Q1. What is the present legal position regarding the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles?
- Directive Principles always prevail
- Fundamental Rights always prevail
- There is a balance; neither has absolute primacy
- They are merged and indistinct
Correct Option: 3. There is a balance; neither has absolute primacy.
Explanation: As per the Minerva Mills judgment, the Constitution is based on a balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles. Neither can override the other absolutely without disturbing the basic structure.
Q2. According to the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati Case, which part of Article 31C was declared unconstitutional?
- The provision protecting laws under Article 39(b) and (c)
- The provision preventing judicial review of such laws
- Both (1) & (2) provisions
- None of the above
Correct Option: 2. The provision preventing judicial review of such laws.
Explanation: The Court held that removing judicial review, a basic feature of the Constitution, was unconstitutional. However, the protection of laws made to implement Article 39(b) and (c) was upheld.
Q3. What happened to the Fundamental Right to Property under Article 31?
- Strengthened in the 25th Amendment
- Repealed by the 42nd Amendment
- Abolished by the 44th Amendment
- Made part of Directive Principles
Correct Option: 3. Abolished by the 44th Amendment.
Explanation: The 44th Amendment Act (1978) abolished the Fundamental Right to Property (Article 31). It was converted into a legal right under Article 300A.
Q4. What does Article 39(b) and (c) deal with, which are given special protection under Article 31C?
- Distribution of material resources and prevention of wealth concentration
- Environmental protection
- Uniform civil code
- Free legal aid
Correct Option: 1. Distribution of material resources and prevention of wealth concentration
Explanation: Article 39(b) promotes equitable distribution of material resources;
Article 39(c) aims to prevent concentration of wealth — these are key socialist directives, given constitutional protection under Article 31C.
Q5. According to the Supreme Court in the Minerva Mills Case, what metaphor was used to describe the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles?
- Sword and shield
- Two sides of a coin
- Two wheels of a chariot
- Two pillars of justice
Correct Option: 3. Two wheels of a chariot
Explanation: Article The Court emphasized that both are essential, stating they are like “two wheels of a chariot”, symbolizing that both must work in harmony to uphold the Constitution’s basic structure.