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.
What do you understand by rule of law? Explain how this idea is reflected in the Constitution of India.
10 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
Compare and contrast ‘procedure established by law’ and ‘due process of law’ with reference to their implications on personal liberty in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
FRs are not gifts bestowed upon by the state, rather an individual possesses them independent of the state. In this context, discuss desirability of reasonable restrictions on various FRs.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
How does the principle of "bail as the rule, jail as the exception" uphold the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution? Refer to the recent judgements.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fundamental RightsJudiciary
Sedition law, in any form, is a threat to civil liberties and presents an opportunity for its weaponization against dissenters and detractors. Should India do away with the sedition law? Justify your opinion.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
"The moral value of fundamental duties would not be to smother rights but to establish a democratic balance by making the people conscious of their duties equally as they are conscious of their rights". Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Directive Principles and DutiesFundamental Rights
Recently, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the "right against the adverse effects of climate change". In this context, citing relevant case laws, discuss the role played by Indian judiciary in 'constitutionalization' of environmental issues.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciaryFundamental Rights
In a democratic society, individual rights and freedoms are always balanced against the larger interests of society and the state. To what extent do the constitutional restrictions on fundamental rights strike a balance between individual liberty and societal interests? What factors are considered in evaluating the reasonableness of such restrictions? Refer to the case laws.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Indian Constitution acquires its secular character not just from the words in the Preamble but from a collective reading of many of its provisions. Illustrate with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
Balancing and harmonising Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles will help reap social order and empower people. Explain
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Directive Principles and DutiesFundamental Rights
What do you mean by 'doctrine of essentiality'? How has judiciary used this doctrine to address conflict between various fundamental rights? Explain with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution broadly interprets the right to life and liberty. Elucidate with the help of relevant case laws.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Fundamental RightsJudiciary
Women bear a disproportionate burden of the gaps in our healthcare system. Do you think a constitutional right to health will help in bridging the gap? Also suggest suitable alternatives.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
HealthWomen and Gender
Discuss the impact of the proclamation of National Emergency on Fundamental Rights in India. Also, highlight the various Supreme Court judgements in this context.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Section 497 of IPC will have to be struck down to uphold human life and dignity. Do you agree? Critically examine the issue of adultery law in India while suggesting potential solutions.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
ParliamentFundamental Rights
"The constitutionalization of environmental issues by the Supreme Court is among the most transformative developments in contemporary Indian jurisprudence." Discuss the statement with the help of relevant case laws.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciaryFundamental Rights
Differentiating between Constitution and Constitutionalism, mention key constitutional provisions in India that uphold the principles of constitutionalism. How has it contributed to the stability and governance in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
Our society is a progressive society but Indian criminal laws doesn't reflect the modern reality as per the democratic aspirations of people. In light of the statement, explain the need and the major changes required in the criminal laws.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
Recently, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the "right to be safeguarded from adverse effects of climate change". In this context, citing relevant case laws, discuss the role played by Indian judiciary in 'constitutionalization' of environmental issues.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciaryFundamental Rights
"Disturbing public order or inciting violence cannot be allowed under the garb of the freedom of speech and expression." Discuss with help of the recent Supreme Court judgment on hate speech.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Fundamental RightsJudiciary
Do you agree that the directive principles function as 'Conscience of Constitution' apart from the fundamental rights? Substantiate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Directive Principles and DutiesFundamental Rights
It has been argued that some parts of Article 22 are not Fundamental Rights but 'Fundamental Dangers' to the citizens of India. Discuss in light of the debate on issues around the preventive detention laws in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Fundamental Rights
Question of gender equality is central to debate on UCC. What are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Directive Principles and DutiesWomen and Gender
Indiscriminate use of section 124-A of the IPC is like a saw in the hands of carpenter who cuts the entire forest instead of a tree. Has the Sedition law outlived its utility? Justify your answer.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights
Is there a need for a balance between Fundamental Rights and Parliamentary Privileges to be re-examined? Discuss giving suitable arguments in support of your answer.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
ParliamentFundamental Rights
Every person has a fundamental right to entertain such religious practices as approved by his/ her conscience. Do you think that 'doctrine of essentiality' restricts this autonomy?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
American constitution provides for 'due process of law' against that of 'procedure established by law' contained in the Indian Constitution. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Comparative ConstitutionsFundamental Rights
American Constitution provides for ‘due process of law’ against that of ‘procedure established by law’ contained in the Indian Constitution. Discuss. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Comparative ConstitutionsJudiciary
The expansion of Fundamental Rights through judicial interpretation has strengthened Indian democracy, but it has also raised concerns about judicial overreach.” Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary