UPSC Static Quiz – Polity : 20 November 2025

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect because MPs from both ruling and opposition parties can introduce such Bills.
Statement 2 is correct because Private Member’s Bills are non-binding and do not impact the government’s stability.

Statement 3 is also correct since these Bills are scheduled for discussion on Fridays.

What is a Private Member’s Bill?

• A legislative proposal introduced by Member of Parliament (MPs) who are not part of the government.
• Represents individual MPs’ legislative priorities or public issues outside the official government agenda.
• Can be introduced by both ruling and opposition party MPs.

Features:

• Non-Binding: Rejection does not affect the government’s confidence or stability.
• Legislative Independence: Reflects the independent voice of parliamentarians.
• Historical Significance: Only 14 Private Members’ Billshave become law; the last was passed in 1970.
• Scheduling: Reserved for discussion on Fridays, limiting its time and priority.

Procedure in the House:

• Drafting and Notice: The member drafts the Bill and gives a one-month notice before introduction.
• Introduction: Introduced in the House, followed by initial discussion and possible referral to a committee.
• Debate: If selected, the Bill is debated during the allotted Friday session.
• Decision: The member may withdraw it on the minister’s request or proceed for voting.

Solution: c)

Indian political practice borrows the concept of whips from British parliamentary traditions. While critical to party functioning, the Constitution does not directly reference whips. Their legal enforceability emerges from the anti-defection provisions under the Tenth Schedule.

About Whip in Parliamentary Practice:

• What is a Whip?
  • A whip is a written directive issued by a political party to its legislators, mandating their presence during an important vote or requiring them to vote in a specific way.
  • It derives from the British parliamentary practice of “whipping in” members to ensure adherence to the party line.
• Appointed by: Each political party designates a Chief Whip, usually a senior legislator, to issue whips.
• Constitutional Status: The Constitution of India does not explicitly mention whips.
• Functions and Powers:
  • Ensure Attendance: Whips ensure party members are present during crucial legislative sessions and votes.
  • Party Discipline: Maintains internal discipline by aligning members’ actions with party objectives.
  • Strengthens Decision-making: Ensures cohesion in voting on critical matters like budgets, Bills, and motions of no-confidence.
  • Compliance Monitoring: Tracks members’ adherence to the party line and reports instances of defiance.
  • Prevents Fragmentation: By enforcing a collective stance, whips mitigate the risk of internal divisions in the party.

Solution: B

Statement 1 is correct: Ad hoc Judges are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court, with prior Presidential approval.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Their tenure is not fixed at three years; it is determined based on specific needs and can vary. The Supreme Court does not directly extend their tenure.

Statement 3 is correct: Ad hoc Judges enjoy the same powers, privileges, and allowances as sitting judges during their tenure.

About Ad Hoc Judges:

• Constitutional Provision: Article 224A of the Indian Constitution allows the Chief Justice of a High Court to appoint retired High Court judges to perform judicial duties, with the prior consent of the President.
• Criteria for Appointment: Retired judges who have previously served in any High Court can be requested for temporary judicial service if they consent to the appointment.
• Who Are Ad Hoc Judges?
  • Ad hoc judges are retired judges invited back temporarily to help clear backlogs of cases in High Courts. They enjoy the same powers and privileges as sitting judges but are not deemed regular judges.
• Procedure for Appointment:

• The Chief Justice of a High Court identifies potential candidates and seeks their consent.
• The recommendation is sent to the President of India, routed through the Union Law Ministry.
• The Supreme Court Collegiummust also endorse the recommendation.
• The final decision is made by the President based on advice from the Prime Minister.

• Term and Conditions:

• • The tenure is typically 2-3 years, depending on the requirement.
  • These judges are entitled to allowances determined by the President and enjoy all privileges of High Court judges during their term.

Solution: c)

Option a is incorrect: The Supreme Court (2018 & 2023 rulings) clarified that Delhi is NOT a full-fledged state but has limited legislative autonomy.

Option b is incorrect: The LG is not fully bound by the Council of Ministers’ advice. Under Article 239AA(4), the LG can refer matters to the President if a disagreement arises, leading to delays.

Option c is correct: The 69th Constitutional Amendment (1991) inserted Article 239AA, giving Delhi a unique governance structure—not a full state, but more than a Union Territory.

Option d is incorrect: Delhi’s Assembly can legislate only on State List and Concurrent List subjects, except Public Order, Police, and Land (Entries 1, 2, and 18 of the State List), which remain under Central control.

About Delhi Assembly:

• Historical Background:
  • Delhi’s first legislative Assembly was constituted in 1952, with limited powers under the Part-C state
  • The Assembly was abolished in 1956, and Delhi became a Union Territory, remaining without an Assembly for 37 years until 1993.
• Governance Structure:
  • From 1956 to 1993, Delhi was governed by a Metropolitan Councilwith recommendatory powers, while the central government retained control over key areas like law and order and land.
  • In 1993, Delhi regained its legislative Assembly with 70 seats, but critical functions like police and land remained under central jurisdiction.
• Article 239AAof the Indian Constitution:
  • Insertion and Special Status:Introduced by the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1991, granting special status to Delhi based on the S Balakrishnan Committee (1987)
  • Composition and Representation:
    • The Delhi Assembly has 70 elected members, a party must win 36 seatsto form government.
    • The Council of Ministers is limited to 10% of the Assembly’s strength, meaning Delhi can have a maximum of 7 Ministers.
  • Legislative Powers:The Assembly can make laws on State List and Concurrent List subjects, except for Public Order, Police, Land, and related entries (64, 65, 66) in the State List, which remain under Central control.
  • Governance Structure:The Chief Minister is appointed by the President and advises on ministerial appointments. The Governor (LG) acts as the administrator, with the power to summon, prorogue, and dissolve the Assembly.
  • Judicial Interpretations:Two Constitution Benches of the Supreme Court (2018 & 2023) clarified Delhi’s governance framework and the extent of its legislative and executive powers.
  • Supporting Legislation:The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, was enacted to define Delhi’s administrative structure and governance framework post-Article 239AA.

Solution: D

Article 324 provides for the superintendence, direction, and control of elections by the Election Commission of India.

Article 326 establishes universal adult suffrage as the basis for elections.

Article 330 deals with the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Lok Sabha.

Article 356 relates to the imposition of President’s Rule in a state in case of constitutional breakdown.