2020 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2020 · GS Paper I
Question 5: Polity and Governance
In India, separation of judiciary from the executive is enjoined by
athe Preamble of the Constitution
ba Directive Principle of State Policy
cthe Seventh Schedule
dthe conventional practice
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
Article 50, in Part IV, directs the State to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State. Being a Directive Principle, it is not enforceable in court but guides governance; the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 gave it effect by separating judicial and executive magistrates. Neither the Preamble nor the Seventh Schedule speaks of this separation.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: the Preamble states justice, liberty, equality and fraternity but does not mention this separation.
- (b) Right: Article 50, a Directive Principle, enjoins the separation.
- (c) Wrong: the Seventh Schedule only divides subjects between the Union and States.
- (d) Wrong: it is a written constitutional direction, not a mere convention.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.