- 42nd Amendment to the Constitution
- 84th Amendment to the Constitution
Correct Option: 4. 84th Amendment to the Constitution.
Explanation: The 84th Amendment (2001) amended Articles 82 and 170 to freeze the total number of seats in Parliament and State Assemblies based on the 1971 Census, even though delimitation based on the 2001 Census was allowed for internal redistribution.
Q2. Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which of the following does not constitute a corrupt practice?
- Appeal to vote on the basis of religion
- Exceeding the prescribed election expenditure limit
- Bribery of voters
- False statement in connection with a candidate’s personal character
Correct Option: 2. Exceeding the prescribed election expenditure limit.
Explanation: Exceeding the election expenditure limit is an election offence, not a corrupt practice under Section 123 of the RPA, 1951. The rest are explicitly mentioned as corrupt practices.
Q3. Under the Delimitation Act, 2002, which of the following bodies has no appellate or supervisory jurisdiction over the final orders of the Delimitation Commission?
- Supreme Court of India
- High Court of a State
- Election Commission of India
- All of the above
Correct Option: 4. All of the above.
Explanation: Delimitation Commission’s orders are final and cannot be challenged in any court, as per Section 10 of the Delimitation Act, 2002. This ensures the process is shielded from litigation delays.
Q4. Which of the following best describes the legal status of political parties in India under election law?
- Statutory bodies under the Representation of the People Act, 1950
- Constitutional bodies under Article 324
- Recognized but non-statutory associations under the Election Symbols Order, 1968
- Government-registered societies
Correct Option: 3. Recognized but non-statutory associations under the Election Symbols Order, 1968.
Explanation: Political parties are voluntary associations, and their recognition for electoral purposes is governed by the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, issued by the Election Commission under Article 324.
Q5. Which rule governs the disqualification of a Member of Parliament on the ground of defection?
- Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961
- Members of Parliament (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 1985
- Representation of the People Act, 1951 – Section 8
- Article 102 of the Constitution
Correct Option: 2. Members of Parliament (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 1985.
Explanation: These rules operationalize the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law) introduced by the 52nd Amendment, and are separate from disqualifications under the RPA, 1951.