Q1. Under Article 16, which of the following is allowed as an exception to equality of opportunity in public employment?
- Preference to local candidates in all jobs
- Reservation for OBCs and SC/STs only
- Reservation based on sex
- Reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS)
Correct Option: 4. Reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS).
Explanation: 103rd Amendment allows up to 10% reservation for EWS in government jobs, added as a new exception to the general rule of equality in public employment.
Q2. Which of the following statements is true regarding Article 17 (Abolition of Untouchability)?
- It is enforceable only against the State
- It only applies to public places
- It applies against both private individuals and the State
- It has been repealed by the Protection of Civil Rights Act
Correct Option: 3. It applies against both private individuals and the State.
Explanation: The Supreme Court clarified that untouchability is a punishable offense, and Article 17 is enforceable even against private individuals, not just the state.
Q3. The ‘creamy layer’ concept is associated with which category?
- SCs
- ST
- OBCs
- EWS
Correct Option: 3. OBCs.
Explanation: In the Indra Sawhney case, the Court ruled that advanced sections of OBCs (creamy layer) should be excluded from reservation benefits to ensure social justice.
Q4. What does Article 18 of the Indian Constitution deal with?
- Equality of opportunity in public employment
- Abolition of titles
- Abolition of untouchability
- Rights of minorities
Correct Option: 2. Abolition of titles.
Explanation: Article 18 prohibits the state from conferring titles and disallows citizens from accepting foreign titles, except for military or academic distinctions.
Q5. What was the key ruling of the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney (Mandal) case regarding total reservations?
- Total reservation can exceed 60%
- Reservation in promotions is mandatory
- Total reservation should not exceed 50%
- No creamy layer concept is required
Correct Option: 3. Total reservation should not exceed 50%.
Explanation: The Mandal judgment (1992) capped total reservations at 50%, except in extraordinary circumstances, to maintain the balance between equality and affirmative action.