UPSC Mains LAW-PAPER-I 2020

The goals specified in the Preamble contain the basic structure of the Constitution, which cannot be amended under Article 368 of the Constitution. Analyse this statement in the light of leading decided cases.

Make a distinction between judicial review and judicial power. Explain the scope of judicial review with reference to the cases arising under the Xth Schedule of the Constitution.

Analyse the relevance of doctrine of eminent domain under the Constitution of India. Explain the limitations of this doctrine with the help of case law.

Enumerate the list of Fundamental Duties as provided in the Constitution of India. What is the rationale of incorporation of Fundamental Duties under the Indian Constitution through the Constitutional (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976?

What are the various modes of judicial control of delegated legislation?

Discuss the powers and functions of the Lokpal and the Lokayukta under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. How do you think the office of Lokpal is better than other anti-corruption mechanisms?

Explain the Pardoning Powers of the President. Examine how far the Judicial Review can be exercised over such powers.

Distinction between quasi-judicial and administrative functions is no longer the exclusive criteria for deciding whether or not the rules of Natural justice apply. Critically examine this statement.

With the help of illustrations, discuss and differentiate, co-operative federalism and competitive federalism.

Examine the scope of protective discrimination offered to persons belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes under Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution of India. Explain with the help of decided cases.

An amendment of the Constitution of India for better Union and State relations is due. Comment on this statement and substantiate your recommendations for amendment of specific provisions of the Constitution, if any, on this matter.

Governor's office is sui generis. The Governor in our system does not function as constitutional head for the whole gamut of his responsibilities. There is an important area, though limited and subject to constitutional constraints, within which he acts in the exercise of his discretion. Examine this statement in the light of Sarkaria Commission Report.

Do local bodies enjoy autonomy in performing their role in the field of economic development and social justice? Explain in the light of relevant constitutional provisions.

Describe the powers and functions of the Union Public Service Commission.

Parliamentary privilege is an essential incident to the high and multifarious functions which the legislature performs. Discuss. What reforms will you suggest, if any, in the existing position?

While certainly law is important in India, it can't be at the cost of justice. Critically examine this statement in the context of "Curative Writ Petition" in India. Refer to relevant case law.

What are the various steps involved for concluding an international treaty and bringing it into force?

A WTO member country "X" agrees with a non-member country "Y" to reduce the tariff on product "A" to 7 percent. Can the WTO members claim the same tariff level on like product "A" from country "X" ? How have the dispute settlement bodies defined the "like product" in Article I-1 of GATT?

Discuss the purposes and principles governing United Nations. What reforms, if any, do you suggest for the UN system?

What are the parameters of contentious jurisdiction exercisable by the International Court of Justice?

Discuss the status of individual in International Law especially with reference to human rights treaties.