Answer: (A)

Explanation: The EC monitors the adherence of political parties and candidates to the ‘Model Code of Conduct’. If the violations are also offences under election law and the criminal law of the land, the EC has the power to recommend registration of cases against the offenders. However, for some violations — such as canvassing for votes during a period when electioneering is barred, making official announcements while the MCC is in force, and making appeal to voters on sectarian grounds — the EC has the power to advise or censure candidates, in addition to directing registration of cases. In some cases, the EC may bar candidates or leaders from campaigning for specified periods. Asking individuals to leave a constituency or barring entry into certain areas are other powers that the EC may exercise. These powers are not necessarily traceable to any provision in law, but are generally considered inherent because of the sweeping and plenary nature of the EC’s responsibility under the Constitution to ensure free and fair elections. Its powers extend to postponing elections to any constituency, cancelling an election already notified, and even to abrogate or annul an election already held. Hence, only statement 2 is correct.

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The office of ‘whip’ is mentioned neither in the Constitution of India nor in the Rules of the House nor in a Parliamentary Statute. It is based on the conventions of the parliamentary government. Every political party, whether ruling or Opposition has its own whip in the Parliament. He is appointed by the political party to serve as an assistant floor leader. He is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the attendance of his party members in large numbers and securing their support in favour of or against a particular issue. He regulates and monitors their behaviour in the Parliament. The members are supposed to follow the directives given by the whip. Otherwise, disciplinary action can be taken. Hence, both statements are not correct.

Answer: (B)

Explanation: First Lok Sabha met in 1952 Under GV Mavalankar. The Indian Independence Act 1947 merely converted India into a British dominion. It ceased to be dominion only after 26th January 1950. Till 1952, the Constituent assembly itself functioned as the law-making body. The Lok Sabha was duly constituted for the first time on 17 April 1952 after the first General Elections. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Law Reform in the ancient period was ad hoc and not institutionalised. However, since the third decade of the nineteenth century, Law Commissions were constituted by the Government from time to time. The first law commission was established in 1834 under the Charter Act of 1833. Thereafter, the second, third and fourth Law Commissions were constituted in 1853, 1861 and 1879 respectively helped adapt English Laws to Indian conditions. The First Law Commission of Independent India was established in 1955 with the then Attorney-General of India, Mr. M. C. Setalvad, as its Chairman. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Constitution lays down the following qualifications for a person to be chosen a member of the state legislature.
(a) He must be a citizen of India.
(b) He must make and subscribe to an oath or affirmation before the person authorised by the Election Commission for this purpose. In his oath or affirmation, he swears
(i) To bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India
(ii) To uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India
(c) He must be not less than 30 years of age in the case of the legislative council and not less than 25 years of age in the case of the legislative assembly.
(d) He must possess other qualifications prescribed by Parliament. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.