Q1. The principle of single citizenship in India primarily serves which of the following constitutional ideals?
- Sovereignty and socialism
- Unity and integrity of the nation
- Liberty and dignity of the individual
- Equality before law
Correct Option: 2. Unity and integrity of the nation.
Explanation: The idea of single citizenship ensures all citizens are identified as Indians first, irrespective of state affiliation. It aligns with the constitutional aim of promoting fraternity and ensuring the unity and integrity of the nation, as stated in the Preamble.
Q2. Which of the following best explains the rationale behind restricting the rights of OCI cardholders from contesting elections or holding constitutional posts?
- They do not possess full allegiance to the Indian State
- They belong to foreign religions
- They are not required to pay taxes in India
- They are not born in India
Correct Option: 1. They do not possess full allegiance to the Indian State.
Explanation: Since OCI cardholders are citizens of foreign countries, their allegiance primarily lies elsewhere. Granting them political or constitutional roles could pose challenges to national sovereignty and democratic accountability.
Q3. Which of the following legislative acts first formalized the idea of OCI in Indian law?
- Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2005
- Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003
- Citizenship Act, 1955
- Foreigners Act, 1946
Correct Option: 2. Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003.
Explanation: The 2003 amendment introduced the concept of Overseas Citizenship of India based on recommendations from the L.M. Singhvi Committee. It was later expanded and refined by the 2005 and 2015 amendments.
Q4. Which of the following provisions used to empower the President of India to apply constitutional provisions differently to Jammu & Kashmir, as was done in the case of Article 35-A?
- Article 356
- Article 239
- Article 370(1)(d)
- Article 371
Correct Option: 3. Article 370(1)(d).
Explanation: Article 370(1)(d) allowed the President to modify the application of constitutional provisions to J&K, often with the concurrence of the state government. Article 35-A was introduced through a Presidential Order in 1954 under this clause. But now Article 370 has been abrogated.
Q5. Which of the following constitutional doctrines was challenged by the existence of Article 35-A prior to its abrogation?
- Doctrine of eminent domain
- Doctrine of pith and substance
- Doctrine of colourable legislation
- Doctrine of basic structure
Correct Option: 4. Doctrine of basic structure
Explanation: Critics argued that Article 35-A, added via a Presidential Order without Parliament’s involvement, violated the basic structure doctrine—particularly equality before the law (Article 14). However, the Supreme Court did not conclusively rule on this before it was repealed.