2015 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2015 · GS Paper I
Question 61: Polity and Governance
Who/Which of the following is the custodian of the Constitution of India?
aThe President of India
bThe Prime Minister of India
cThe Lok Sabha Secretariat
dThe Supreme Court of India
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
The Supreme Court is regarded as the guardian or custodian of the Constitution. It interprets the Constitution, enforces Fundamental Rights and, through judicial review, can strike down laws and executive actions that violate it. The President is sworn to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution, but the role of final interpreter and protector belongs to the apex court.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The President takes an oath to protect the Constitution but is not its custodian in the legal sense.
- (b) The Prime Minister heads the government, not the guardian of the Constitution.
- (c) The Lok Sabha Secretariat is an administrative body of the House.
- (d) Correct: the Supreme Court is the custodian of the Constitution.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.