Indian Constitution Quiz 5

The procedure of amendment in the constitution is laid down in Article 368 of the Constitution of India. The major part of the Constitution can be amended by the Parliament alone either by a special majority or by a simple majority. Only in a few cases, the consent of the state legislatures is required and that too, only half of them.

Mahatma Gandhi's moral philosophies were based on Truth, Non-violence, Vegetarianism, Brahmhacharya, Simplicity and Faith. Thus Prohibition of the slaughter of cows in the Directive Principle is based on Gandhi's moral philosophy.

Under Article 352, the president can declare a national emergency when the security of India or a part of it is threatened by war or external aggression or armed rebellion. The proclamation of emergency must be approved by both the houses of parliament within one month from the date of its issue. If approved by both the houses, the Emergency continues for 6 months and can be extended to an indefinite period with an approval of the Parliament for every six months.

Article 312 of the Indian constitution deals with the creation of the All-India Services. The All India Services comprises three civil services namely the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the Indian Police Service (IPS), and the Indian Forest Service (IFS).

Articles 17 and 18 of the constitution of India provide social equality. According to article 17, “Untouchability” is abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. Article 18 prohibits Indian citizens from receiving titles from any foreign state.

The Indian Parliament comprises the President and the two Houses - Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and Lok Sabha (House of the People). The President has the power to summon and prorogue either House of Parliament or to dissolve Lok Sabha.

Article 32 falls under Part III of the Constitution that includes the fundamental rights of individuals. It is the Right to Constitutional remedies which is considered as 'the heart and soul of the Constitution'. During the Constituent Assembly debate, Dr. B.R Ambedkar had said that Article 32 is the heart and soul of the Constitution.

The provisions of a Federation with a strong centre, Residuary powers of the Centre, the appointment of State governors by the Centre and the advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, have all been borrowed from the Canadian constitution.

The highest-ranking civil servant is the Cabinet Secretary. They are ex-officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board; the chief of the Indian Administrative Service and head of all civil services under the rules of business of the Government of India.

Article 76 of the constitution mentions that the Attorney General of India is the highest law officer of India. He/She has the right of audience in all Courts in India as well as the right to participate in the proceedings of the Parliament, though not to vote.