Q1. Who decides on questions related to disqualification under the Tenth Schedule?
- President of India
- Election Commission
- Presiding Officer (Speaker/Chairman) of the House
- Supreme Court
Correct Option: 3. Presiding Officer (Speaker/Chairman) of the House
Explanation: The Speaker or Chairman of the respective House decides on disqualification under the Tenth Schedule. However, their decision is subject to judicial review.
Q2. In which case did the Supreme Court allow judicial review of the Presiding Officer’s decision in defection cases?
- Golaknath Case
- Maneka Gandhi Case
- Kesavananda Bharati Case
- Kihoto Hollohan Case
Correct Option: 4. Kihoto Hollohan Case
Explanation: In the Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992) case, the Supreme Court held that the decision of the Presiding Officer is not final and can be challenged in courts on grounds like mala fides and perversity.
Q3. What is the minimum number of ministers in a state as per the 91st Amendment Act?
- 5
- 7
- 10
- 12
Correct Option: 4. 12
Explanation: The 91st Amendment Act, 2003 mandates that the size of the Council of Ministers in a state cannot be less than 12, including the Chief Minister.
Q4. An independent MLA joins a political party after election. What happens?
- Allowed under merger provision
- He is disqualified
- He becomes a minister automatically
- He is granted a 6-month period to decide
Correct Option: 2. He is disqualified
Explanation: As per the law, an independent member cannot join a political party after the election. Doing so attracts disqualification under the Tenth Schedule.
Q5. The expression “remunerative political post” includes:
- Only unpaid honorary posts
- Any office with symbolic power only
- Office that pays salary from government revenue
- Religious posts with income
Correct Option: 3. Office that pays salary from government revenue
Explanation: The term refers to any post that provides monetary benefits from government revenue or a government-owned body, disqualifying defectors from holding such positions.