UPSC IAS Mains 2007 Law (Paper -1 & 2) Optional Question Paper

Exam Name: IAS Mains

Year: 2007

Subject: Law (Optional)

Paper-I

Section - A

1. Answer any three of the following (each answer should be in about 200 words) :

(a) What procedure would you suggest to the Government of India where under an agreement between the Government of India and a neighbouring foreign country a small portion of Indian territory comprised in State Y has to be ceded to the above foreign neighbouring country?
(b) “The doctrine of pith and substance introduces a degree of flexibility into the otherwise rigid scheme of distribution of legislative power under the Indian Constitution.” Justify this statement with the help of case law.
(c) “The Constitution of India is not true to any traditional pattern of federation.” Comment.
(d) What is the meaning of ‘Freedom of Press’ under the Indian Constitution? Can the freedom of press be restricted by a law requiring the press owners to pay minimum wages to the employees of the press? Decide.

2.

(a) Examine and elucidate the scope and significance of Article 32 of the Constitution in the context of Public Interest Litigation as expounded by the Supreme Court in M. C. Mehta Vs. Union of India, AIR 1987 SC. 1086.
(b) When can the President’s Rule be imposed under Article 356 of the Constitution? Is there any need to amend Article 356? What will be your suggestion in this regard?

3.

(a) Are these features in the Constitution of India that are basic or fundamental to it? Would you subscribe to the proposition that the Parliament’s competence to amend the Constitution is subject to the basic or fundamental features of the Constitution? Elucidate.
(b) Discuss in detail the advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India. Is the Supreme Court opinion binding on all courts?

4. Write short notes on the following :