Correct option is C
Correct Answer: (C) B, C and D only
Explanation:
→ Statement B is correct: The Constitution adopted universal adult franchise from its commencement, giving every citizen aged 18 or above (originally 21) the right to vote without discrimination.
→ Statement C is correct: Under Article 14, the Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws to all individuals within India.
→ Statement D is correct: It provides affirmative action and special privileges (such as reservations in education and public employment) to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalized communities to correct historical injustices.
→ Statement A is incorrect because the Indian Constitution balances judicial power with parliamentary authority; it does not grant 'supremacy of the judiciary' as a special privilege, but rather establishes an independent judiciary as a check on other branches.
Information Booster:
→ The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act (1989) reduced the voting age in India from 21 years to 18 years.
→ The concept of 'Equality before Law' is borrowed from the British Constitution, while 'Equal Protection of Laws' is sourced from the US Constitution.
→ Constitutional safeguards for weaker sections are highlighted in Article 15(4) and Article 16(4), enabling reservation policies.
→ The Indian political system is characterized by a unique synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty (British concept) and Judicial Supremacy (American concept).
→ The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and all organs of the state derive their power directly from it.