UPSC Mains 2021 · GS II · Q1 · 10 marks · 150 words

‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions.

हिन्दी में

‘संवैधानिक नैतिकता’ की जड़ संविधान में ही निहित है और इसके तात्त्विक फलकों पर आधारित है। ‘संवैधानिक नैतिकता’ के सिद्धांत की प्रासंगिक न्यायिक निर्णयों की सहायता से विवेचना कीजिए।

Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “'Constitutional morality' is not a natural sentiment in India but has to be cultivated. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with relevant examples.”

Sandeep BadadAIR 82 · CSE 2025 · 151 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Constitutional morality refers to set of foundational principles and values that underly the Constitution whose adherence is prescribed.

Preamble, DPSP, FR outline certain core ideas expressing constitutional morality.

Not a natural sentiment:

Body · points

  1. Tendency of concentration of power. → 39th constitutional Amendment
  2. Rule of law undermined → Emergency horrors of 1975
  3. Arbitrariness and overreaching constitutional limits → Judicial overreach in liquor ban case
  4. Political expediency → Moneybill color to Aadhaar bill
  5. Undermining of democracy due to emphasis on winnability

Cultivation

  1. By adhering to separation of power (eg. Indira Gandhi vs Raj Narain Case)

  2. Basic structure doctrine (eg. Preserved core features like secularism, federalism (SR Bommai case))

  3. Judicial restraint and parliamentary wisdom driven by constitutionalism

  4. Reinforcing checks and balances

  5. Reinterpretation to changing times

Close

(eg. J. Puttaswamy Case)

"Constitutionalism is not guarantee of Constitutional-ism". It must be practiced with constitutional morality to ensure constitutionalism.

1 more topper’s answer to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper II, Q1. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.