UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 23

This question tests basic structure and judicial review. The key concept is: The Constitution does not itself define the basic structure doctrine in a list of federalism, secularism, democracy and fundamental rights. The doctrine was evolved judicially, especially through Supreme Court decisions. Judicial review is constitutionally supported and protects constitutional limits and rights, but the question's two statements as phrased do not form the accepted answer combination. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option D. Option A — 1 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: The Constitution does not itself define the basic structure doctrine in a list of federalism, secularism, democracy and fundamental rights. The doctrine was evolved judicially, especially through Supreme Court decisions. Judicial review is constitutionally supported and protects constitutional limits and rights, but the question's two statements as phrased do not form the accepted answer combination. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option B — 2 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: The Constitution does not itself define the basic structure doctrine in a list of federalism, secularism, democracy and fundamental rights. The doctrine was evolved judicially, especially through Supreme Court decisions. Judicial review is constitutionally supported and protects constitutional limits and rights, but the question's two statements as phrased do not form the accepted answer combination. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option C — Both 1 and 2: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: The Constitution does not itself define the basic structure doctrine in a list of federalism, secularism, democracy and fundamental rights. The doctrine was evolved judicially, especially through Supreme Court decisions. Judicial review is constitutionally supported and protects constitutional limits and rights, but the question's two statements as phrased do not form the accepted answer combination. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option D — Neither 1 nor 2: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because The Constitution does not itself define the basic structure doctrine in a list of federalism, secularism, democracy and fundamental rights. The doctrine was evolved judicially, especially through Supreme Court decisions. Judicial review is constitutionally supported and protects constitutional limits and rights, but the question's two statements as phrased do not form the accepted answer combination. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. For UPSC-style elimination, first identify the exact proposition being tested, then evaluate each statement independently before comparing the answer codes. Avoid treating a broad or absolute statement as correct merely because its general theme is familiar. The precise qualifiers in the question—such as 'all', 'only', 'cannot', 'largest', 'always' or a specific institutional role—often determine the answer. On that basis, option D is the verified answer.