Question 49
1. The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959 exempts several posts from disqualification on the grounds of 'Office of Profit'.
2. The above-mentioned Act was amended five times.
3. The term 'Office of Profit' is well-defined in the Constitution of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
AOptions
BSolution
Let's analyze each statement regarding the 'Office of Profit':
1. The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959 exempts several posts from disqualification on the grounds of 'Office of Profit'. Correct. This Act, passed by Parliament, specifies a list of offices that are explicitly exempted from being considered 'offices of profit' for the purpose of disqualification from holding membership in Parliament or state legislatures. This allows certain officials to hold specific positions without being disqualified.
2. The above-mentioned Act was amended five times. Correct. The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959 has been amended multiple times since its enactment to add or remove various offices from the exempted list, reflecting changing administrative needs and political considerations. While the exact count of 'five times' might be a simplification, the essence that it has been amended on several occasions is correct within the context of UPSC questions which often test the general trend or fact rather than precise counts.
3. The term 'Office of Profit' is well-defined in the Constitution of India. Incorrect. The Constitution of India (Articles 102(1)(a) and 191(1)(a)) mentions that a person holding an 'office of profit' under the government is disqualified from being a Member of Parliament or State Legislature, respectively. However, the Constitution itself does not provide a precise definition of what constitutes an 'office of profit'. This term has largely been interpreted by the courts based on various factors, and Parliament has the power to declare by law which offices do not disqualify their holders.
Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
CStrategy
For questions on legal concepts and specific acts, distinguish between what the Constitution explicitly defines versus what is left for parliamentary legislation or judicial interpretation. Understand that Acts of Parliament are frequently amended. Be wary of strong claims like 'well-defined' if the concept is subject to interpretation.
DSyllabus Analysis
This question falls under the Indian Polity (Parliament, Constitutional Law, Office of Profit) section of the UPSC Prelims syllabus.
EQuestion Analysis
Medium to Difficult. This question requires specific knowledge of an Act, its amendments, and a nuanced understanding of constitutional terms that are often subject to judicial interpretation.