AIR 1 · CSE 2017 · GS2 · 50 pages

Anudeep Durishetty: GS2 answer copy

20 answers by Anudeep Durishetty, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1What are the checks on Parliamentary sovereignty in India? Do you think judicial activism poses a threat to the free working of Parliament? Justify your answer.
  2. Q2"The anti- defection law not only sanctions party tyranny in the name of party discipline, but also curbs the legislator's right to dissent". Critically examine.
  3. Q3Political 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?
  4. Q4The application of technology in governance initiatives to check leakages on one hand, and the need to protect the right to privacy of citizens on the other, poses a unique challenge to policy makers. How far do you think these concerns are valid? Give arguments in support of your answer, providing suitable measures to address these concerns.
  5. Q5How do pressure groups influence the policies of the government? In the Indian context, do they have a democratization effect or are they mere promoters of narrow interests? Illustrate with suitable examples.
  6. Q6Discuss the reasons behind the multiplicity of amendments to the Indian Constitution. Has it served its intended purpose? Critically examine.
  7. Q7The issue of judicial delays and backlogs has long been an issue plaguing the justice system in India. In the light of this, give an account of various alternate dispute redressal mechanisms available, and analyse their suitability and efficacy in reducing judicial delays and backlogs.
  8. Q8Give an account of the status of the primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare sectors in India. How far do you think has the focus of our health policy been lopsided with an excessive focus on tertiary care? Give arguments to justify your answer.
  9. Q9The role of Civil Services in our democracy has seen a sea change since Independence. Give an account of the changing demands from the civil services in our democratic setup. Also, elaborate on the roles that have stayed constant through these years since Independence.
  10. Q10Unlike its British counterpart, the Indian constitution allows for a member of the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) to hold the office of the Prime Minister of the country. Does this provision go against the spirit of democracy? Examine.
  11. Q11Do you think the consent of the Chief Minister of the concerned state should be made essential for the appointment of the Governor? Give an account of Sarkaria commission's observations in this regard. Is the appointment of civil servants as Governors a healthy trend?
  12. Q12The 'Citizen' in Citizen Charter is a misnomer. Comment
  13. Q13The Election Commission and the Representation of People's Act form the institutional and legal cornerstone of free and fair elections in India. In this context, what amendments would you propose in the Representation of People's Act to ensure free and fair elections?
  14. Q14Civil society is not only a check, a monitor, but also a vital partner in the quest for a positive relationship between the democratic state and its citizens. In this regard, write a note on the role that Civil Society plays in strengthening democracy. Does Civil Society always serve the cause of democracy? Justify your answer.
  15. Q15"The AAGC is not an answer for China's OBOR as the approaches of India and China towards Africa are essentially different." Critically examine.
  16. Q16Does the recent Prime Ministerial visit to Israel mark a tectonic shift in India's policy towards the Israel - Palestine conflict? Do you think India and israel relations have reached their natural climax?
  17. Q17How far do you think has India's foreign policy traveled from the heydays of Non-Aligned Movement? What factors in your opinion have contributed to it?
  18. Q18Iran stands as a gateway for India's Central & West Asia Policy. Elaborate. Also highlight the key challenges that confront closer India - Iran ties..
  19. Q19"Brexit offers India new opportunities of engaging in trade with Europe". Examine.
  20. Q20Trace the evolution of the India Bhutan Friendship Treaty, with special emphasis on the significance of Bhutan to India.

The answers

Question 1 · 273 words written

What are the checks on Parliamentary sovereignty in India? Do you think judicial activism poses a threat to the free working of Parliament? Justify your answer.

Opening · a definition

Parliamentary sovereignty refers to the independent and autonomous nature of Parliament to legislate on matters of importance. Constitution of India provides parliamentary sovereignty through:

Body · points

  1. Articles 246, 247: They mention the extent of application of Parliamentary laws throughout territory of India.

  2. Schedule 7: Mentions subject list in which Parliament is competent to legislate. Eg: Law & order → State subject; international agreements → Union subject.

Checks on Parliamentary Sovereignty

  1. Judicial Review — Constitution empowers Supreme Court and High Court under Art. 13 and Art 226 respectively.

  2. Public interest Litigation: public can approach courts to strike down unjust law. Eg: Recent SC judgement scrapping NJAC act.

  3. Parliamentary Committees: Such as public standing committee exercise effective control.

  4. Discretionary power to president under Article 74 where he can send a bill back once, pocket veto, suspensive veto act as check.

  5. Power of state representation in Rajya Sabha also checks brute majority of any party.

Judicial Activism as threat - Yes (JA)

  • JA violates Art 50 : Separation of powers.
  • It impinges on parliament's right given as per peoples mandate. Thus a threat to democracy.
  • Non expertise of judges.
  • JA often leads to 3rd chamber of legislature.

JA is not a threat, because:

  1. JA is needed when executive, legislature fails to act in public interest.

  2. JA upholds public interest, rights of minorities, vulnerable.

Close · a quotation

Eg: visakha guidelines against sexual harassment.

To conclude, JA must be balanced with Parliamentary Sovereignty. They are two wheels on which Constitution runs smoothly. "Role of judiciary must be of an alarm clock not a time keeper" (N.A. Palkivala)