Question 51 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Polity

Question

Who/Which of the following is the custodian of the Constitution of India?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. The Supreme Court of India

Strategy: Identify the Supreme Court as the correct answer by focusing on its unique role as the 'custodian of the Constitution,' which involves the exclusive authority to interpret and protect it from any violations.

Key Info: The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial body and the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution, established under Articles 124–147.

- **Judicial Review**: It has the power to strike down laws and executive actions that violate constitutional provisions, as detailed in Articles 13 and 32.
- **Guardian of the Constitution**: The Court acts as the 'custodian' or 'guardian' of the Constitution, ensuring its basic structure is preserved, a principle established in the Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) case.
- **Unique Authority**: While the President takes an oath to protect the Constitution (Article 60) and Parliament can amend it (Article 368), only the Supreme Court has the legal authority to protect its sanctity and oversee constitutional compliance.
- **Constitutional Balance**: Its role extends to protecting fundamental rights and maintaining the constitutional balance among the different organs of government. The Lok Sabha Secretariat, in contrast, is a procedural body with no such guardian role.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: The President of India

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: The Prime Minister of India

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: The Lok Sabha Secretariat