Q1. Which of the following reflects the idea of ‘distributive justice’ as envisaged in the Preamble?
- Equal treatment before law and prohibition of discrimination
- Equal participation in the political process
- Combination of social and economic justice
- Abolition of titles and untouchability
Correct Option: 3. Combination of social and economic justice
Explanation: The term ‘distributive justice’ in the Preamble refers to the equitable distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges in society, achieved through social and economic justice, not just legal equality.
Q2. The word ‘Secular’ in the Preamble implies:
- Equal importance to all religions and equal religious rights
- Complete separation of religion and state in all matters
- Preference for majority religion in state affairs
- Ban on all religious practices in public institutions
Correct Option: 1. Equal importance to all religions and equal religious rights
Explanation: India follows positive secularism, meaning the state treats all religions equally, unlike Western secularism, which emphasizes strict separation of religion and state.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT a correct pair regarding equality and the corresponding article?
- Equality before law – Article 14
- Equal pay for equal work – Article 16
- Abolition of untouchability – Article 17
- Adult suffrage – Article 326
Correct Option: 2. Equal pay for equal work – Article 16
Explanation: Equal pay for equal work is part of the Directive Principles (Article 39), not Article 16, which deals with equality of opportunity in public employment.
Q4. Which of the following is true about the legal status of the Preamble after the Kesavananda Bharati judgment?
- It can override Fundamental Rights
- It has no relevance in constitutional interpretation
- It is a part of the Constitution and helps interpret ambiguous provisions
- It cannot be referred to in legal proceedings
Correct Option: 3. It is a part of the Constitution and helps interpret ambiguous provisions
Explanation: The Supreme Court held that while the Preamble is non-justiciable, it is a vital part of the Constitution and guides the interpretation of other constitutional provisions.
Q5. In which of the following cases did the Supreme Court first hold that the Preamble is NOT a part of the Constitution?
- Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
- Berubari Union case
- Minerva Mills v. Union of India
- Golaknath v. State of Punjab
Correct Option: 2. Berubari Union case
Explanation: In the Berubari Union case (1960), the SC held that the Preamble is not a part of the Constitution, a view later overturned in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).