Q1. Which of the following best describes the difference between “equality before law” and “equal protection of laws” under Article 14?
- Both concepts are positive in nature
- Both concepts are negative in nature
- Equality before law is negative; equal protection of laws is positive
- Equality before law is positive; equal protection of laws is negative
Correct Option: 3. Equality before law is negative; equal protection of laws is positive.
Explanation:
• Equality before law (British origin) is a negative concept because it implies the absence of special privileges and equal subjection to ordinary law.
• Equal protection of laws (American origin) is a positive concept because it requires the state to take positive action to ensure equal treatment under similar circumstances.
Hence, option 3 correctly identifies the difference.
Q2. Which of the following is NOT an exception to Article 14 (equality before law)?
- Immunity to the President and Governors under Article 361
- Parliamentary privileges under Article 105
- Directive Principles under Article 31-C
- Reservation of seats for women in Parliament under Article 330
Correct Option: 4. Reservation of seats for women in Parliament under Article 330.
Explanation:
• A, B, and C are explicitly mentioned as exceptions to Article 14.
• Reservation of seats for SC/ST in Parliament occurs under Article 330, but reservation for women in Parliament does not exist (although proposed, it is not yet operational in the form described).
• Most importantly, Article 330 is not listed as an exception to Article 14.
Hence D is not an exception and is the correct answer.
Q3. Under Article 15, discrimination is prohibited on which of the following grounds?
- Only religion, race, caste, sex, and place of birth
- Religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, and residence
- Religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, descent
- Only caste and religion
Correct Option: 1. Only religion, race, caste, sex, and place of birth.
Explanation:
Article 15 prohibits discrimination on only the following five grounds:
1. Religion
2. Race
3. Caste
4. Sex
5. Place of birth
The word “only” is crucial—no other grounds are prohibited under Article 15(1).
Hence option 1 is correct.
Q4. According to the Mandal Case (1992), which of the following was NOT upheld by the Supreme Court?
- 27% reservation for OBCs
- Exclusion of the creamy layer
- Reservation in promotions
- 50% ceiling on total reservation (with exceptions)
Correct Option: 3. Reservation in promotions
Explanation:
In the Mandal Judgment (Indra Sawhney case):
• A – 27% OBC reservation was upheld.
• B – Exclusion of the creamy layer was mandated.
• D – The 50% ceiling was upheld, except in exceptional cases.
• C – The Supreme Court struck down reservation in promotions, stating that reservation should be only for initial appointments.
Thus, 3 is correct.
Q5. Which Constitutional Amendment allowed the State to provide reservation for EWS (Economically Weaker Sections)?
- 93rd Amendment
- 102nd Amendment
- 103rd Amendment
- 77th Amendment
Correct Option: 3. 103rd Amendment
Explanation:
• 103rd Amendment Act, 2019 introduced:
• Up to 10% EWS reservation in educational institutions (Art. 15)
• Up to 10% reservation in public employment (Art. 16)
• 93rd Amendment: Reservation for OBCs in private educational institutions
• 102nd Amendment: Gave constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes
• 77th Amendment: Reservation in promotions for SC/ST
Thus, the correct answer is 3.