Q1. The doctrine that laws must not only follow procedure but also ensure fairness, justice, and reasonableness under Article 21 was firmly established by:
- Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967)
- Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)
- Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
- A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras (1950)
Correct Option: 2. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)
Explanation: In Maneka Gandhi, the Supreme Court ruled that “procedure established by law” must be just, fair, and reasonable, thus importing the spirit of “due process” into Indian jurisprudence.
Q2. Which of the following is a correct implication of the Maneka Gandhi ruling on Article 21’s relationship with other Fundamental Rights?
- Article 21 operates independently of Articles 14 and 19
- Article 21 can override Article 14
- Articles 14, 19, and 21 are mutually exclusive
- Articles 14, 19, and 21 are part of a golden triangle of rights
Correct Option: 4. Articles 14, 19, and 21 are part of a golden triangle of rights
Explanation: The Maneka Gandhi judgment established that Articles 14 (equality), 19 (freedoms), and 21 (life and liberty) are interlinked and must be read together, forming a “golden triangle” protecting individual liberty.
Q3. In which case did the Supreme Court declare that the right to privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21?
- ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla (1976)
- People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) v. Union of India (1997)
- Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India (2017)
- S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)
Correct Option: 3. Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India (2017)
Explanation: In this landmark 9-judge bench decision, the SC unanimously held that right to privacy is intrinsic to life and liberty under Article 21, overruling earlier contrary views.
Q4. Which of the following is not a valid implication of Article 21 as interpreted by the Supreme Court?
- The State must ensure timely medical treatment to accident victims
- The right to die is a fundamental right under Article 21
- Right to sleep is protected under Article 21
- Environmental protection is linked to the right to life
Correct Option: 2. The right to die is a fundamental right under Article 21
Explanation: The right to die has been held not to be a part of Article 21 (e.g., Gian Kaur v. State of Punjab, 1996). However, passive euthanasia has been allowed under strict conditions (e.g., Common Cause v. Union of India, 2018).
Q5. Under the RTE Act, 2009, which of the following is not mandated as an essential norm or standard for a school?
- Qualified teachers
- Barrier-free access for children with disabilities
- Establishment within one kilometer radius for all children
- Reservation of 50% seats for disadvantaged groups
Correct Option: 4. Reservation of 50% seats for disadvantaged groups
Explanation: The RTE Act mandates 25% reservation for disadvantaged groups in private unaided schools—not 50%. Other infrastructure and access-related norms are explicitly laid down under the Act and Rules.