2014 TEST PAPER

1. Starting from inventing the "basic structure” doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy.

[200 words] 12Vz

2. Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. Discuss.

[200 words] 12Vz

3. The "Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and its Members” as envisaged in Article 105 of the Constitution leave room for a large number of un-codified and un- enumerated privileges to continue. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of the "parliamentary privileges’. How can this problem be addressed?

[200 words] 12V2

4. What do you understand by the concept "freedom of speech and expression’? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.

[200 words] 12V2

5. Instances of President’s delay in commuting death sentences has come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse.

[200 words] 12V2

6. The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as big as the Prime Minister can manage

as a team. How far is the efficacy of a government then inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss.

[200 words] 12V2

7. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of the above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting humans rights standards.

[200 words] 12V2