UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper I · Q5 of 99 Polity & Governance easy

In India, separation of judiciary from the executive is enjoined by

  1. (a) the Preamble of the Constitution
  2. (b) a Directive Principle of State Policy ✓ UPSC's answer
  3. (c) the Seventh Schedule
  4. (d) the conventional practice

Why the answer is (b)

• Article 50, a Directive Principle of State Policy, directs the State to take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services — option (b).

• It was implemented through the CrPC, 1973, which separated judicial magistrates (under High Courts) from executive magistrates (under the State Government).

• The Preamble (a) speaks of justice and liberty but not of this separation; the Seventh Schedule (c) distributes legislative subjects; it is a constitutional directive, not mere convention (d).

• Hence option (b).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) the Preamble of the Constitution
The Preamble does not mention this separation.
(c) the Seventh Schedule
The Seventh Schedule lists legislative subjects only.
(d) the conventional practice
It is a written constitutional directive, not a convention.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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