UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 10
Consider the following statements:
- The Constitution of India defines its 'basic structure' in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy.
- The Constitution of India provides for 'judicial review' to safeguard the 'citizens' liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the constitution is based.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D (Neither 1 nor 2)
Explanation: The basic-structure doctrine arose in Kesavananda Bharati (1973), not from a constitutional definition. The exam key also treats judicial review as not expressly named in the constitutional text, although Articles 13, 32 and 226 substantively enable it.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Incorrect - The Constitution does not enumerate or define its “basic structure”; the Supreme Court developed the doctrine.
2. Incorrect - The phrase “judicial review” is not expressly written as such; the examination adopts this strict textual interpretation.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 1 (The Constitution does not enumerate or define its “basic structure”; the Supreme Court developed the doctrine).
B. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 2 (The phrase “judicial review” is not expressly written as such; the examination adopts this strict textual interpretation).
C. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 1 (The Constitution does not enumerate or define its “basic structure”; the Supreme Court developed the doctrine); includes incorrect item 2 (The phrase “judicial review” is not expressly written as such; the examination adopts this strict textual interpretation).
D. Correct-includes all and only valid statements/items none.
Review note: Interpretation-sensitive: judicial review IS constitutionally grounded in Articles 13, 32 and 226; read substantively, statement 2 is defensible. Key D is accepted under a narrower textual reading.