Theme T81 · Constitution & Polity

DPSP, Uniform Civil Code & extra-constitutional bodies (khaps)

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What UPSC asks

UPSC asks what stops India from enacting a Uniform Civil Code under the DPSPs, and how the legislature, executive and judiciary have acted against khap panchayats.

Prepare these

• Art 44; Constituent Assembly debates
• Obstacles: diversity, minority fears, political consensus
• Goa's civil code; Uttarakhand UCC; Law Commission (21st) view
• Khaps: honour killings, Shakti Vahini judgment 2018, state actions

Answer writing

• Balance diversity and gender justice

Directive words in these PYQs: Discuss (2), Critically (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L1 — Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

All 2 PYQs, newest first

1. GS22015GS2-POL-02-M2015-S01

   Khap panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra–constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human rights violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and the judiciary to set the things right in this regard.

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2. GS22015GS2-POL-03-M2015-S01

   Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

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