AIR 16 · CSE 2024 · GS2 · 52 pages

Madhav Agarwal: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.10 marks
  2. Q2To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level?10 marks
  3. Q3The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy.10 marks
  4. Q4"Bail not Jail" is the cardinal principle that upholds the sacrosanct ideas of individual's liberty and dignity. Explain the statement with the help of various judicial pronouncements.10 marks
  5. Q5Dispute redressal is the most important component of cooperative federalism. How does the Interstate Council facilitate the resolution of disputes related to states in India, and what are the challenges associated with this process?10 marks
  6. Q6Anti-defection law has failed to address and resolve the evil of political defection satisfactorily. Discuss various issues surrounding the Anti-defection law and recommend some corrective measures.10 marks
  7. Q7Decriminalization of homosexuality by the SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains a task half done, specially without the socio-political sensitisation about the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same sex marriage.10 marks
  8. Q8Asses the relevance of lateral entry in civil services in making the governance structure more effective, efficient, and people oriented.10 marks
  9. Q9Built upon common democratic values and shared vision of strategic autonomy, India-France bilateral ties exude a promise of stability, growth, and security in a time of geo-political flux and uncertainty. Do you agree? Substantiate your answer.10 marks
  10. Q10As an important attribute of soft power, "Knowledge diplomacy" has the potential to further various objectives of foreign policy. Explain.10 marks
  11. Q11Referring to the case laws through which the collegium system in India evolved, critically assess its functioning.15 marks
  12. Q12Considering the non-enforceable nature of fundamental duties and directive principles of state policy, critically examine their impact in socio-political norms.15 marks
  13. Q13Despite its vital role for the smooth functioning of the body politic, constitutional punctuality remains conspicuous by its absence. Discuss.15 marks
  14. Q14Frequent reliance on the ordinance making power by the government, not only dilutes the basic tenets of executive accountability in a parliamentary democracy, but also overlooks the democratic traditions of building consensus. Discuss with relevant examples.15 marks
  15. Q15The critical reason for poor public health indicators in India goes beyond recognition of right to health as fundamental right. Do you think that a statutory framework alone can ameliorate the situation?15 marks
  16. Q16Reforming the education infrastructure through digital interventions is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment.15 marks
  17. Q17Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify.15 marks
  18. Q18The profound impact of the data revolution and widespread smartphone usage has necessitated the use of digital tools in welfare programmes. Discuss.15 marks
  19. Q19Presidency of G20 is but a reflection of India's quest for a more just and polycentric world order, where the voice of the global south is mainstreamed not muzzled. Elucidate.15 marks
  20. Q20The new cold war between the USA and China may have the effect of casting a long shadow on India's strategic interests from Pacific to Atlantic. Evaluate.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 162 words written

Basic structure doctrine has prevented the Parliament, a creature of the constitution, from becoming the master of the constitution. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.

Opening

Basic structure doctrine (BSD) has been successful in protecting fundamental essence of constitution while ensuring brute majority in legislature does not turn into tyranny of the same.

Relevant Case Laws :

(A) Evolution : under the Kesavananda Bharati case 1973 and backed by series of 24th/25th Amendment as well as case laws such as Golaknath case: No power to amend Constitution with parliament while the opposite Shankari Prasad case which said Parliament can amend anything.

Ideas of judicial review, federalism, developed into BSD.

(B) Application :

Body · points and prose

(1) Protection of judicial review and marking it as omnipotent in MINERVA MILLS CASE.

(2) SR BOMMAI CASE : laid down norms for working of Article 356 (President's rule) and ensures 'federalism' as part of BSD.

(3) NJAC Judgement 2016 : which turned down the 99th Constitutional Amendment on the harming precedence of judicial independence.

Close

BSD ever though criticized for judicial supremacy and expanding definition, has been a 'NORTH STAR' (CJI DY Chandrachud) ensuring "constitutional supremacy"