The question asks to identify the custodian of the Constitution of India. This requires knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of various constitutional bodies and offices in India.
D) The Supreme Court of India
The Supreme Court of India acts as the guardian and final interpreter of the Constitution. Through its power of judicial review, it ensures that all laws and executive actions conform to the provisions of the Constitution. It protects the fundamental rights of citizens and upholds the supremacy of the Constitution.
The question asks about the specific jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India that deals with disputes between the Centre (Union Government) and the States. Understanding the different types of jurisdictions of the Supreme Court is key to answering this question.
Correct Option: C) original jurisdiction
The power of the Supreme Court to decide disputes between the Centre and the States is an exclusive part of its original jurisdiction. This means such disputes can only be initiated and heard for the first time in the Supreme Court.
The question asks about the establishment of the appointment process for judges as a result of the Third Judges Case. This refers to a significant Supreme Court judgment that clarified the role of the judiciary in judicial appointments.
Correct Option: C) Collegium of four senior-most judges must be consulted
The question asks about a significant event in Indian judicial history: the appointment of a Chief Justice in 1973 who superseded three senior judges. This event was controversial and is a key topic in Indian polity and constitutional law.
B) A.N. Ray — Justice A.N. Ray was appointed as the Chief Justice of India on April 26, 1973, superseding three senior judges: J.M. Shelat, K.S. Hegde, and A.N. Grover. This appointment was highly controversial and sparked a debate about the independence of the judiciary.
The question asks about provisions in the Indian Constitution that safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court. We need to evaluate each statement based on constitutional provisions and established practices regarding the judiciary.
Correct Option: A) 1 and 3 only
The question asks about the meaning of "Judicial Review" in the Indian context. Judicial Review is a fundamental concept in constitutional law, allowing the judiciary to examine the legality and constitutionality of actions by the legislative and executive branches of government.
Correct Option: A) The power of the judiciary to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders accurately defines Judicial Review in India. This power ensures that the legislative and executive branches operate within the bounds set by the Constitution, thereby upholding the supremacy of the Constitution.