Q1. Which of the following statements correctly describes the nature of Article 17 (Abolition of Untouchability)?
- It is enforceable only through statutory law
- It imposes obligations only on the State
- It is a self-executing provision enforceable against private individuals
- It requires interpretation in its literal grammatical sense
Correct Option: 3. It is a self-executing provision enforceable against private individuals.
Explanation: Article 17 is self-executing—meaning no enabling law is required for its enforcement. It imposes duties on both State and individuals, and courts have affirmed its wider social scope, beyond literal untouchability.
Q2. Which Article allows the State to make special provisions for the advancement of economically weaker sections (EWS) in education and public employment?
- Article 15(4) and 16(4)
- Article 15(6) and 16(6)
- Article 39(b) and 39(c)
- Article 21 and 39A
Correct Option: 2. Article 15(6) and 16(6).
Explanation: The 103rd Amendment Act, 2019 inserted Articles 15(6) and 16(6), enabling 10% EWS reservation in educational institutions and public employment, over and above the 50% cap.
Q3. Which case upheld the constitutional validity of the 27% OBC reservation in educational institutions under the 93rd Amendment, excluding creamy layer?
- Ashoka Kumar Thakur v. Union of India (2008)
- T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka (2002)
- Mohini Jain v. State of Karnataka (1992)
- State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan (1951)
Correct Option: 1. Ashoka Kumar Thakur v. Union of India (2008).
Explanation: In this case, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the 93rd Amendment Act and the OBC reservation in higher education, excluding creamy layer as a condition for eligibility.
Q4. The Indra Sawhney judgment (1992) laid down several principles regarding reservations. Which of the following is incorrect as per the judgment?
- Reservation can be made in promotions
- Total reservation should not exceed 50%
- Creamy layer must be excluded from OBC quota
- Backlog vacancies can be carried forward, but must respect 50% cap
Correct Option: 1. Reservation can be made in promotions.
Explanation: The Court disallowed reservation in promotions under Article 16(4). However, this was later nullified by the 77th Amendment, which permitted reservation in promotions for SCs/STs.
Q5. Which of the following constitutional amendments placed the Tamil Nadu Reservation Act (69% reservation) in the Ninth Schedule to protect it from judicial review?
- 74th Amendment
- 76th Amendment
- 81st Amendment
- 93rd Amendment
Correct Option: 2. 76th Amendment
Explanation: The 76th Constitutional Amendment (1994) placed the Tamil Nadu Reservation Act in the Ninth Schedule to protect its 69% reservation scheme from being struck down for violating the 50% cap set in Indra Sawhney.