A topper · GS2 · 50 pages

Pakshal: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1What is the Doctrine of Severability? Discuss with the help of relevant judicial decisions.10 marks
  2. Q1(3)"The purpose of having a Constitution is to transform the society for the better and this objective is the fundamental pillar of transformative constitutionalism." Discuss with the help of recent case laws.15 marks
  3. Q2The office of Governor needs to be transformed to preserve constitutional governance in India. Discuss in the light of recent controversies surrounding the Governors' office.10 marks
  4. Q3"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
  5. Q4Discuss the role of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) for the effective functioning of democracy in India.10 marks
  6. Q5What are the various ways in which emerging technologies can be utilised by civil servants in ensuring efficient public service delivery and affecting change in India?10 marks
  7. Q6To what extent, in your opinion, has the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana been successful in promoting skill development and employment in India?10 marks
  8. Q7Examine the potential of the Bhu-Aadhaar project in bringing significant benefits to India's land management system.10 marks
  9. Q8Discuss the different determinants of the occurrence of child labour in India. What measures can be taken to tackle the issue of child labour in the country?10 marks
  10. Q9Despite certain hiccups, recent developments suggest that continuity still looms large in the Indo-Bhutan relationship. Discuss.10 marks
  11. Q10Critical Information Infrastructure has become a global good that requires global norms for its safeguard. What role can the G20 play to safeguard Critical Information Infrastructure?10 marks
  12. Q11The tussle between the legislature and judiciary culminated in the 'basic structure' doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case. Discuss. What is the significance of the case in limiting the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution?15 marks
  13. Q12The limited revenue generation capacity of municipal corporations has increased their dependence on taxes and grants from the states. What are the issues associated with this trend? What measures are required to improve the finances of the municipal corporations in India?15 marks
  14. Q14How can a 'rule of law culture' contribute towards promoting individual liberty and democratic governance in a society like India? What are the challenges in fostering such a culture?15 marks
  15. Q15Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are not just engaged in charitable work but also involved in political processes for building a just, peaceful, humane, and sustainable future. Discuss with examples.15 marks
  16. Q16Self-help groups (SHGs) have contributed towards rural development and women empowerment, but their uneven geographical impact and rising loan defaults are serious challenges that need to be addressed. Discuss.15 marks
  17. Q17Do you agree with the view that the deep-rooted problems in India's school education system cannot be solved by digital transformation alone?15 marks
  18. Q18Examine the impact of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on the effectiveness and transparency of welfare schemes for the vulnerable sections in India.15 marks
  19. Q19The deepening China-Russia strategic relationship has been described by some as the 'most consequential undeclared alliance in the world'. How can this alliance impact India's national interest? What strategies should India adopt to protect her interests?15 marks
  20. Q20India has placed soft power as an important pillar of its foreign policy to enhance its global standing and image abroad. Discuss the statement along with the initiatives taken by the government.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 120 words written

What is the Doctrine of Severability? Discuss with the help of relevant judicial decisions.

Opening · a definition

Doctrine of severability is a judicial doctrine which tends to remove only unconsitutional provision of the law enacted by the legislature.

Eq - Removal of provision of 97th AA in Rajendra Shah Case

Body · points and prose

Diagram
* Venn diagram representing law vs constitutional provisions: * Left circle labelled 'law' * Right circle labelled 'constitutional' * Shaded region in the intersection of 'law' not overlapping with 'constitutional' labelled as: * ▨ → Removed by doctrine of severability

Significance of doctrine

(1) Upholds constitutionalism

Section 5 was declared unconstitutional of 42nd AA by SC in Minerva Mills Case (1980).

(2) Ensures check & balances

→ Removal of non Judicial review in Kihoto Holahan Case.

(3) Upholds democracy and citizen freedom

→ Section 8(4) declared void of RPA in Lily Thomas Case (2013)

(4) Maintains balance between objective of law & larger public interest

Criticism → Promotes Activism → Judicial overreach → Violation of separation of Power

Close · a way forward

Judicial restraint & upholding the constitutionalism is way forward.