GS2 · Topic
Fundamental Rights
Part III rights, their scope, reasonable restrictions and enforcement.
93 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Fundamental Rights that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Pressure groups play a vital role in democracy. Discuss how they shape public policy in India. 4. "Bail not jail" is a significant principle for upholding individual liberty. Discuss. (Note: The question prompt for the Inter-State Council was not explicitly provided but implied by the content of pages 11-12)
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Pressure Groups and AssociationsJudiciary
The Constitution of India provides several rights that empower the individual, yet it balances these freedoms with larger public interest. Discuss how constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a fine balance between individual interests and societal interests. Also, mention the principles that are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of restrictions with reference case laws.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
The Constitution of India provides several rights that empower the individual, yet it balances these freedoms with reasonable restrictions in the larger public interest. Discuss how constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a fine balance between individual interests and societal interests. Also, mention the principles that are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of restrictions with reference case laws.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
The question is not explicitly stated, but based on the content of the answer, the UPSC mains question asks about: 1) the role of the Supreme Court of India in interpreting international laws; 2) the convergence and divergence of Indian and US constitutional jurisprudence; 3) the impact of 44th Constitutional Amendment and challenges in legal enforcement of Fundamental Duties; 4) the administrative role and judicial tussle of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT); 5) various facets of equality under the Indian Constitution; 6) the evolution of pressure groups towards political parties; 7) the advantages and challenges of establishing foreign higher educational institutions in India; 8) private sector contribution to achieving 'Right to Health'; 9) the impact of global cooperation on poverty and hunger; 10) the need for change in the World Trade Organization (WTO); 11) the dilemma of dual governance in Delhi and its impact on cooperative federalism; 12) issues of independence versus insulation of the judiciary and alternatives to the collegium system; 13) impediments in the functioning of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and reforms; 14) the controversy regarding the Governor's power to reserve bills; 15) the paradox and relevance of the 9th Schedule; 16) the role of the Central Information Commission (CIC) as a guardian of democracy and limitations of its status; 17) the significance of the POCSO Act and changes required for effective implementation; 18) the role of technology in modernizing governance; 19) the transformation of India-US relations; 20) the evolution and challenges of India-ASEAN relations.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Comparative ConstitutionsJudiciary
"Bail not Jail" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement, citing various case laws.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
JudiciaryFundamental Rights
Enumerate the various kinds of writs in the Indian judicial framework and state the remedial significance of writs.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsJudiciary
What was held in the Kedar Nath case? In this context discuss the need to reform sedition provision.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Despite all the progress, LGBTQIA+ citizens still face challenges to their rights and dignity. Discuss with special reference to the measures taken in India in this regard.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Vulnerable SectionsFundamental Rights
Criminal defamation as legal instrument is often abused by the powerful to smother the freedom of speech. What is criminal defamation? Do you think is it justified in a liberal democracy like India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
"Internet provides one of the most potent platforms for expressing people's voices in contemporary times". In light of the statement, discuss the effects of internet shutdown on the freedom of speech and expression.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Fundamental RightsTransparency and Accountability
There is a need to ensure better ethical standards, accountability and management of temples in India. Discuss in the context of issues associated with state intervention in management of temples.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
Decriminalisation of homosexuality by SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains task half done, specially without socio-political sensitisation about issues faced by LGBTQIA+. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same-sex marriage.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Judiciary acts as the supreme body that upholds the constitution and safeguards public rights of freedom of religion. Supreme court and various high courts have upheld the freedom of religion and navigate tension. Explain with examples.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsJudiciary
Striking a fine balance between national security on one hand, and freedom of speech and expression on another is the key to democratic ethos. In light of this statement, write a critical note on the relevance and need for stringent laws like the National Security Act and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in a vibrant democracy.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
'Equality under the Indian constitution is not merely about formal equality, it also incorporates the idea of substantive equality'. Discuss this statement in light of constitutional provisions and relevant Supreme Court judgments.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Discuss the role of judiciary in resolving the conflict between the right to freedom of religion and constitutional morality.
Answered by 1 topper
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
The Indian Constitution has been successful in providing a framework for liberal democracy to flourish in India. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
Political democracy cannot last without economic and social democracy. What provisions in the Constitution facilitate the establishment of economic and social democracy in India? How far have they been achieved?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Constitution and Basic StructureDirective Principles and Duties
“In a constitutional scheme wedded to the concept of ‘Rule of Law,’ it is very difficult to accommodate a concept like preventive detention within its fold”. In light of the above statement examine the relevance of preventive detention with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
FR are not gifts bestowed upon by the state. In this context discuss desirability of reasonable restriction on various individual possessions of FR.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Reasonable balance between individual's liberty and the state's right to impose restrictions is vital for the functioning of a constitutional democracy. Explain with help of suitable illustrations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Democracy thrives on disagreements; critical and dissenting voices make a society vibrant. In your opinion, do limitations on hate speech infringe right to freedom of speech and expression? Discuss how hate speech impacts the society and ways to restrain it.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
The Ninth Schedule fabricated a constitutional paradox to safeguard laws related to socio-economic justice from being challenged under the fundamental right to property. Does the ninth schedule have any relevance in present times? How did the IR Coelho judgment resolve this paradox?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Though defamation law is vital to protect one's reputation and dignity in society, weaponization of the same to curb dissent and free speech is antithetical in a constitutional democracy. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Fundamental RightsJudiciary
"Fraternity means a sense of brotherhood of all Indians - a feeling of oneness and commonness - despite the diversities of caste, creed, language or religion." Discuss the significance of the concept of fraternity in the Indian Constitution. How do the various constitutional provisions promote fraternity among all citizens?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
What do you understand by the principle of 'Reasonable Accommodation'? How does it promote equality, positive rights and prevent discrimination? Cite some examples to validate your answer.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
Exigency of liberty of the individual should always follow the interests of the State. Discuss the statement with reference to Indian Constitutional provisions.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Do you think whether the remnants of various colonial laws have undermined the true meaning of Freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 of Indian Constitution? Justify.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure