UPSC CSE 2026 Essay Paper Discussion
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General Studies Paper 2 · By subject

Constitution & Polity — UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 PYQ

131 previous year questions on Constitution & Polity, 2013–2026, each with a model answer

← All GS Paper 2

2026

  1. Q1
    Right to privacy relating to self-identity is very dear to every human being and well protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. In this context, examine the effect of the amendment in 2026, to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q2
    “Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class.” In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women’s reservation from local bodies to Parliament.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q3
    Examine whether the constitutional office of the Lok Sabha Speaker has become vulnerable to partisan politics under the current anti-defection regime. What institutional changes are required to ensure the neutrality of the Lok Sabha Speaker in managing a polarised House?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q4
    Is the right to vote a fundamental right? Discuss the position of the Election Commission of India while undertaking the revision of electoral rolls. Can it also examine the question of citizenship of voters?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  5. Q5
    Do constitutional bodies like the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) possess adequate enforcement powers to secure substantive social equality? Suggest measures to enhance their institutional effectiveness.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  6. Q11
    Discuss the position of the Governor in the federal polity of India. What is the nature of his power while giving assent to a bill passed by the State Legislature? Is he bound by the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers in all his functions?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  7. Q12
    What is meant by judicial legislation? In this context, discuss the verdicts of the apex court allowing “passive euthanasia” and a “living will”.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  8. Q13
    How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  9. Q14
    Examine how the separation of powers is practised in India compared to the rigid presidential model of the United States of America. In this context, compare the actual authority of the Indian Prime Minister with that of the President of the USA.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  10. Q15
    To what extent do pressure groups, social movements and corporate lobbies deepen pluralistic democracy in India by representing excluded interests? Analyse whether the growing convergence of corporate wealth and political power poses a threat to the autonomy of formal democratic institutions.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2025

  1. Q1
    Discuss the ‘corrupt practices’ for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute ‘undue influence’ and consequently a corrupt practice.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  2. Q3
    Compare and contrast the President’s power to pardon in India and in the USA. Are there any limits to it in both the countries? What are ‘preemptive pardons’?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q4
    Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q5
    “The Attorney General of India plays a crucial role in guiding the legal framework of the Union Government and ensuring sound governance through legal counsel.” Discuss his responsibilities, rights and limitations in this regard.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  5. Q12
    Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  6. Q14
    Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2024

  1. Q1
    Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation – one election” principle.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q3
    “The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy.” Elucidate.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q4
    “The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q13
    What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  5. Q15
    Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2023

  1. Q3
    “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q4
    Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q5
    Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q11
    “The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society.” Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  5. Q12
    Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  6. Q13
    Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  7. Q15
    Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  8. Q16
    Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2022

  1. Q2
    “Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to the Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute.” Comment.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  2. Q3
    To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q4
    Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  4. Q5
    Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  5. Q11
    Discuss the procedures to decide the disputes arising out of the election of a Member of the Parliament or State Legislature under The Representation of the People Act, 1951. What are the grounds on which the election of any returned candidate may be declared void? What remedy is available to the aggrieved party against the decision? Refer to the case laws.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  6. Q12
    Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  7. Q13
    “While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy.” Comment.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  8. Q14
    Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  9. Q15
    Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2021

  1. Q3
    How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q4
    To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q5
    “Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  4. Q11
    The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  5. Q13
    Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Right to Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  6. Q14
    Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  7. Q15
    Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2020

  1. Q1
    “There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act”. Comment.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q3
    How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q5
    ‘Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker’! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q11
    Indian Constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  5. Q14
    Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  6. Q15
    Which steps are required for constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2019

  1. Q3
    What are the methods used by the farmers’ organisations to influence the policy-makers in India and how effective are these methods?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q4
    From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q5
    What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q11
    On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  5. Q12
    “Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In the light of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  6. Q13
    “The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  7. Q14
    “The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss.
    15 marks 250 words Easy Model answer →
  8. Q15
    Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national law maker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2018

  1. Q1
    In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q2
    Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q3
    Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force?
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  4. Q4
    Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  5. Q5
    “The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  6. Q11
    Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  7. Q13
    India and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  8. Q14
    How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  9. Q15
    Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  10. Q16
    Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2017

  1. Q1
    “The local self-government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance.” Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  2. Q3
    “Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people.” Discuss.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q4
    How do pressure groups influence Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as more powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q5
    Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  5. Q11
    Explain the salient features of the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough “to remove cascading effect of taxes and provide for common national market for goods and services”?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  6. Q12
    Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  7. Q13
    The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two Houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reason thereof.
    15 marks 250 words Easy Model answer →
  8. Q14
    To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful?
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →

2016

  1. Q1
    Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any, that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of the Indian federal politics?
    12.5 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
  2. Q2
    To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.
    12.5 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
  3. Q3
    “The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q4
    Exercise of CAG’s powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Government’s policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  5. Q5
    Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  6. Q7
    Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →

2015

  1. Q2
    The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q3
    In absence of a well-educated and organized local level government system, ‘Panchayats’ and ‘Samitis’ have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss.
    12.5 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
  3. Q5
    Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of powers doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate ordinances, analyze whether the decisions of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate ordinances be repealed?
    12.5 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →

2014

  1. Q2
    Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. Discuss.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q3
    The ‘Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and its Members’ as envisaged in Article 105 of the Constitution leave room for a large number of un-codified and un-enumerated privileges to continue. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of the ‘parliamentary privileges’. How can this problem be addressed?
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q4
    What do you understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q5
    Instances of President’s delay in commuting death sentences has come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  5. Q6
    The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as big as the Prime Minister can manage as a team. How far is the efficacy of a government then inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss.
    12.5 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →

2013

  1. Q1
    The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law which was legislated but with a different intention?
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q2
    Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution.
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q3
    Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the ‘Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.
    10 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
  4. Q4
    ‘The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution.’ Discuss critically.
    10 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
  5. Q5
    Many State Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that more number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at State level? Discuss.
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  6. Q6
    Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss.
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  7. Q7
    Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances.
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
  8. Q10
    Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regards to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India.
    10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →

0

  1. •
    The fiscal architecture of Indian federalism rests not only on the Finance Commission but also on cesses, surcharges and Centrally Sponsored Schemes. With reference to the 15th Finance Commission and the rising CSS share, examine the autonomy of States.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  2. •
    Sedition as a colonial-era offence has been suspended by the Supreme Court but reborn in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. With reference to S.G. Vombatkere v. Union of India (2022) and Section 152 BNS 2023, critically analyse.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  3. •
    Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is a statutory exercise under the Representation of the People Act 1950, but it has provoked concerns about voter exclusion. In the light of the 2025 Bihar SIR exercise, examine.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  4. •
    The Comptroller and Auditor General is the guardian of the public purse under Articles 148 to 151, but its post-audit reports have lost political traction. Examine.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  5. •
    The Union Public Service Commission is a hundred-year-old constitutional body but its mandate and methods need a 2026 update. With reference to Article 315 and the UPSC at 100, examine.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  6. •
    Delimitation after 2026 will redraw India’s federal map. With reference to Article 82 and the freeze under the 84th and 87th Constitutional Amendments, critically analyse the North-South representation question.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  7. •
    Pressure groups and civil-society associations are protected under Article 19(1)(c) but increasingly squeezed by regulatory frameworks. With reference to cooperative societies, farmer producer organisations and trade unions, comment.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  8. •
    Self-help groups have become a parallel architecture of grassroots democracy. With reference to the NRLM and the Lakhpati Didi initiative, evaluate.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  9. •
    The collegium system is a judicial invention to protect independence but it has been criticised for opacity. With reference to the Memorandum of Procedure deadlock since 2015, comment.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  10. •
    The President of India is a constitutional head bound by aid and advice under Article 74, but the office retains real discretionary power in specific circumstances. Discuss.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  11. •
    The 2024 Supreme Court verdict striking down the Electoral Bonds Scheme has reopened the question of how political parties should be funded. With reference to the Association for Democratic Reforms judgment, examine.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  12. •
    Parliament’s effectiveness depends on the number and quality of sittings it holds. With reference to the decline in sitting days and Bill scrutiny since 2014, examine the case for a fixed parliamentary calendar.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  13. •
    The Rajya Sabha was designed as a chamber of mature deliberation and a federal voice. Evaluate its performance against the Constituent Assembly’s intention.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  14. •
    Department-Related Standing Committees are the engine room of parliamentary scrutiny but their effectiveness has weakened in recent Lok Sabhas. Discuss.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  15. •
    The Inter-State Council under Article 263 is an under-used instrument of cooperative federalism. Comment.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  16. •
    The GST Council under Article 279A is a constitutional experiment in pooled sovereignty but its ‘recommendatory’ character has been tested by the Mohit Minerals judgment. Critically analyse.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  17. •
    The Finance Commission under Article 280 is the constitutional umpire of fiscal federalism, but the rising share of cesses and surcharges outside the divisible pool is eroding its mandate. Examine.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  18. •
    Inter-state water disputes have outlived the constitutional and statutory machinery designed to resolve them. With reference to Article 262 and the ISRWD Act 1956, examine.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  19. •
    Tribunals were created to deliver speedy specialised justice but the L. Chandra Kumar judgment kept the High Courts as the ultimate constitutional check. Discuss.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  20. •
    Article 142 gives the Supreme Court a power ‘as is necessary for doing complete justice’ but its expansive use raises separation-of-powers questions. Comment.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  21. •
    The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is its identity card and a key to its interpretation. With reference to the words ‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’ and ‘Integrity’ inserted by the 42nd Amendment 1976, examine.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  22. •
    The 44th Constitutional Amendment 1978 was an attempt to rebalance the Constitution after the Emergency, but several of its safeguards remain unenforced. Examine.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  23. •
    The abrogation of Article 370 has been upheld by the Supreme Court but its constitutional method continues to raise basic-structure questions. In the light of In re Article 370 (2023), critically analyse.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  24. •
    The Ninth Schedule was designed to protect agrarian reform from judicial review but has become a refuge for laws of every kind. With reference to I.R. Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu (2007), examine.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  25. •
    President’s Rule under Article 356 is meant to be the Constitution’s safety valve, not a routine political instrument. In the light of the eleventh imposition in Manipur in 2025, discuss the S.R. Bommai guardrails.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  26. •
    Pendency of cases in Indian courts has become a structural denial of justice. With reference to the institutional reforms needed at the High Court and subordinate-judiciary level, examine.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  27. •
    Article 21 has been judicially expanded from a procedural safeguard into a charter of substantive rights. With reference to recent judgments on personal liberty and inclusive digital access, discuss.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  28. •
    The Tenth Schedule was enacted in 1985 to curb defections, but it is the Speaker’s discretion that decides whether it bites. In the light of Padi Kaushik Reddy v. State of Telangana (2025), make a case for an independent adjudicatory tribunal. Examine.
    15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
  29. •
    The 73rd and 74th Amendments promised a three-tier federation, but local governments remain financially and functionally hollow. Comment.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  30. •
    Article 324 left the appointment of the Election Commission to a future law of Parliament. In the light of the CEC and Other ECs Appointment Act 2023 and the Anoop Baranwal judgment, examine whether the present mechanism secures the umpire’s independence. Critically analyse.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  31. •
    The basic structure doctrine has reconciled parliamentary sovereignty with constitutional supremacy in India. In the light of landmark judgments, discuss.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  32. •
    Article 200 gives the Governor three options on a state bill, but sets no express deadline. In the light of the Supreme Court’s November 2025 Presidential Reference opinion, examine the constitutional limits on the Governor’s silence and the case for a statutory timeline. Examine.
    15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

Other GS Paper 2 subjects

Social JusticeJudiciaryInternational RelationsGovernance